For those of you who have met Jenna, you know how special she is. Jenna is loved by so many people and this site is for her.
Jenna has Hodgkins Lymphoma stage IIIB (nodular sclerosis) and has been suffering symptoms since late 2009 when she felt that there was something wrong inside.
Jenna lived in Markham, Canada and is 30 years old.
Jenna lived in Markham, Canada and is 30 years old.
Before symptoms have surfaced, Jenna was a demonstration of health, working out several times a week doing weight training to QiGong. Jenna enjoyed yoga and meditation as well as a diet rich in nutrients for optimum health. As a nature bug, Jenna enjoyed weekly walks in nature trails. Jenna was a teacher and coordinator at the Markham Museum while writing articles of interest contributing to the community.
In January 2010, we sought help from the family doctor when Jenna’s alarming symptoms weren’t going away. To our surprise, the family doctor was quite concerned and ordered many medical tests... To make a long story short, once referred to an oncologist, we were told that Jenna had all of the symptoms of lymphoma cancer. Jenna had to go through further extensive medical tests to confirm the diagnosis, from bone marrow aspirations to CT scans to a biopsy surgery in February 2010.
Unfortunately, the biopsy went terribly wrong!
The biopsy site in her abdomen, led to uncompromising internal bleeding. Jenna was in critical condition in the ICU and in a coma.
The coma lasted for a long week of starvation, immobility and drugs to keep her stable. In addition Jenna had many blood transfusions to sustain her life. With many prayers and support, Jenna pulled through this life and death experience but to our dismay, this was only the beginning of a long journey of recovery and dreadful treatments…
Unfortunately, the biopsy went terribly wrong!
The biopsy site in her abdomen, led to uncompromising internal bleeding. Jenna was in critical condition in the ICU and in a coma.
The coma lasted for a long week of starvation, immobility and drugs to keep her stable. In addition Jenna had many blood transfusions to sustain her life. With many prayers and support, Jenna pulled through this life and death experience but to our dismay, this was only the beginning of a long journey of recovery and dreadful treatments…
Jenna was confined to a hospital bed for one month while learning how to walk all over again. With 30 lbs lost and the body much weakened, Jenna persisted with determination to get well, all while getting the confirmed diagnosis that Jenna has Hodgkins Lymphoma stage 3B.
During the month of hospitalization, we were referred to the leading Lymphoma specialist in the country who has been incredible in helping Jenna.
During the month of hospitalization, we were referred to the leading Lymphoma specialist in the country who has been incredible in helping Jenna.
Chemotherapy treatments plan A (ABVD) went underway in March 2010. Jenna's symptoms of severe body shakes and fevers peaking over 40 degrees were not a good start, but with confidence in the medical system we continued on the plan with persistence…
In May of 2010, we unfortunately had to move to plan B (a different type of chemotherapy called GDP) as Jenna's symptoms kept returning and the treatments were having little affect on the cancer. When plan B resulted in little improvement, we were referred to Princess Margaret Hospital to proceed with plan C which was a very strong Chemotherapy treatment (Mini-Beam) to knock back the disease. Jenna has persevered with strength and fortitude despite the negative side effects and the repeated need for hospital stays throughout her journey.
Jenna was on her way to a plan to receive a stem cell transplant but unfortunately, the last treatment reduced her blood counts so low that they weren't able to collect Jenna's stem cells. Unfortunately, the possibility of looking in the donor bank for a donor is not an option as the procedure is considered too risky and life threatening. Jenna has to be well enough to go through the transplant which is not the case as she has not responded to the chemotherapy treatments as expected from the medical professionals.
In May of 2010, we unfortunately had to move to plan B (a different type of chemotherapy called GDP) as Jenna's symptoms kept returning and the treatments were having little affect on the cancer. When plan B resulted in little improvement, we were referred to Princess Margaret Hospital to proceed with plan C which was a very strong Chemotherapy treatment (Mini-Beam) to knock back the disease. Jenna has persevered with strength and fortitude despite the negative side effects and the repeated need for hospital stays throughout her journey.
