My Fundraising Page

Oct 18, 2014

A HUGE THANK YOU to all of my supporters for your generous donations and encouragement as I trained for the Queen Bee half marathon! I crossed the finish line, set a huge personal record, and raised over $6,500 for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, a win-win-win! The money I raised will go to fund life-saving reseach and provide patient support; very soon, "Someday will be Today"!

GO TEAM!!

 
Aug 04, 2014

I'm training for the Queen Bee half marathon (13.1 miles!) on October 11, 2014 through the Team in Training (TNT) program and will be fundraising for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) along the way. This is a cause close to my heart because I'm a leukemia survivor, but also because the list of people in my circle of family and friends that have been affected by cancer is too long! I want to see cancer cured in my lifetime and am taking strides (literally) to help make that happen. A donation to LLS helps provide funding for lifesaving research that will help cure blood cancers and many other cancers. 

 

I'm a leukemia survivor and wouldn't be here without the research funded by the LLS and the support provided to me during and after my treatment. I’ve been involved with LLS in several ways since my diagnosis in 2005; I've been an honored hero for the TNT program, have participated in a full and half marathon through the TNT program, and most recently became involved with the Man & Woman of the Year (MWOY) campaign through committee membership and was the Woman of the Year honored hero for the 2014 campaign. The video below was featured at the grand finale gala held on May 30 and also features Spencer Wade, the Man of the Year honored hero.  As part of the campaign, I'll be featured on a billboard in Cincinnati in a few weeks (I'm accepting autograph requests in exchange for donations, ha!).  

 

 

I was diagnosed with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) on July 5, 2005, at the age of 26, after a routine adenoidectomy to understand why my nasal passages were blocked and the lymph nodes throughout my body were enlarged. I’d been through months of testing with no conclusive causes identified and surgery was a last resort. I went under anesthesia with the understanding that there was a slight (1%) chance that cancerous cells were to blame; and awoke to my Mom telling me that I had cancer. I had no other symptoms; I was young, single, and lived six hours away from my immediate family. I celebrated eight years of remission in May, but my fight is far from over and the money I raise will help to make a world without cancer a hopeful reality. I’ve posted some quick facts about my disease and treatment below:

 

  • I’m one of the youngest patients ever diagnosed with CLL; most patients are men diagnosed between 50 and 60 years of age; and I’m one of the only patients in the world to be diagnosed via an adenoidectomy (removal of the large lymph node behind your nose). 

 

  • Because of the unique presentation of my disease and my age, I’ve been featured and written up in medical journals. This is my claim to fame until People magazine comes calling : )

 

  • I went through six rounds and six months of chemotherapy, each treatment lasted for one week, with three weeks of rest. During treatment weeks I spent an 8-9 hour days being pumped full of toxic drugs in the outpatient oncology clinic at the Univesity of Cincinnati. During my “off weeks” I was able to rest and recover, lead a somewhat normal life, and work (I'm SO thankful for my wonderful co-workers and a flexible company!).

 

  • My “chemo cocktail” consisted of three main drugs accompanied by several other pre and post treatment injections and medications. I experienced most of the traditional chemo side effects (nausea, weight loss, severe fatigue), but never lost my hair (a good thing because I’ve never been able to figure out how to work scarves as accessories). 

 

  • I had a port-a-cath (port) inserted in my upper chest as a means to deliver drugs and medication directly to my body while saving me from repeated needle sticks during my treatment weeks and recovery weeks. The port was removed one year after I finished treatments and I refer to the large scar that remains as my 'battle wound.'

 

  • I began treatment in October 2005 and my treatment regime was one of the first my doctor had administered; the protocol had been published just months before and the research was funded by LLS. I’m proof positive that research leads to results!

 

  • There’s no known cause for CLL and there’s no known cure; CLL is not passed genetically from parent to child and there’s no indication that siblings are more likely to present with the disease. Most patients achieve remission for several years, but the cancer always returns. Given the age of most patients there’s no set treatment plan and most eventually die of either the disease or related complications.

