43, diagnosed at 38,
No family history, no known genetic mutation
Through a breast self-exam, Jennifer detected a lump in her breast that turned out to be stage 3A breast cancer. She received chemo, a bilateral mastectomy with reconstruction, and radiation. Her diagnosis occurred just as Jennifer was going through a difficult separation from her husband. While undergoing treatment, she continued working as a corrections case manager to provide for her two daughters. With no other family around, her daughters were her primary source of support, and knowing they were scared, Jennifer tried to keep life as normal as possible. She found H4TG after treatment. “I wasn’t sure what to expect, but right away the ladies welcomed me with open arms and hearts.” Jennifer says she has always been an “in the background” type of person, but she doesn’t want to be that any longer. “I want to be an example for my two daughters, that if they set their mind to something, they can do it. I want them to be proud that I’m their mom.” Jennifer admires that same ideal that emerged in the 1920s saying, “Women received their voices, and their opinions and thoughts meant something.” Jennifer also wishes to show other women that they are stronger than they think.