Jennifer

Jennifer has been married for 30 years strong to the love of her life, Matthew, and is beyond blessed with her son Josh and her 8-year old grandson Luke. “My guys are my whole heart!” she says. She is a sales representative for an IT company that sells cybersecurity to the government. When not working, Jennifer’s passions include spending time with family and friends, attending country music concerts, gardening, traveling, and hanging out with her two doodles, Bentley and Riley.

In 2022, Jennifer and her husband were both overdue for their preventative health exams, so they made a deal with each other that if he would get a colonoscopy, she would get a mammogram around the same time. Thankfully his colonoscopy results came back negative, but it was a very different story for Jennifer. Cancer was detected in her left breast, which came as a complete surprise to Jennifer since there were no symptoms or visible signs, but a HUGE lesson learned to never delay mammograms again!

Jennifer was diagnosed with carcinoma in situ Stage 0 and underwent removal of the left breast, followed by a DIEP flap reconstruction with Dr. Derek Cody. It is very difficult to be faced with cancer, and losing a body part, and is challenging to navigate, Jennifer shared. “Throughout the entire process, I was praying for God’s best and hoping that my new look would be acceptable to my emotional well-being. Well, let me just say that my new look far exceeded all expectations, and I’m thrilled with the result!”

Jennifer is grateful to her surgeon, Dr. Cody. “With his calming presence leading the way, he took the time to explain options and procedures while putting my fears to rest. In everything he does, he takes incredible care and attention to detail. Words cannot express my gratitude to Dr. Cody and his God-given talents. He did an amazing job building my breast and my confidence. And, in more ways than one, I may no longer have twins, but I have some damn good-looking sisters!”

Jennifer counsels other women facing a cancer diagnosis or breast reconstruction surgery that cancer is not cookie cutter, and “none of our stories will be exactly the same, but trust the process. I want other women to know that they are not alone, there is hope, you have options, and you’re stronger than you think!”

Jennifer chose to walk the Pink Runway because she is proud of this new body by Dr. Cody! “I want to share my story and provide hope to others. I also want to share my deepest gratitude to my incredible support system.

A HUGE shoutout to my wonderful husband who was my strength and rock through it all. He was an amazing listener and I will never forget the love and compassion he showed. But ultimately all the glory goes to God. He placed these loved ones in my life and provided all the strength and peace to face cancer head on!”