 

  • If/when my CLL returns, I may go through chemotherapy treatments again, or I may be “fast-tracked” to a bone marrow transplant. My brother has been “typed” and is my match if the latter is the case … therefore my doctor is as concerned about his health as she is mine : )

 

  • I see my oncologist every 4 months for bloodwork and a physical. I'll always have a (somewhat) compromised immune system and will be more suseptible to certain illnesses. I'll always bruise easily and will be at risk for blood clots and at a higher risk for developing a secondary cancer.  

 

  • Now that I'm a wife and mother, the thoughts and concern are around how I'll care for my family when I get sick again, versus how I'll care for myself. Although I'm thankful for my health on a daily basis, the worry of my cancer returning never goes away and is always in the back of my mind.  

​But wait … it’s not all gloom and doom!  I’m ALIVE! I have an AMAZING perspective on life, and my life was FOREVER changed, in a good way, because of cancer.  Here’s why:

 

  • If I hadn’t been diagnosed and moved from Charlotte, NC to Cincinnati, OH after my diagnosis in order to be closer to my family, I wouldn’t have met my husband, Mike! Go ahead and give him a high-five, because he asked me out on our first date when I was four months into a six month chemo regime (and he knew about it!).

 

  • I was told by a reproductive specialist that it was HIGHLY unlikely I’d ever have children of my own; the chemo would likely irreparably damage my reproductive organs. Turns out that fate had other plans and I have two beautiful girls, Anna Elizabeth (3 years) and Charlotte Rose (1 year)!  Jen: 1, Cancer: 0!

 

  • Because of cancer, I became involved with an AMAZING organization, met fellow survivors that have become lifelong friends, and became a runner – completing a full marathon and four half marathons since 2008 (seriously, I hadn’t run further than my mailbox before joining TNT).

 

  • I’ve shared my story with hundreds of people in an effort to raise awareness and money for LLS and have personally raised more than $22,000 through TNT events and Light the Night walks. I’ve always said that if I can help raise awareness and money to find a cure for cancer (all cancer!), then something good has come of a bad situation.  In my case, a lot of great things have come from a bad situation.  I am blessed!

  • I'm running to raise money to cure cancer, but I'm also running because I CAN. There were SO MANY days when I was waging my war against cancer that I had to say "I can't"  because the drugs had made my body weak, because I was too sick, because I needed to rest and recover. But not anymore, now that I CAN, I'm running for life! For my own life, for the lives of all that have lost their battle to cancer, for those that are still waging their war against cancer, and for all of the heroes I've met along the way.  

  • LLS continues to provide hope for patients like me on a daily basis.  In February 2014 the FDA approved the drug Ibrutinib for use in CLL patients who have previously been treated. THIS IS HUGE! The research was funded by LLS and was completed by Dr. John Byrd, right up the street at OSU! If you've donated to my fundraisers in the past, YOU helped make this happen! I cannot tell you how much HOPE this gives me and all CLL patients!

 

I celebrated EIGHT GREAT years in remission on May 15 and ran a 5K with TNT's Moms in Training group to celebrate, but that was just my warm-up! The last half marathon I ran was the week I found out I was pregnant with my oldest daughter and I spent the next 3 1/2 years pregnant or nursing.  Now that my girls are finally spreading their wings a bit, it's time to get back to training and fundraising for a cure; and this time I've recruited a few other ladies to join me; two of my neighbors have joined the cause and we're Moms on a Mission!  

 

Will you help by donating? I've set a lofty goal well above my fundraising minimum because I know I have an amazing group of supporters ... any donation, no matter the size, is appreciated! And, if you can’t donate money, I’m also accepting kind words and encouragement as I train for the half marathon I'll run on October 11.  