Jenna was on her way to a plan to receive a stem cell transplant but unfortunately, the last treatment reduced her blood counts so low that they weren't able to collect Jenna's stem cells. Unfortunately, the possibility of looking in the donor bank for a donor is not an option as the procedure is considered too risky and life threatening. Jenna has to be well enough to go through the transplant which is not the case as she has not responded to the chemotherapy treatments as expected from the medical professionals.
The medical professionals were not optimistic about Jenna's condition and have announced that they are giving her palliative care from November 2010. As difficult it is to accept that the top medical doctors in Canada cannot help Jenna to heal. It was our mission to seek other sources of help!
OUR PLAN…
We have signed Jenna up for the "Best Doctors program" which give us solutions/resources from a North American standpoint for more info: http://www.bestdoctors.com/canada/home.php. We are also applying for out of country assistance (for funds) to try to get Jenna the care of USA Medical professionals that we have come across that specialize in cancer treatments that prove effective resources for cancer therapy.
Research has shown that cancer cannot live in an alkaline body and therefore, Jenna has adapted to an alkaline-rich diet. Jenna has even gone to the extent that she has become fully vegan in eating habits. She has increased the intake of freshly juiced vegetables and fruits while closely monitoring her eating lifestyle. Jenna was surrounded by a healing team which includes a Naturopathic doctor and getting support from intuitive healers and friends experienced in nutrition and supplements to build up her immune system.
Friends and family have come to offer Jenna their help and she has received their generous gifts of friendship. Jenna’s mother and relatives have come to visit to help raise her spirits.
We have enjoyed every moment we have spent with Jenna and keeping the faith strong within. With so many resources, little time and few dollars, we have created this website to create awareness to Jenna’s condition.
We have conducted extensive research on how to help heal Jenna. Unfortunately, with the treatments and long journey of suffering, Jenna's body it was not able to sustain life.
She passed on December 10th 2010.
Jenna will forever be remembered.
If you care to donate to help fulfill Jenna's dream to build a Children's Garden - please click on the donate button.
Please come and celebrate to commemorate this children's garden to Jenna's vision of community, sharing this memorable event by seeing the garden come to life, in serving children and adults alike. This event will include planting flowers, painting bird houses, speeches, refreshments and snacks. We look forward to sharing this memorable moment with you who all made this possible through your support and donations.
Research has shown that cancer cannot live in an alkaline body and therefore, Jenna has adapted to an alkaline-rich diet. Jenna has even gone to the extent that she has become fully vegan in eating habits. She has increased the intake of freshly juiced vegetables and fruits while closely monitoring her eating lifestyle. Jenna was surrounded by a healing team which includes a Naturopathic doctor and getting support from intuitive healers and friends experienced in nutrition and supplements to build up her immune system.
Friends and family have come to offer Jenna their help and she has received their generous gifts of friendship. Jenna’s mother and relatives have come to visit to help raise her spirits.
We have enjoyed every moment we have spent with Jenna and keeping the faith strong within. With so many resources, little time and few dollars, we have created this website to create awareness to Jenna’s condition.
We have conducted extensive research on how to help heal Jenna. Unfortunately, with the treatments and long journey of suffering, Jenna's body it was not able to sustain life.
She passed on December 10th 2010.
Jenna will forever be remembered.
If you care to donate to help fulfill Jenna's dream to build a Children's Garden - please click on the donate button.
Please come and celebrate to commemorate this children's garden to Jenna's vision of community, sharing this memorable event by seeing the garden come to life, in serving children and adults alike. This event will include planting flowers, painting bird houses, speeches, refreshments and snacks. We look forward to sharing this memorable moment with you who all made this possible through your support and donations.
Location: Markham Museum
9350 Markham Road, Markham,
With sincere gratitude, Thank You!
9350 Markham Road, Markham,
With sincere gratitude, Thank You!
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