Jennifer's Journey: Courage - Inspiration

Nearly everyone has been affected by cancer in one form or another…wife, mother, sister, aunt, friend etc. so, this website has been created to share Jennifer’s story and allow online giving. By donating, you'll be making an immediate difference and positive impact in the lives of Jennifer’s children.

Won’t you consider donating $50, $100, $250 or more in order to raise funds to support the Latinette family?

Your financial support will ease Jennifer’s mind regarding their future so she can enjoy her time with them now and to make their lives better when she is gone.

I would like to share Jennifer’s journey so, please take a moment to get to know her… imagine if this was someone in your family!

In November of 2008, Jennifer was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma, cancer in the breasts and lymph nodes. After many chemotherapy and radiation treatments, a mastectomy and then reconstructive surgery, Jennifer’s cancer is back! It has spread to the lining surrounding the brain (meningitis carcinomatous)

In September of 2009, Jennifer had her last radiation treatment, walked in a Relay for Life in Monroe County, joined a Young Breast Cancer group at Siteman Cancer Center, in October 2009 she had her 17th wedding anniversary, November 2009, she completed her last of reconstruction surgery and she had this to say:

“I want to help people who are facing challenges. I wish I had a magic fix to make things easier, but the awful truth is that I don’t. I have always had a glass-half full attitude my whole life…I didn’t just develop it when I was diagnosed with cancer. My good attitude was for me! I chose to be hopeful and strong! There is ALWAYS something to be happy about – the little things make life”

December 2009, Jennifer developed some pain…actually a lot of pain! In January 2010, more tests revealed terminal brain cancer. The solution: brain surgery to be able to inject chemo directly to the brain. The doctors gave her a time line, but

“ the number of months is unimportant. Every day is important. I’m not afraid to die – I am afraid of missing out on life! Do you see the difference? Death is too easy, I want the messiness of life, family, and community. I’m like that 5 year old who won’t go to bed on Christmas Eve for fear of missing out on the magic! Deep Breath…Wish me Luck… Here goes…” were her remarks.

She came through brain surgery as expected - like a trooper! Two days later she was trying to get things in order so her husband could take care of all the “mom” stuff…..passwords to pay bills, phone numbers for the kids’ doctors and orthodontist and such.

“I am glad I have a chance to get things lined up before I die though. I can’t even imagine the chaos Greg would have if I had been killed in a crash or something! Yikes!” she said.

With that said, all funds raised from this event will be used to aid in uncovered medical expenses, and most importantly her children.

“OH GOD MY BABIES!!! Aimee is 15, I couldn’t love her more if I tried! She is learning to drive and making choices about life and growing up. Luc is 14 and turning into a man so quickly and I couldn’t love him more either.” she writes.

On 1/18/2010 Jennifer still remains positive and continues to touch everyone by saying:

“Take care and thanks for all the prayers and positive energy! I’ll take all I can get for the rest of my days! I’m almost to the finish line…stay with me for just a little more!”

Jennifer plans on donating her body to science and has been accepted to Washington University School of Medicine.