 

* sharing my story with the crowd of 600 this past May as the Woman of the Year honored hero for the 2014 LLS Tri-state chapter's Man and Woman of the Year campaign *

 

* March 2006 with my oncology team, Nurse Liz and Doctor Komrojki *

 

* After the Flying Pig half marathon in 2009, just a few weeks before our wedding *

 

* Our family -  Anna Elizabeth (3) and Charlotte Rose (1) *

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

"Go Jen, we love you!"
John and Wanda Miller
Thu Jun 12 09:22:03 EDT 2014
"You are awesome Jen - such an inspiration!!!"
Katie Gallego
Thu Jun 12 10:24:26 EDT 2014
"I am so proud of you! "
Heather Chambers
Thu Jun 12 10:51:52 EDT 2014
"You look great in the video Jen! I'm so proud of you. I can only be a star contributor right now because I'm so frickin poor but I will always support you in non financial ways.lol keep fighting the good fight and let's get all the kids together sometime for a mega play date ! Your friend (always) Filip"
Philip Deskins
Sun Jun 15 09:00:17 EDT 2014
"You're amazing lady! So lucky to have you as a friend and inspiration!"
Kristin Slaton
Sun Jun 15 10:54:08 EDT 2014
"YOU GO GIRL.....AND GOD BE WITH YOU........UNCLE JOE AND AUNT GINNY"
JOE AND GINNY
Wed Jun 18 04:24:32 EDT 2014
"Good luck!"
Ryan McEvoy
Wed Jun 18 07:04:44 EDT 2014
"Good luck, Jen! Thanks for running for such a great cause."
Keith Arnold
Thu Jun 19 07:28:51 EDT 2014
"Proud of you Jen!"
Holly Schmidt
Fri Jun 20 11:22:18 EDT 2014
"Go Jen! So proud of you! "
Anonymous user
Fri Jun 20 02:48:21 EDT 2014
"Good luck Jen!"
Tim and Joann Throndson
Thu Jun 26 02:35:27 EDT 2014
"Jen, Thanks for the inspiring reminder that we all should be thankful for each day we have on earth and with loved ones. I don't think I'll see you at 5 a.m. but I will keep an eye out for you in the evening. Have fun with your buddies! Don"
Don Bush
Mon Jun 30 09:15:12 EDT 2014
"You are making such a difference! Good luck Jen."
Melissa Wasson
Mon Jun 30 10:01:36 EDT 2014
"You go girl--you are awesome!!"
Beth Olson
Wed Jul 2 09:49:06 EDT 2014
"We love you Jen! You're such an inspiration! Thanks for all that you do! Good luck in the queen bee!!!"
Ryan, Molly & Logan Rebholz
Sat Jul 5 07:50:19 EDT 2014
"Keep going Jen! You are an inspiration to everyone out there fighting! Best of luck in the race. "
Melissa Michalke
Sun Jul 6 08:51:01 EDT 2014
"I know the Woman of the Year. How did I get so lucky? You are such an amazing person, such an inspiration, such a gift to the world. Go, Jen, Go!!"
Amber Scott
Mon Jul 7 05:18:59 EDT 2014
"No rush at all, you can drop it off whenever you are in the area...my mom's address is 4546 Hunt Rd. Cincinnati, OH 45242"
Emily Donohue
Tue Jul 8 06:10:52 EDT 2014
"Good luck and very inspirational!"
Daniel Staley
Tue Jul 22 04:26:19 EDT 2014
"You go girl!! "
Pamela Pompelia
Mon Jul 28 01:25:28 EDT 2014
"Good Luck from the Kukanzas!"
Steve & Lynn kukanza
Tue Aug 5 04:21:04 EDT 2014
"You are an inspiration, Jen! Best of luck to you and your team. What a wonderful organization you are helping, as we know all too well. Thank you for all you do for LLS!"
Amy and Bryan Boynton
Sun Aug 10 06:44:18 EDT 2014
"Jen Best of luck!!"
Kathleen Meade
Mon Aug 11 11:02:12 EDT 2014
"Go Jen! "
Dave & Lisa Schanding
Fri Aug 15 09:34:55 EDT 2014
"I'll be there cheering you on during the race!"
Laurie Bryant
Sun Sep 7 08:01:57 EDT 2014
"Your story and mission is an inspiration! Best of luck in your upcoming run!"
Meg Wilson
Fri Sep 19 03:29:45 EDT 2014
"Jen, so proud of you and your desire to save others. Thank you ,"
Jill Meek
Fri Sep 19 09:19:24 EDT 2014
"Way to go, Jen!! Good luck with the race!"
Sarah & Kurt Camden
Sat Sep 20 01:57:54 EDT 2014
"You are amazing! Good luck at the race! "
mary ann ramsey
Fri Oct 10 10:09:51 EDT 2014

