My Fundraising Page

Aug 02, 2011


Hi,


My name is Jenna Benn, I am 29 years old, and I am a survivor of Grey Zone Lymphoma. Grey Zone Lymphoma is a disease that affects less than 500 people worldwide. While we may be few in number, we are determined, committed and passionate about finding a cure.


After 6 months of flu like symptoms, weight-loss and nerve pain, I was officially diagnosed with Cancer on December 20, 2010.


I will never forget the out of body experience that ensued when I heard those three words.


With just three words, my hopes and dreams were abruptly taken from me, and my life was put on hold.


I had no idea how to navigate and exist in this new chaotic, terrifying, and uncertain Cancerous world.


How did I get here?


Up until this point I was a healthy. I worked out regularly, watched what I ate, and made sure to keep regular doctors appointments. In December, my team of doctors at Northwestern University Hospital found 3 large tumors resting on my heart, lungs and in my neck.


My life after diagnosis moved at lightning speed. I underwent fertility treatments, multiple surgeries, scans, and then started a very aggressive chemotherapy regimen called R-Epoch. My regimen required 6 rounds of 5- day in patient hospitalization, where I received 120 hours of continuous chemotherapy.



I stand here before you today, 6 months later, with no sign of disease.



Throughout my journey, I realized I needed to figure out creative ways to hold on to my spirit. Cancer may have come uninvited, but I had a choice about which parts of me I was willing to sacrifice. She may have ravaged my body, but I refused to let her take my mind, heart, and soul.



I chose to beat Cancer through writing.

I chose to beat Cancer through singing at the top of my lungs.

I chose to beat Cancer through dancing alone in my room.

I chose to beat Cancer by running.



I was never a runner before Cancer. I actually hated running. After my diagnosis I found running to be therapeutic because it allowed me to process my feelings and reconnect with a body that I no longer understood.


Throughout my treatment, I have been running 6 miles a session-one mile for every round of chemotherapy.


On September 11, 2011, 4 months after the completion of my treatments, I will be running in the 15th Annual Chicago ½ marathon with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS).


LLS is an organization that raises millions of dollars a year to fight blood Cancers. I have a special connection to LLS as it was responsible for discovering the drug Rituxin which has saved my life. I will be forever grateful to LLS for their work in raising awareness and finding a cure for Blood Cancer.


I ask that you join me in Killing Cancer in the Butt one mile at a time.


I am running this race for the Cancer Crushing Warriors that are fighting and desperately waiting for a cure.


I am running this race for your family and friends that have been cruelly touched by this disease.


And I am running this race for you- my army of supporters, cheerleaders, and dancers who have lifted me up and provided me with tremendous ammunition throughout my fight.


I encourage you to give generously.


With affection and admiration,


Jenna


To Learn more about my story please visit my blog



www.killitinthebutt.com



http://vimeo.com/23329273





A special thank you to all those that attended Yoga for a Cure hosted by brillant instructor Becky Strauss. To all participants and supporters that chose to breath deep, move slowly, and focus on this moment- I thank you.


Don't miss our next Twist Out Cancer event on August 11, 2011 at the Hideout Chicago. Starting at 8pm artists Jesse Palter and the Alter Ego, Laser Love and the Heated Heat, Deanna Neil on the Ukelele and DJ David Pelerin will be gracing the stage to help show us what twisting out Cancer really looks like.

Jonny Imerman, Founder of Imerman's Angels will be speaking at the event.


Anthony Ponce from NBC5 will be the event's emcee.


Come join me on the dance floor.

Twist because you can, because you should, because you must.

Tickets are $25.00 in advance, $36,00 at the door.

Tp purhcase tickets online go to http://www.hideoutchicago.​com/event/41343/








This Winter I am pleased to announce that I am the Illinois Chapter's Honored Hero! For those of you that are interested in participating in an event with TNT - now is the time to get involved!



