Go Jen Go had the honor of having Suzanne, one of our grantees, share her breast cancer journey and what Go Jen Go means to her at a fundraising event for one of our long-time supporters, past board member and a dancer in this year’s Dancing with the Stars Fundraiser. Her words reminded us of our mission, of the strength of our grantees, and the importance of a strong support system. May those who are in the midst of their own breast cancer journey find connection to Suzanne’s story. And for Go Jen Go supporters, may you see the strength of this amazing grantee and see the impact you are giving to patients in our community.

In 2022, when my little girl was 10 months old, I was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer. I’m sure you can imagine the fear, panic, and unknowns that were going through my mind at the time. However, I was determined to tackle treatment head on and never have to do it again. I refused to think of myself as a cancer patient, I didn’t need any help and thought that if I could just make it through the year, I’d be fine and never have to think about it again. I knew only one other breast cancer patient, Dr. Michelle Bryan. Her support and friendship helped me while she was going through her own battle at the same time.

Still, though I was determined that this was not a community I belonged to or needed. 

Well, I was wrong. In October of 2023, just 5 months after successfully completing my initial treatments, I was diagnosed with a brain metastasis. 

I was devastated. My biggest fear had come true. Due to the size of the tumor and location, I was immediately hospitalized and treatment started again. I left the hospital unable to walk, work, or even care for my children, let alone myself. There were so many fears of whether I’d even survive long enough to see my kids grow up. I worried about the financial impact this would have on our family since my husband was now our sole financial provider. I worried about my husband since this meant he also had to manage everything at home. 

I realized after my stage 4 diagnosis that, even though I might try to deny it, being a cancer patient was part of my identity. I realized I needed help. I needed support, not only in practical ways, but emotionally as well. That’s when I was put in contact with Go Jen Go through my oncology team. 

In truly the darkest time of my life, they were empathetic and helpful. I received financial assistance. And you might think, well of course money helps pay bills, but what it really provided was peace of mind so that I could focus on my health. My husband could afford the time to focus on keeping our kids happy and stable as possible during this difficult time. This time when mommy could barely hold them. 

This winter we were able to participate in the Operation Spread the Joy program as recipients. My family was able to enjoy presents from donors. Again, the kindness and generosity gave peace of mind that cancer and medical expenses didn’t have to restrict my children from dreaming big, and we as parents didn’t have to feel concerned that treating our children to something special might mean an inability  to provide necessities. For a moment we enjoyed without cancer and its impact on us in the back of our minds. 

Go Jen Go didn’t just help once and forget about me. They kept in touch. They remembered us as individuals. To know that there is support, kindness, and people who truly do care and want to help families like mine is faith strengthening. So, thank you, your support has made a difference in my life. My husband, children, and I will always remember that. Mostly, though, I am grateful to Go Jen Go, and donors like you, for this supportive community I now have and belong to.