Support Jen's Fight Against Hodgkin Lymphoma

My name is Tom DeFranco, and I am here today to introduce you to my sister Jen DeFranco. Jen has been diagnosed with Syncytial Variant Nodular Sclerosis Hodgkin Lymphoma, Stage 2 Grade 2 at the age of 32. While this news has overturned her life and our families lives, her attitude remains unflinching. She has handled this diagnosis with grace and determination and she is working hard to survive.

We have come to you for help. Jen's tumor is uniquely shaped and located behind the heart. It is pushing on her lungs and diaphragm making it difficult to breathe and difficult to function in everyday life. This has drastically affected her ability to work and the medical and living expenses are piling up.

If fighting cancer wasn't enough, due to Jen's age there are fertility concerns as well. She has not had the blessing of starting a family yet, and she is not ready to give that up. In addition to medical and living expenses we are also raising money to store Jen's chance for a family.

Jen is a passionate 2nd Grade teacher that loves educating children and helping them grow. Her love and zeal for children and education spills over to her commitment to her community, and she has focused her career working in impoverished areas. She is also an animal lover and 8 months ago she rescued an American Staffordshire Terrier. We are also raising funds to ensure he receives proper care while Jen is in treatment.

Jen is loved by her family, friends, dog, and students and is fighting with every ounce of strength to beat this vicious disease.

We are asking for any donations to help her fight this battle and to come out of it with the ability to continue contributing to her community. Cancer treatment and the effect it has on her life has created a dire financial situation and any support she can receive to alleviate that stress is so greatly appreciated.