The Full Story
In October of 2008, Jennifer was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma. That year was especially hard as her family endured a desert storm. In the first trimester, her mother was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. In the second trimester, her father was diagnosed with metastatic colon cancer, and in the third trimester she was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma.
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As a young, health-conscious, professional woman who exercised four times a week, she was stunned by this diagnosis. With God’s help and the support of family and friends, she summoned all of her strength for the fight of her life. On January 8, 2010, after a year of chemotherapy, Jennifer underwent an autologous stem cell transplant in which her stem cells were harvested and reintroduced into her body. This resulted in an extended hospital stay followed by radiation treatments.
While recuperating at her parents’ home eighteen days post-transplant, her father died. Prayer, perseverance, time and determination have energized and encouraged Jennifer’s miraculous recovery. “I’m living my life like it’s golden.” Article excerpt: Stanford Blood Center
Since my diagnosis of Multiple Myeloma in 2008, and then remission in 2010, I became actively involved with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) as a representative and fundraiser for the organization. I am an Honorary Honored Hero, a Lead Team Captain, a First Connection Volunteer and have served as a Walk Chair of the Leadership Committee in 2012.
My fundraising activities involve raising funds through participating in private sponsorship for the society's annual Light The Night Walk in the Greater Bay Area chapter, and other sponsored events that raised thousands of dollars yearly for the organization. I work purely as a volunteer for the organization and receive no compensation.
In 2014 'Jennifer's Team', which we call ourselves, was holding it's 3rd annual Bowl-A-Thon and will be participating in its 5th year of LLS's annual Light The Night Walk to help beat cancer.
In December 2018, I became a Myeloma Link Community Outreach Volunteer through the
Myeloma Link an education and outreach program that directly connects Black patients and caregivers to trusted, free myeloma information and support and enhances access to care and the latest treatments.
My passion is to advocate and heighten awareness about blood cancers and pour that back into my community, as this disease is on the rise.
Please join me in making a difference to end this dreadful disease!