My Fundraising Total

109%
109 %
My Team

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

Melissa Wasson $250.00
Jennifer and Jonatha... $250.00
Dorothy Jarboe $200.00
Tim and Joann Thrond... $200.00
Jennifer M Kelly $200.00
Katie Gallego $150.00
Paul McWilliams $100.00
Keith Given $100.00
John and Wanda Mille... $100.00
Judy McWilliams $100.00
Sarah & Kurt Cam... $100.00
John & Andrea Mo... $100.00
Dave & Lisa Scha... $100.00
Steve & Lynn kuk... $100.00
Huy Dinh $100.00
Daniel Staley $100.00
Thomas Brown $100.00
Laura Dixon $100.00
Amy Nowling $100.00
Greg Stanley $100.00
Amber Scott $100.00
Maureen Walh $100.00
Bob & Terry Mill... $100.00
Curtis Rodebush $100.00
Robin Voigt $100.00
Mike and Linda Kelly... $100.00
Heather Chambers $100.00
Patricia Miller $100.00
Wendi Stockstill $50.00
Brian Kelly $50.00
Heather Bell $50.00
Meg Wilson $50.00
Laurie Bryant $50.00
Sarajane Doty $50.00
Ryan, Molly & Lo... $50.00
Nikki Boehmker $50.00
Lee Cassiere $50.00
Gregory Rosko $50.00
Matthew Hudale $50.00
Keith Arnold $50.00
Ryan McEvoy $50.00
Alison Frederick Lou... $50.00
Kristin Slaton $50.00
Jennifer M Kelly $50.00
M J Stotz $40.00
Patricia Pike Matthi... $25.00
mary ann ramsey $25.00
Brian Perry $25.00
Chris Umbach $25.00
Ellen & Tim Knol... $25.00
Holly Schmidt $25.00
Betty J. McWilliams $20.00
Heather Wall $10.00
Emily Donohue $10.00
April Ramsey
Sue McPartlin
Kathleen Meade
Emily Hanson
Kara Wells
Jeff, Christina &...
Humberto Gonzalez
Madonna Minion
Josh and Carolyn Bro...
Don Bush
Jill Meek
Melissa Michalke
Beth Olson
Sarah Bartlett
Meg Toner Wilson
Amy and Bryan Boynto...
Pamela Pompelia
Shannon Anderson
George Michalke
JOE AND GINNY
Philip Deskins
Alecia Pace
Great Aunt Peryda
katie fish