Make a Donation

We are no longer accepting donations for this event, however you can still make a donation to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

Supporter Comments

"I'm so inspired by your positive energy - congratulations on tackling everything hereafter with as much fortitude and optimism as ever."
Claire Shoolin
Sun Apr 24 05:46:10 EDT 2011
"Keep rockin my lovely Jenna. The world needs more people like you :) LOVE YOU. "
Ilana Chriqui
Sun Apr 24 06:48:50 EDT 2011
"Go Jenna! Hope you have great weather the day of the run!"
Julie Mizock Seltzer
Sun Apr 24 07:29:23 EDT 2011
"So proud of you J! You never cease to amaze/inspire me."
Yael Brunwasser
Sun Apr 24 09:18:47 EDT 2011
"Jenna! I'm so incredibly proud of you! You kicked some butt... and hard!!! Run like the wind lady. You're a true inspiration. xx"
Joelle Maslaton
Mon Apr 25 08:43:10 EDT 2011
"Jenna: I'm holding your hand every step. I'm amazed by your accomplishments. Lots of love, Holly"
Holly & Michael Schechter
Mon Apr 25 12:20:27 EDT 2011
"Jenna, Good luck w/the rest of your treatment and of course, w/the half marathon. I continue to be impressed and inspired by your positive attitude, resilience, and courage. Always continue to KIITB. M BTW, the 108 is b/c it's 6x Chai "
Anonymous user
Tue Apr 26 07:19:52 EDT 2011
"rock it, jenna! "
Kristin
Tue May 3 06:55:46 EDT 2011
"Jenna! you are truly an inspiration ! so proud of you and so humbled by your incessant strength and determination:) what's next?!... love you xoxox "
Jessica Sharafi
Fri May 6 02:36:35 EDT 2011
"I beat it - so will you!"
Dr. William Finkelstein
Sat May 7 10:40:44 EDT 2011
"Thank you for being such an inspiration. I am so happy to hear how well you are doing. Much love always."
Melissa Wener
Sun May 8 10:47:10 EDT 2011
"Way to go Jenna!!! We've been thinking about you and loved dancing with you on the dance floor :)"
Stephanie Finkelstein
Wed May 11 01:55:13 EDT 2011
"May you go from strength to strength!"
Bernard, Danny, & Miriam Cherkasov-Cohen
Wed May 18 10:45:16 EDT 2011
"see you the 11th!!! :)"
Hanne & Ian Nataf
Thu May 19 09:47:55 EDT 2011
"We love you Jenna and are so impressed with all you do and who you are. Kasey is so fortunate to have you as a best friend."
Stephen and Wendi Passen
Sat May 21 08:04:41 EDT 2011
"We think about you every day!"
Linda and Jack Goldenberg
Sat May 21 08:19:00 EDT 2011
"I just saw the videos and you were terrific and you look terrific. I think you may have new career ahead of you!"
Monnye Gross & Ken Solomon
Mon Jun 6 11:19:31 EDT 2011
"Good luck running! "
Anonymous user
Wed Jun 22 03:04:02 EDT 2011
"You are in inspiration Jenna! I know you will make this goal! Good luck in training for the 1/2 marathon!!!"
Andrea Iwaniuk
Thu Jul 7 10:48:47 EDT 2011
"Jenna, you continue to inspire me to cherish each moment. Keep killing it in the butt! "
Alizah Salario
Mon Aug 1 10:55:57 EDT 2011
"Amazing! I am so proud of you!!!!"
Sarah Palestrant
Mon Aug 1 11:06:35 EDT 2011
"We wish you well....You are so brave. "
Linda and Mitch Saranow
Fri Aug 12 07:13:24 EDT 2011
"My dear - you are an inspiration. Sorry I missed last night - I was twisting for you! Sending so much love and admiration your way. XXOO - Doug"
Doug Adolph
Fri Aug 12 09:45:16 EDT 2011
"YOU ARE AN ABSOLUTE INSPIRATION!!! NEVER GIVE UP & IF/WHEN YOU NEED A BACK UP I AM HERE FOR YOU... xoxoxoxoxo Jess "
Jess Seidman
Fri Aug 12 12:41:01 EDT 2011
"You're amazing Jenna!"
Roslyn Turner
Mon Aug 15 05:41:42 EDT 2011
"Jenna go hard..."
Rachel Goldenberg
Sun Aug 28 07:03:08 EDT 2011
"Jenna, you are a true inspiration to me & many others. I wish you the best & will be honored to stand at the starting line with you on race day. Good luck!"
Shelley Merz
Mon Aug 29 11:44:58 EDT 2011
"Jenna, thinking of you always. You are an amazing source of strength and inspiration, keep on fighting!!!!"
Jenny and Chaim Indig
Tue Sep 6 10:01:42 EDT 2011
"Jenna you go girl! I'll be thinking of you! Download "Bad" by MJ:) Take One video... Your an inspiration, love u Good luck"
Lauren Miller
Wed Sep 7 11:39:34 EDT 2011
"I hope your marathon on Sunday went well. "
Paul E Hoelschen III
Wed Sep 14 08:23:57 EDT 2011

