Meet Adia, mom, school social worker, breast cancer survivor and Go Jen Go grantee. She is full of spirit, leads with a servant heart and continues to inspire us with her determination and strength. Get to know Adia, her breast cancer journey and how your support has helped her as she fought breast cancer.
Get to Know Adia: Adia is a school social worker who loves working with children, caregivers, teachers, and families. She has two boys (23 and 4 years old). Adia loves to craft and make personalized and custom items, like tumblers, wine glasses, journals, clothes and so much more. She has even started an event decorating business with her best friend. Adia enjoys being outdoors, gardening, and collecting plants. If she could make everything sparkle, she would!
Diagnosis & Journey: Adia was diagnosed in September of 2023 with stage II triple negative breast cancer. She went through two cycles of aggressive chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and 4 weeks of daily radiation. It’s literally a journey and it’s a scary one. But, once you realize its purpose then you have an abundance of strength mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. That strength will cause you to have a clearer NEW purpose in life.
Go Jen Go Support: Adia shared, “ Go Jen Go supported me when we needed it most; financially with support for my monthly bills during treatment and a scholarship to send my son to summer camp. They also have encouraged me to get back to being active which is super important! I ran my first 5K in YEARS at the Run Jen Run 5K and Festival this year. It reminded me that I still deserve that type of happy release, and it felt amazing! Working with GJG has helped me gain friendships and connections that I thought I’d never be ready for during my breast cancer journey and healing journey. Last but not least, they renewed my faith in caring for succulents at their Day of Hope event for grantees. I still have my two thriving succulents from that activity that day!”
“Go Jen Go means family, support, community, understanding, love, and being SEEN no matter where you are in the journey! I recommend people all the time to support and get connected to the foundation, whether they have a direct connection to breast cancer or not.”
Day of Hope Reflection: Adia attended our first annual Day of Hope event last summer for grantees we have supported within the last two years. A day to celebrate, support and build connections. She shared, “Although nervous, I was finally ready to sit in a room with other survivors and thrivers. I felt seen, connected to, heard, and beautiful in my new look/appearance. I enjoyed the entire event. It was special and just for us. The activities, takeaways, and massages were perfect and meaningful! I was a little triggered by some of the language, stories, and presentations, but I’m glad my emotions were challenged! I then could visualize myself speaking to a group of women who were going through their own breast cancer journey. I found strength and connection that day.”
Supporting the Entire Family: This summer Go Jen Go offered Adia’s son a Mood Williams Camp Scholarship Fund scholarship. She shared, “It came right in time. I was literally stressing about camp costs and what to do with him throughout the summer and the email about this opportunity sent a wave of relief! Go Jen Go doesn’t just care about us as breast cancer survivors and thrivers, they care about our entire family and that means SO MUCH to us in our household.”
Words of Encouragement to Breast Cancer Survivors and Thrivers: “Even on your most yucky days, you’re still strong. Each day is one step closer to your healing, personal, and spiritual goals. Allow yourself to feel and grow at your own pace. Trust me, you’ll be a new person after this and you deserve this fresh start. You got this!”
Thank you Adia for sharing your story and what Go Jen Go means to you. We are honored to be a small part of your breast cancer journey.
Want to help support breast cancer patients like Adia? Make a donation to support our Patient Assistance Program or become a Jen’s Legacy monthly donor.