Supporter Comments

"Go Jen, we love you!"
John and Wanda Miller
Thu Jun 12 09:22:03 EDT 2014
"You are awesome Jen - such an inspiration!!!"
Katie Gallego
Thu Jun 12 10:24:26 EDT 2014
"I am so proud of you! "
Heather Chambers
Thu Jun 12 10:51:52 EDT 2014
"You look great in the video Jen! I'm so proud of you. I can only be a star contributor right now because I'm so frickin poor but I will always support you in non financial ways.lol keep fighting the good fight and let's get all the kids together sometime for a mega play date ! Your friend (always) Filip"
Philip Deskins
Sun Jun 15 09:00:17 EDT 2014
"You're amazing lady! So lucky to have you as a friend and inspiration!"
Kristin Slaton
Sun Jun 15 10:54:08 EDT 2014
"YOU GO GIRL.....AND GOD BE WITH YOU........UNCLE JOE AND AUNT GINNY"
JOE AND GINNY
Wed Jun 18 04:24:32 EDT 2014
"Good luck!"
Ryan McEvoy
Wed Jun 18 07:04:44 EDT 2014
"Good luck, Jen! Thanks for running for such a great cause."
Keith Arnold
Thu Jun 19 07:28:51 EDT 2014
"Proud of you Jen!"
Holly Schmidt
Fri Jun 20 11:22:18 EDT 2014
"Go Jen! So proud of you! "
Anonymous user
Fri Jun 20 02:48:21 EDT 2014
"Good luck Jen!"
Tim and Joann Throndson
Thu Jun 26 02:35:27 EDT 2014
"Jen, Thanks for the inspiring reminder that we all should be thankful for each day we have on earth and with loved ones. I don't think I'll see you at 5 a.m. but I will keep an eye out for you in the evening. Have fun with your buddies! Don"
Don Bush
Mon Jun 30 09:15:12 EDT 2014
"You are making such a difference! Good luck Jen."
Melissa Wasson
Mon Jun 30 10:01:36 EDT 2014
"You go girl--you are awesome!!"
Beth Olson
Wed Jul 2 09:49:06 EDT 2014
"We love you Jen! You're such an inspiration! Thanks for all that you do! Good luck in the queen bee!!!"
Ryan, Molly & Logan Rebholz
Sat Jul 5 07:50:19 EDT 2014
"Keep going Jen! You are an inspiration to everyone out there fighting! Best of luck in the race. "
Melissa Michalke
Sun Jul 6 08:51:01 EDT 2014
"I know the Woman of the Year. How did I get so lucky? You are such an amazing person, such an inspiration, such a gift to the world. Go, Jen, Go!!"
Amber Scott
Mon Jul 7 05:18:59 EDT 2014
"No rush at all, you can drop it off whenever you are in the area...my mom's address is 4546 Hunt Rd. Cincinnati, OH 45242"
Emily Donohue
Tue Jul 8 06:10:52 EDT 2014
"Good luck and very inspirational!"
Daniel Staley
Tue Jul 22 04:26:19 EDT 2014
"You go girl!! "
Pamela Pompelia
Mon Jul 28 01:25:28 EDT 2014
"Good Luck from the Kukanzas!"
Steve & Lynn kukanza
Tue Aug 5 04:21:04 EDT 2014
"You are an inspiration, Jen! Best of luck to you and your team. What a wonderful organization you are helping, as we know all too well. Thank you for all you do for LLS!"
Amy and Bryan Boynton
Sun Aug 10 06:44:18 EDT 2014
"Jen Best of luck!!"
Kathleen Meade
Mon Aug 11 11:02:12 EDT 2014
"Go Jen! "
Dave & Lisa Schanding
Fri Aug 15 09:34:55 EDT 2014
"I'll be there cheering you on during the race!"
Laurie Bryant
Sun Sep 7 08:01:57 EDT 2014
"Your story and mission is an inspiration! Best of luck in your upcoming run!"
Meg Wilson
Fri Sep 19 03:29:45 EDT 2014
"Jen, so proud of you and your desire to save others. Thank you ,"
Jill Meek
Fri Sep 19 09:19:24 EDT 2014
"Way to go, Jen!! Good luck with the race!"
Sarah & Kurt Camden
Sat Sep 20 01:57:54 EDT 2014
"You are amazing! Good luck at the race! "
mary ann ramsey
Fri Oct 10 10:09:51 EDT 2014