Jenny’s Story

Site created on November 4, 2019

Welcome to our CaringBridge website. We are using it to keep family and friends updated in one place.  Many of you are aware of Jenny's long journey with cancer.  She was originally diagnosed with Leukemia in 1996 at the same time that she was completing her Master of Arts in Education Degree.  After two bone marrow transplants, graph vs. host disease, and fighting the complications of the transplant, she was finally able to start her career in teaching in 2003.   Prior to  radiation for her leukemia, Jenny had an experimental procedure to freeze one of her ovaries.    A few years after she started teaching, she met her husband, Andrew who was teaching at the same school.    They were married in 2013.  In 2014, she suffered another setback with a stroke.  Fortunately, Andrew was with her and they were able to get her to the hospital quickly.  She was able to make a full recovery in a few months.  In 2017, they had their miracle baby, Maddy.  Maddy is one of a very few babies that have been born using this experimental method.  She was born premature and had a 3 month hospital stay.  She is now a thriving, happy, healthy toddler getting ready to celebrate her 2nd birthday.  Unfortunately in June 2018, the fight with cancer began again for Jen and her family.  Jen was diagnosed with tongue cancer and had to have a portion of her tongue removed.  Her physicians continued to monitor her as they were concerned that she would develop cancer in her lymph nodes.  In August 2019, this concern was realized.  She had her lymph nodes removed in September and is now undergoing radiation and chemotherapy.  Jenny has been a Patient Advocate for the National Bone Marrow Registry as well as an Honored Patient for Team in Training.  She has supported other Patients through their cancer journeys and been a source of strength for others even through all of these trials and complications.  Jenny has remained positive and maintained her sense of humor.  She has been fighting cancer and complications almost continuously for 23 years.  Her story is an amazing testimony to triumph of spirit and fortitude.   Please help support Jenny with words of support, hope and encouragement.   We have started a Go Fund Me account for Jenny if you are able to provide monetary support this would also be appreciated as Jenny and her family focus on her treatments and recovery.   You can find a link under the "ways to help" tab.    

Newest Update

January 5, 2020

Journal entry by Michelle Culian —

Happy New Year!  I just wanted to share an update regarding Jenny's Journey.

Jenny is able to eat and drink, even though it hurts to swallow and her taste buds haven't returned. She and Andrew were able to go out and celebrate their anniversary last week, something she hasn't done in a very long time.  

Jenny has also needed infusions daily since completing radiation, however she has recently graduated to only twice a week.  The PICC line remains for her fluids, transfusions, and supplements, but her spirits are high and she continues to get stronger each day.  
Read More of the journal titled "January 5, 2020"
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