Denise Jensen is the kind of person who brings light and warmth wherever she goes. For the past 13 years, she’s been my best friend, and I’ve seen firsthand how she lifts up everyone around her. Denise is a devoted mother of four, a talented artist, and a passionate dancer. She’s the friend who can make anyone smile, often with a karaoke microphone in hand, and she truly has never met a stranger. Her generosity and kindness have touched countless lives, including mine. When I was struggling through a difficult pregnancy and life changes, Denise made sure I felt included and cared for, even when I couldn’t join her walking group. She showed up every evening just to remind me I mattered, and that’s the kind of friend she is—always there, always loving, always treating others like family.

Recently, Denise’s world was turned upside down. What started as abdominal pain led to an ER visit, where she learned her spleen was four times its normal size. Bloodwork revealed leukemia, and a bone marrow biopsy confirmed she has chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). While her family is relieved it’s not the acute form, the diagnosis has been earth-shattering. Denise can’t work at her nail business, and her husband Zach’s job had already cut their income by 70%. Zach is doing everything he can, including door dashing daily, but the financial strain is overwhelming. Their insurance doesn’t cover the medication Denise needs, and she faces frequent blood draws, doctor appointments, and transfusions. The costs for gas, tests, and treatments are mounting, and the stress is felt by their children as well.

Denise and her family are hoping for support so she can focus on healing and getting back to her vibrant, giving self. Zach is carrying both the financial and emotional weight, wanting to fix things but knowing this journey will take time. Every donation will help cover medical expenses, transportation, and daily needs, allowing Denise to concentrate on recovery and eventually return to work. Supporting Denise means helping a family who has always given to others, and now needs a little help themselves.