We are honored to support breast cancer survivors, thrivers and fighters in our community. Get to know one of our past grantees, Erin as she shares her story and how Go Jen Go has supported her during her breast cancer journey and recovery.
Who is Erin: She is a mom to two amazing children, daughter, pet mom, social worker, and breast cancer survivor.
Diagnosis: I was diagnosed with breast cancer on November 4, 2021 (two weeks after I completed my 4th full marathon). It was quite the shock. I was 47 years old. I was a single mom of an 11-year-old and a 15-year-old (and a dog and two cats). I was a full-time social worker. I was a lover of life. I had no time for cancer, yet there it was. Everything was a whirlwind from then on. Countless doctor’s appointments and tests. Six rounds of chemo, three surgeries, thirty rounds of radiation, fourteen more rounds of chemo, and years of hormone blockers. My last chemo session was March 22, 2023. And so far no signs of a single cancer cell remain!
A Lesson Learned During Treatment: During my treatment I had many ups and downs. I was fortunate to have a huge army of friends who supported me. But I’ve never been one to ask for help. That was a hard lesson for me to learn. A lesson I think I am still learning. While in treatment I worried about a lot of things (aside from just staying alive). I worried about missing work, about paying my regular bills along with my cancer bills, and about maintaining as normal a life as possible for my kids…and for me.
One day I swallowed my pride and sent a message to Go Jen Go, not expecting anything in return. I mean who was I to them? Just one of I don’t know how many women who are battling cancer. I checked my mail one day after forgetting that I even sent the message. Much to my surprise there was an envelope from Go Jen Go and in it was a check written to me! I can’t even describe what this meant to me. There were tears. And there was relief. Life felt like it was lightened, which was huge as things had gotten VERY heavy. I was beyond grateful and sighed a huge sigh of relief.
Giving my Daughter Joy & Support: My family was blessed to receive a camp scholarship through Go Jen Go’s Mood Williams Camp Scholarship Fund, which helped cover a portion of my daughter’s summer camp at Camp Thunderbird. Cancer’s physical and financial impact made me feel like I couldn’t be the Mom I wanted to be. That broke my heart on many occasions. The fact that I was able to send Ada to camp and not experience additional financial stress was amazing. I didn’t have to choose between her wellbeing and my medical bills. More importantly, I was able to give her something that created so much happiness. After a couple years of very hard times, this was much needed.
Describing Go Jen Go: If I could describe Go Jen Go in three words I would say “lifters of life”. That is just what they did when I needed it the most. And all I had to do was ask. When I first reached out to Go Jen Go after I was diagnosed, I had no idea what to expect. What I got was incredible love, and support, and a lifelong connection that I will forever be grateful for. I’ve been able to participate in their Day of Hope event for grantees and Run Jen Run 5K & Festival and have truly enjoyed being supported, celebrated and meeting other breast cancer survivors, thrivers and fighters. I now also have future opportunities to give back and help support others who also experience the crazy journey that is breast cancer.
Encouragement for other breast cancer patients: My words of encouragement to others battling cancer would be #1 to give yourself grace, be patient with yourself and everything around you. I intentionally found many things to smile about during my battle and I am certain that outweighed all of the yucky stuff. The last thing I’d say is that recovery is long. There is no magic switch…much to my disappointment. The battle continues even after the battle is over. But keep riding the waves. Because every day is a gift…even the bad ones.
Gratitude to Supporters: For current and past supporters of Go Jen Go…thank you beyond all thank you’s. You have made a huge difference in somebody’s, or lots of somebody’s lives. My heart is full just thinking about it. Cancer is stupid, and ridiculous, and heavy, and life wrecking. The smallest thing can be the biggest thing that helps someone get through the madness.
Thank you, Erin, for sharing your story, reflecting on the support you have been given, and giving hope to other breast cancer patients.
Want to help support breast cancer patients like Erin? Make a donation to support our Patient Assistance Program or become a Jen’s Legacy monthly donor.