Jamie Jean Jedinak

First post: Oct 27, 2020 Latest post: 14 hours ago
Supporting Jamie Through Breast Cancer

Dear Friends, Family, and Community,

We are reaching out to you on behalf of our dear friend, Jamie Jedinak. In August of this year, Jamie found a large lump in her left breast. Tests revealed it was a fast-growing cancerous tumor and at least 4 nearby lymph nodes have already been impacted. She has been diagnosed with stage 3 – ‘localized’ - metastatic breast cancer. More clarity on what stage her cancer is at will come once she has surgery.

At her initial visits to the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance (SCCA), the staff described Jamie’s particular type of cancer as very stubborn and difficult to treat. They told her she will be going through treatment until at least July or August of 2021 and the going is likely to be very rough.

After thorough research, she has chosen to get her treatments from Lifespring Cancer Treatment Center (LCTC) in Seattle and started chemo on Oct. 21, 2020.

Jamie is a fighter and a survivor - Here's how she sees the situation:
“I have named my diagnosis “the entity”. It is my intention to face this growth head on and with my heart open wide with dedication and solid support to remove it! My journey appears to be a year-long one requiring deep rest and focused attention to this eradication and health building.”

Jamie has been unemployed since March due to the pandemic and now, due to her diagnosis, is physically unable to work. Unemployment insurance, as we all know, is not usually enough to live on and it eventually runs out. One of her angels has helped her apply for disability insurance which would help cover some of her expenses – if, and when it comes through. At this writing, her savings are nearly exhausted.

Jamie will be able to use this GoFundMe financial support to help her pay some of her living expenses, the portion of medical bills not covered by insurance, transportation to and from Seattle for chemotherapy treatments, surgery, and radiation, etc. We also expect her to need financial help with housekeeping and errands.

If anyone has earned help from her community, it is Jamie! Here is how one of her longtime friends describes her:
“I’ve known Jamie for about 30 years. During that time, I’ve been consistently impressed by her ability to make a life and home in Whatcom County through strong economies and weak ones. Multi-talented and creative, Jamie has a B.S. in Interdisciplinary Nutrition from WWU and has earned her living serving her community in many ways. She has worked with developmentally disabled people, as a florist growing most all of her own flowers for weddings and events, and she was bookkeeper/ cashier at our local community food co-op. Jamie has served as a doula and student midwife catching her first babies (surprise twins!) in Nepal while serving in the Peace Corps. Later, she became a licensed midwife in Arizona. She has incorporated nutrition support and consultation into her caregiving roles. Since 2010 she has been providing eldercare as well as dog training and dog walking services. For the past nine years, Jamie has concentrated her artistic talents with felting. You may have seen some of her creations at “The Chipper Bird“, Allied arts, The Firehouse Christmas gala and NW Fair where she received two1st place ribbons!

“Jamie lives simply, always seems to have a big smile, and is a nourishing heart of her community. She has fully embraced ‘being the change you want to see in the world’. She shares her skills, time, and wisdom with remarkable generosity. She has volunteered for local charities including Homes Now Not Later, (a tiny house homeless encampment), Bridget Collins House (family support center for child abuse), Whatcom County Crisis Services, Peace Corp, and our local Roving Garden Parties. She also volunteers to sing Christmas Carols at assisted living homes and has many times offered flowers to non-profit events such as for Animals as Natural Therapy. Jamie has served as an outreach coordinator for 5 years for the Whatcom Skillshare Faire. And always - Jamie is there to support local calls for social justice and environmental protection.

“Jamie is a treasure and an inspiration for many of us, demonstrating how to live more generous and caring lives. She is a survivor and if anyone can beat this cancer, it will be her. She is throwing everything she has at it. Right now, a host of angels are tending to many of her needs as they are able – like harvesting the garden, arranging caregivers, pet care, transportation, and setting up phone trees, etc. (Did I mention Jamie is well-loved?!) She has found some of the best advisors on how to support her body while still beating back the cancer with western medicine. In spite of the grief and fear; in spite of the challenges of facing such a severe illness while living alone, Jamie is still the kind, generous, and patient friend we have come to know and love.”

Please consider supporting this remarkable woman who has spent so much of her life giving to others. Anything you can do is much appreciated by Jamie and by the community that loves her.

To donate money - just click the donate button on this site.

To help in other ways by offering your time, your encouragement, your prayers -

Please - also - share this GoFundMe post with your friends and neighbors, asking them to be a part of this community effort in supporting Jamie.

We are so looking forward to celebrating Jamie being cancer free!

Here is a final word from Jamie:

I am in deep awe of the level of surrender that this situation is requiring, and I am humbled. Letting go is a feat leading me into a quieter more reflective place. I am truly blessed to be surrounded by a loving and dedicated team of friends, family, professionals, and cheerleaders!

I look forward to connecting with you directly as I am able. Please check in with me by email, text, phone calls (Skype, Facetime, Zoom), and in person visits when possible.

Thank you one and all for providing a safety net for me to be held in whilst I battle and heal.

All questions are welcome and I or my team will be posting updates on my CaringBridge site

Abrasos y Besos,

Jamie Jedinak
💜🤜🏽🤛🏽💜

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