My Fundraising Total

105%
105 %

Make a Donation

We are no longer accepting donations for this event, however you can still make a donation to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

My Thanks To

Jenna Benn $3,885.00
Sylvia Neil and Dan ... $1,000.00
Kellner Family $1,000.00
Sandy and Hayden Den... $500.00
Baby Eli $500.00
Amir Motamedi $400.00
Marvin Benn $300.00
Andrea, Edwin & ... $300.00
Theodore Eisenberg $250.00
Linda and Mitch Sara... $250.00
Stephen and Wendi Pa... $250.00
Steve Juhasz & B... $250.00
Jeff Gordon $250.00
Theodore Eisenberg $250.00
Jenna Benn $250.00
Marjorie Skolnik $200.00
beth fisher $200.00
Patricia Smith $180.00
Shoshanna Weinberg $150.00
Little Eli $148.00
Perry Gdalevitch $118.00
Anonymous $108.00
Mollie Isaacson $100.18
Ann Clark Kirkpatric... $100.00
Jenna Benn $100.00
Richard Strauss $100.00
Karla Dunston $100.00
Jenna Benn $100.00
Jenny and Chaim Indi... $100.00
Annie Kellner $100.00
laura cooper $100.00
Ari Kushner $100.00
Shevrin Family $100.00
David Victorson $100.00
Simone Burrows $100.00
Sarah Palestrant $100.00
Samantha Margolis $100.00
Barry Le Vine $100.00
Penny Retsos $100.00
Monnye Gross & K... $100.00
Linda and Jack Golde... $100.00
Lonnie Nasatir $100.00
Jessica Sharafi $100.00
Rachel Seymour $100.00
Marianna Couvaras $100.00
Lauren and Brian Bee... $100.00
Linda Stern $100.00
Bonnie Rochman $100.00
Julie & Matt Epl... $100.00
Suzanne Courtheoux $100.00
Vicki Newman $100.00
Samantha Jackson $100.00
Ethan Zohn $100.00
Joelle Maslaton $100.00
Larry Serota $100.00
Andrew Schultz $80.00
Hanne & Ian Nata... $77.00
Kasey Passen $75.00
Alana and Steven Gre... $72.00
Liz Foreman $72.00
Susan Berman $72.00
Kasey Passen $72.00
Stephanie Finkelstei... $72.00
Leslie Fields $54.00
David Kurzmann &... $54.00
Alex Kemeny $54.00
sally silvers $54.00
Eytan Bayme $50.18
Mark Bartosic $50.00
Tammy Berman $50.00
Amy Tardiff Sam Pakr... $50.00
Lauren Miller $50.00
Laura Sonego $50.00
Roslyn Turner $50.00
Laura Stern-Levin $50.00
jamie feinzimer $50.00
Noreen Karadsheh $50.00
David Arama $50.00
Carina Bachofen $50.00
Doug Adolph $50.00
Inti Velez $50.00
Adam and Jill Lerner... $50.00
john lapolla $50.00
Morgan Williams $50.00
Kristina Kilmer $50.00
Mark Juster & El... $50.00
Dr. William Finkelst... $50.00
Elizabeth Hill $50.00
