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On January 17, 2007 Doctors told us something a parent never wants to hear: "your daughter has Leukemia. "

Jenna was born with Down syndrome. Compared to the general population, children with Down syndrome have a higher risk for Leukemia, 1 in 95. This still means that the vast majority of children with Down syndrome will never develop Leukemia. That being said, we really never considered the possibility. Jenna was only 3 when she was diagnosed with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL). Prior to this diagnosis she was a healthy child, only one ear infection and a few minor colds. As you can imagine, our world was instantly turned upside down. A new "cancer world" would be our life for the next 2 1/2 yrs. This world consisted of frequent Oncology visits (sometimes 2 per week lasting up to 8 hrs), hospital stays (some in the middle of the night and on Christmas day) and even as her parent, becoming somewhat of a home health nurse, administering antibiotics & chemotherapy via her port as well as oral medications daily. Our world also came with a new laundry list of vocabulary. Words like absolute neutrophil, IT methotrexate, mercaptopurine and zofran to name a few. It didn't take long for this vocabulary to fit into our daily conversation as natural as "how was your day?" During the first 8 months of treatment Jenna's physical transformation was quite difficult to watch. Her bloated face and belly from the initial steroid regimen, the loss of her beautiful long blonde hair, and the moments when she was too weak to get off of the couch and play with her favorite toys, all left us feeling so helpless! As I reflect on the past 2 years, the one constant that amazes me is that in her battle to beat Leukemia, Jenna still managed to smile, laugh and provide a much needed hug! I remember one hospital stay; Jenna was having problems with her port so in able to draw blood the nurses had to utilize the traditional IV method. In children, because it can be quite traumatic to put in an IV, there are many precautions taken once the line is in place so that it doesn't come out. In Jenna's case she had an IV in her hand and one on top of her opposite foot. To protect the area the nurses put a splint on her arm and one on her calf. Of course this made it difficult to do much of anything, walking in particular. Jenna didn't seem to have that perspective. She insisted on taking a walk with her doll stroller. With much determination she managed to push that stroller up and down the halls of the pediatric floor.....the most priceless grin I had ever seen! She wasn't going to let any obstacle stand in her way; she just wanted to be a regular kid!

Today, Jenna is a happy 6yr old about to graduate from Kindergarten. She loves dancing, music, reading, playing soccer and chasing her Big Brother, Will. Jenna is winning the battle against Leukemia and will cross the treatment "finish line" on June 1st of this year. In honor of Jenna and others who courageously battle to beat blood cancers everyday, I will be facing a personal challenge of my own and run my first marathon-Bank of America Chicago Marathon, Oct.11, 2009. I joined the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Team in Training program in January as part of the Chicago Marathon "Early Bird" team. Jenna's perseverance has been great motivation to keep me running, especially during the early , single digit Chicago Winter mornings! Did I mention, prior to January, I wasn't a runner? My Team in Training coaches and mentors have guided me every step of the way! In exchange for their continued support , I have committed to raising $1400, 75% of which will go directly to fund research and patient services supported by LLS. As you can see by the "total raised" section of my web page I have exceeded my goal, more than doubled it! I am so humbled by the generosity of our friends, family and even strangers, who supported us and prayed for Jenna's survival. Because of your generosity I've added an additional TNT event to my roster and will also be participating in the Chicago Rock n Roll 1/2 Marathon on Aug 2 . I would love for you to share our journey with others...please feel free to forward my link!

I hope Jenna's story has inspired you to contribute, no dollar amount too small. Please support the mission of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society so that no other parent has to hear those dreaded four words "your child has Leukemia."

Thank you so much and we hope to see you at the finish line!

GO TEAM!!

Much Love,

Julie

SPECIAL THANKS TO THE FOLLOWING FOR THEIR DONATIONS:

colette urban

Jennifer Filipek

Brenda Niemi

Aaron Champion

Kimberley Stover

Shawn & Kirsten Thompson

George Fox

Sandy & Phil Gigliotti

Jack Becker

Jennifer Kettering

Anonymous

Stacy Broenner

Kelli Boles

Eric Smith

Ashley Parker

Jennifer Axelrood

Betty & Lou Boss

Sharon Rane

Carrie Teschner

stacy krebill

Kelly Wolinski

Kimberly Roach

Liz Price

Julie Rodheim

Jenni Von Tobel

Nancy LaFayette

David Pitts

Janet Bennett

Sandy Taus Talbot

Lori Martin

Julie Garrow

Ann Adair

Brett & Karen Bower

Dawn Emerson

William Becker

Robyn Souza

Jared Doohen

Stephanie Lloyd

Roberta Costion

Susan Amerson

Jennifer Helman

Ann Bailin

john logan

Dawn Sharbaugh

Ed Zapata

Exciting news to share: Jenna was recently chosen as a Patient Honoree for the Fall training program w/ TNT and will be introduced to her team on May 2, 2009. A Patient Honoree is a very special individual who has battled or is currently diagnosed with a blood cancer. It is in their honor or memory that participants train and fundraise for Team in Training and the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. We continue to be enriched by our experiences.

"I believe we are here for a reason. As each day unfolds, we see less of the shadow and more of the sun".