Jennifer’s Story

Site created on July 30, 2021

On Saturday, July 24th, Jennifer began experiencing sharp pains in her stomach while at Henry’s baseball tournament in Mankato, MN. During lunch, she suffered from an acute pain in her abdomen. Spencer rushed her to the Mankato Mayo Clinic Hospital. Luckily their good friend, Shelley Hauser, was with them and was able to watch after Henry and Rachel.

Jennifer was quickly admitted and scans were done that showed air and fluid in her abdominal cavity, which meant something ruptured. Exploratory laparotomy surgery was required to find the rupture and repair it. During the surgery a tear in her stomach was discovered and successfully sutured, but the surgeon also noticed some abnormal signs, including tumors. Samples of the tumors were taken and sent to pathology. 

On Tuesday, July 27, Jennifer and her family received the pathology results confirming stage 4 stomach cancer. This is a rare cancer and not something typically found in a healthy 39-year-old person.

During her stay at the hospital, Spencer and Kathy & Dwaine (Jennifer’s parents) were there to support her as she worked hard to recover from her surgery. Because of the wonderful care she received and her determination, she was discharged on Thursday, July 29, and is thrilled to be back home with her amazing kids - Riley, Henry, and Rachel. 

At home now, she is being well taken care of by her whole family, as she spends the next 6 weeks recovering from surgery. Over the next few weeks she will have follow up appointments at the University of Minnesota and Mayo Clinic to do additional tests. Once they have more details, they will be able to move forward with a treatment plan, and we will do our best to continue to update you through this CaringBridge site.

Jennifer is incredibly thankful to the entire team of doctors and nurses at the Mayo Clinic in Mankato, including general surgeon, Dr. Risty, her operating team, and all of the nurses on the 5th floor. The medical care, empathy, and support she received was phenomenal!

The Cone Family is also so thankful for the outpouring of support and love they have received from family and friends. Jennifer loves seeing your messages, as they bring her a lot of positivity and encouragement! Thank you for all of your love and prayers!

Newest Update

3rd Annual Jennifer's Gift Memorial Walk

Journal entry by Jordan Herzog —

“Some people come into our lives and quickly go. Some stay for a while, leave footprints on our hearts, and we are never, ever the same.”

As we continue to celebrate the footprints that Jennifer left here on Earth, Land O'Lakes is once again graciously hosting Jennifer's Gift Memorial Walk on Saturday, May 18th, from 9am-11am, to honor the amazing woman that she was. It will be a time to gather and celebrate Jennifer's life and make a mark in the fight against stomach cancer. All proceeds from this fundraising walk with go to the Gastric Cancer Foundation, an organization dedicated to researching and curing stomach cancer.

Family, Friends, and Co-workers are invited to join in this special day. Please see the details below. 

EVENT DETAILS

When: Saturday, May 18 – 9AM-11AM

Where: Land O’ Lakes - Arden Hills Campus - 4001 Lexington Ave N, Arden Hills

Who: Friends, Family, Co-Workers

How to Participate:

  • If you are family or friend wanting to join, RSVP to Jennifer’s sister, Kirsten (kirstenherzog@hotmail.com)
  • If you’re a LOL employee, check your work email for registration details. 
  • Can’t make it? Take a walk in Jennifer’s honor and take a selfie of your walk - email to Kirsten or post on Social Media #JennifersGift

How to donate: 

Questions? Please contact Janice Osmek at Josmek@landolakes.com, Abbie Falatic at alfalatic@landolakes.com, or Kirsten Herzog at kirstenherzog@hotmail.com

Read More of the journal titled "3rd Annual Jennifer's Gift Memorial Walk"
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