FOUNDATION SPONSOR
Jennifer A.
Life Turned Upside Down
In 2015, Jennifer A. and her husband, Corey, were living a blissful life in their tight-knit community with a young son at home and another on the way. They were conscientious about their finances, managing only a car payment and a mortgage. However, in late 2015, a series of unusual symptoms on the left side of Jennifer’s face signaled the start of an unimaginable journey.
An Unexpected Diagnosis
At first, doctors attributed Jennifer’s symptoms to a sinus infection exacerbated by her pregnancy, but when her left eye started to protrude, it became clear something was seriously wrong. In December 2015, when she was 16 weeks pregnant, Jennifer was diagnosed with Rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare and aggressive tumor in her sinus cavity. The rarity of Jennifer’s diagnosis, paired with her pregnancy and residing in a rural area, placed her in uncharted and isolated territory when developing a treatment plan. She had to take leave from work and travel hours away for treatment, leaving her husband home alone to care for their 3-year-old.
Because I was pregnant, finding an oncologist willing to treat me was incredibly challenging. On top of that, I was an adult diagnosed with a cancer that’s most commonly seen in children, and that presented its own set of difficulties for my treatment.
The things you miss you don’t get back. For cancer patients, there isn’t always a next year—next year isn’t guaranteed. The time lost to treatment and the moments with loved ones are irreplaceable. The reality of living with cancer teaches us that every moment is precious and every day counts.
The Emotional and Financial Toll
The journey was emotionally and financially grueling. Jennifer had to move almost 3 hours away to start her treatment, bringing her mom, her 3-year-old, and her infant with her while her husband stayed behind to work. This created a substantial financial burden as they had to manage both the rent for their temporary apartment and their ongoing mortgage and other expenses. Jennifer was then let go from her job, further straining their finances. Despite being financially responsible, cancer treatment took a significant financial toll, and Jennifer and Corey were left with no choice but to go into debt. They were in desperate need of a miracle.
A Lifeline from EMF’s SAMFund
A friend from work introduced Jennifer to EMF’s SAMFund in 2017, and it was the relief they needed. The Financial Assistance grant they received was a lifeline during a period of immense strain. This crucial support enabled them to redirect their limited resources toward other essential expenses and relieve their constant worries about how they could make ends meet. The support from SAMFund went beyond financial assistance; it also offered emotional solace. Knowing that people and organizations were willing to help them during their darkest times gave Jennifer and Corey renewed hope and strength to continue fighting.
I cried when I saw we got a SAMFund grant. It allowed us to pay our mortgage and provided critical relief. It gave us a much-needed moment to breathe.
Despite the support she received, Jennifer’s journey was far from easy. Just six months after her initial remission, her cancer returned, demanding further treatment. The relentless rounds of chemotherapy and radiation took a heavy toll, leaving her legally blind with nerve damage and lung issues. Yet, against all odds, Jennifer emerged victorious in her second battle with cancer. Amidst this, the COVID-19 pandemic offered an unexpected silver lining: the chance to spend invaluable time with her boys, reclaiming precious moments that cancer had stolen.
The Impact of a SAMFund Grant
Today, Jennifer’s spirit remains unbroken. She completed a three-month esthetician school to give back to the cancer community, understanding firsthand the damaging side effects of treatment. She continues to face each day with determination, even as they continue the uphill climb toward financial stability. Her experience with EMF has been a beacon of hope in an otherwise tumultuous journey.
Anytime I go in for scans, I know my world can change again. Expect Miracles Foundation’s SAMFund provided not just financial relief but also emotional support, and helped me navigate my life after cancer treatment.
Jennifer received a second SAMFund grant that allowed her and her husband to start the process of rebuilding. Jennifer’s journey through cancer and its aftermath is a powerful reminder of the strength and perseverance required to face such an immense challenge. Her story inspires others to continue fighting, to seek support, and to hold onto hope, even in the darkest times.
About EMF’s SAMFund Grant Program
Due to the high costs associated with treatment and survivorship, young adults experience financial toxicity at a greater level than any other age group. SAMFund grants help to alleviate the financial burden resulting from cancer treatment. Thank you to donors for supporting EMF’s SAMFund Grant Program. Because of your generosity, we are helping young adult cancer survivors build bridges to help them get where they were intended to go before cancer disrupted their lives.
What SAMFund Grant Recipients Say
Make Miracles
Join us in the fight against cancer and be part of the community that is making miracles happen today. Your donation is an investment in our Research and Discovery Funds, which invests in life-saving cancer research, and EMF’s SAMFund, which provides financial assistance for young adult cancer survivors.
Get Involved
Every dollar we raise brings us closer to a world free from the grip of cancer. But we can’t do it alone. Join us in this life saving journey. No matter who you are, where you come from, you have a place at Expect Miracles Foundation. Cancer knows no boundaries, and neither does our mission. Stand alongside us in the fight against cancer.