Molly and Andrew Pat... $50.00
Kristin $50.00
Kathleen Naureckas $50.00
elaine carberry $50.00
Michael Mahoney $50.00
Alexandra Wang $50.00
Becky Obeler and Sco... $50.00
Stephanie and Lee Ri... $50.00
Jennifer H Katz $50.00
Iris Marreck $50.00
Marc Smoler $50.00
Courtney Smolen $50.00
Ari Sorek $50.00
Elizabeth Warshaw $50.00
Peter Kimball $40.00
Melvin Shapiro $36.00
Lynn and Adam Grossm... $36.00
Melissa Krisztal $36.00
Robyn Traub $36.00
Alizah Salario $36.00
Anonymous $36.00
Nicole Frehsee $36.00
charles gross $36.00
Bernard, Danny, &... $36.00
Lauren Ackerman &... $36.00
Joshua and Lauren Ta... $36.00
Emily Eisenberg and ... $36.00
Yael Brunwasser $36.00
Sarah Paseltiner $35.00
Danny Valenzuela $25.00
Jenna Benn $25.00
Ruth Sang $25.00
Marleen van Gulick $25.00
JOSHUA WOLKIN $25.00
Liat Hilelson $25.00
Stacy Rudd $25.00
Marjorie Fox $25.00
Victoria Lowerson $25.00
Lisa Roth $25.00
Ayelet Israeli $25.00
Avigail Sagy $25.00
Andrea Iwaniuk $25.00
Martha Whipple $25.00
Jaclyn Eisenberg $25.00
Andre Ohnona $25.00
David Stonehill $25.00
Taryn Brickman $25.00
Annette Ruzicka $25.00
Joanna Myszka $25.00
Beth Katznelson $25.00
Michael Engels $25.00
David Segal $25.00
liza behles $25.00
Jennifer Rosario $25.00
Jenny Johnson $25.00
Rachael Thompson $25.00
Mary Muszynski $25.00
Brett Dobbs $25.00
Becca Wallach $25.00
Michael Rosskamm $25.00
Leslie Finkel $25.00
dario donnini $25.00
Austin Hartley-Leon... $25.00
Kristin Cole $25.00
Eytan Bensoussan $25.00
Betsy Rubinstein $25.00
Jessica Vogel $25.00
Julie Mizock Seltzer... $25.00
Ilana Chriqui $25.00
Claire Shoolin $25.00
Sabrina Bercovitch $25.00
Bill and Lindsay Gr... $25.00
Alexandra Kakon $25.00
Jenna Benn $20.00
Michelle Kallick $20.00
Paul E Hoelschen III... $18.00
lisa nussbaum $18.00
Kimberly Fischer $18.00
Melissa Wener $18.00
kerri herman $18.00
Yossi Lanton $18.00
Adam Brelow $18.00
Joel Singerman $18.00
Paul E Hoelschen III... $15.00
tamar kugler $15.00
Paul E Hoelschen III... $12.00
Paul E Hoelschen III... $12.00
Paul E Hoelschen III... $10.00
Paul E Hoelschen III... $10.00
Kate Bush $10.00
Adam and Suzanne Zim...
Rachel Goldenberg
Holly & Michael ...
Richard and Marsha
Howard and Sarah Abr...
Fred Sztabinski
Jess Seidman
Lindsay Freud
Candace & Perry ...
Jennifer Bowker
David Herrmann
Sivan and Mark Schon...
Shelley Merz
Pam Berkowitz

