Support Jennifer's Fight Against Breast Cancer

My big sister Jennifer (aka Nena - I’ve called her that since I was little) was recently diagnosed with breast cancer. It’s hard to write, even harder to say out loud. I know it’s taking a lot for her to ask for help but this diagnosis comes with a long road ahead. Nena, her partner Geoff, and their two girls - Jaedyn & Amelia - would appreciate any support you can offer.

From Jennifer:

I’ve never liked to be in the spotlight, but rather work from the sidelines.

I prefer to be behind the camera, and capture moments in time that cannot be recreated. Give me a camera and watch my hesitations disappear.

I’ve often been the first to volunteer to help, and yet it’s always been uncomfortable for me to ask when I need help myself. I keep my circles small — it’s my comfort zone.

These last several weeks, I entered familiar buildings for routine appointments. I heard words and saw images about my body that my brain understands, but to my heart doesn’t quite feel real. I do know, as each day gets closer to my surgery date with more phone calls, more MyChart messages and questionnaires than I thought were possible, it is very real.

Now, I know this is a necessity to step outside of my comfort zone.

We all get older. Things change, naps are amazing, and maybe we have a new appreciation for the old Toby Keith song, “As Good as I Once Was.”

A constant piece of advice from my new set (yes, set) of care providers has been to “take the help.” Things are moving fast (which I am incredibly grateful for) and while this is my diagnosis, this also affects more than me. This diagnosis is shaking my universe — my significant other of more than 20 years (#drink) and my two amazing daughters — to a life-changing place for all of us.

My fight is their fight, and as much as I understand that, I pray that what is happening to me doesn't hurt them. But c-ncer changes things. It changes lives beyond my own, and the harsh realities of its impact on my family's future scares me even more than the disease itself.

Even in the two-plus weeks since my diagnosis, further testing has revealed new information that has changed the plan of care. There are lots of questions that we won’t have answers to until after surgery. Even the best case scenarios involve oncology care for at least five years, and of course, more cost.

Any support, and I mean any love, time, gift or talent, sent to support my universe will be incredibly appreciated. While blessed to be insured, the out-of-pocket expenses for the surgeries, imaging, treatments, and recovery are all costs that are already adding up, and we're only at the beginning of this fight. I want to send love back to all the connections that the c-ncer world has already brought me. May we all lift each other up in our own special way.