Supporter Comments

"I'm so inspired by your positive energy - congratulations on tackling everything hereafter with as much fortitude and optimism as ever."
Claire Shoolin
Sun Apr 24 05:46:10 EDT 2011
"Keep rockin my lovely Jenna. The world needs more people like you :) LOVE YOU. "
Ilana Chriqui
Sun Apr 24 06:48:50 EDT 2011
"Go Jenna! Hope you have great weather the day of the run!"
Julie Mizock Seltzer
Sun Apr 24 07:29:23 EDT 2011
"So proud of you J! You never cease to amaze/inspire me."
Yael Brunwasser
Sun Apr 24 09:18:47 EDT 2011
"Jenna! I'm so incredibly proud of you! You kicked some butt... and hard!!! Run like the wind lady. You're a true inspiration. xx"
Joelle Maslaton
Mon Apr 25 08:43:10 EDT 2011
"Jenna: I'm holding your hand every step. I'm amazed by your accomplishments. Lots of love, Holly"
Holly & Michael Schechter
Mon Apr 25 12:20:27 EDT 2011
"Jenna, Good luck w/the rest of your treatment and of course, w/the half marathon. I continue to be impressed and inspired by your positive attitude, resilience, and courage. Always continue to KIITB. M BTW, the 108 is b/c it's 6x Chai "
Anonymous user
Tue Apr 26 07:19:52 EDT 2011
"rock it, jenna! "
Kristin
Tue May 3 06:55:46 EDT 2011
"Jenna! you are truly an inspiration ! so proud of you and so humbled by your incessant strength and determination:) what's next?!... love you xoxox "
Jessica Sharafi
Fri May 6 02:36:35 EDT 2011
"I beat it - so will you!"
Dr. William Finkelstein
Sat May 7 10:40:44 EDT 2011
"Thank you for being such an inspiration. I am so happy to hear how well you are doing. Much love always."
Melissa Wener
Sun May 8 10:47:10 EDT 2011
"Way to go Jenna!!! We've been thinking about you and loved dancing with you on the dance floor :)"
Stephanie Finkelstein
Wed May 11 01:55:13 EDT 2011
"May you go from strength to strength!"
Bernard, Danny, & Miriam Cherkasov-Cohen
Wed May 18 10:45:16 EDT 2011
"see you the 11th!!! :)"
Hanne & Ian Nataf
Thu May 19 09:47:55 EDT 2011
"We love you Jenna and are so impressed with all you do and who you are. Kasey is so fortunate to have you as a best friend."
Stephen and Wendi Passen
Sat May 21 08:04:41 EDT 2011
"We think about you every day!"
Linda and Jack Goldenberg
Sat May 21 08:19:00 EDT 2011
"I just saw the videos and you were terrific and you look terrific. I think you may have new career ahead of you!"
Monnye Gross & Ken Solomon
Mon Jun 6 11:19:31 EDT 2011
"Good luck running! "
Anonymous user
Wed Jun 22 03:04:02 EDT 2011
"You are in inspiration Jenna! I know you will make this goal! Good luck in training for the 1/2 marathon!!!"
Andrea Iwaniuk
Thu Jul 7 10:48:47 EDT 2011
"Jenna, you continue to inspire me to cherish each moment. Keep killing it in the butt! "
Alizah Salario
Mon Aug 1 10:55:57 EDT 2011
"Amazing! I am so proud of you!!!!"
Sarah Palestrant
Mon Aug 1 11:06:35 EDT 2011
"We wish you well....You are so brave. "
Linda and Mitch Saranow
Fri Aug 12 07:13:24 EDT 2011
"My dear - you are an inspiration. Sorry I missed last night - I was twisting for you! Sending so much love and admiration your way. XXOO - Doug"
Doug Adolph
Fri Aug 12 09:45:16 EDT 2011
"YOU ARE AN ABSOLUTE INSPIRATION!!! NEVER GIVE UP & IF/WHEN YOU NEED A BACK UP I AM HERE FOR YOU... xoxoxoxoxo Jess "
Jess Seidman
Fri Aug 12 12:41:01 EDT 2011
"You're amazing Jenna!"
Roslyn Turner
Mon Aug 15 05:41:42 EDT 2011
"Jenna go hard..."
Rachel Goldenberg
Sun Aug 28 07:03:08 EDT 2011
"Jenna, you are a true inspiration to me & many others. I wish you the best & will be honored to stand at the starting line with you on race day. Good luck!"
Shelley Merz
Mon Aug 29 11:44:58 EDT 2011
"Jenna, thinking of you always. You are an amazing source of strength and inspiration, keep on fighting!!!!"
Jenny and Chaim Indig
Tue Sep 6 10:01:42 EDT 2011
"Jenna you go girl! I'll be thinking of you! Download "Bad" by MJ:) Take One video... Your an inspiration, love u Good luck"
Lauren Miller
Wed Sep 7 11:39:34 EDT 2011
"I hope your marathon on Sunday went well. "
Paul E Hoelschen III
Wed Sep 14 08:23:57 EDT 2011