Climbing a Different Mountain for Jen Lakari

Here's Jen's story in her own words:

Hi, I'm Jen. I was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer on January 31st, 2022. I'm a single mother of two beautiful daughters and a crazy little Boston Terrier. My goal here is to raise funds to pay for medical expenses related to my treatment.

 

Before my diagnosis, I was healthy, fit, and active. I was ticking off the NH48 4000-footers (along with Maine's impressive 14), running, cross country skiing, and anything else that kept me outside and the serotonin flowing! It's incredible what this disease has done to me in such a short amount of time. I've lost about 35 pounds, and even going for a short walk is a challenge. It's a very foreign feeling for me. But on the other hand, I've always had a pretty cheerful and upbeat disposition. I hope to return to that state of mind (and body) soon.

 

 

 

This all began late in the summer of 2021, when I started having chronic back pain. I was never really prone to back pain, so I thought maybe it was just a symptom of age (I turned 48 in September 2021) or from all of the hikes and runs. I treated it with massage therapy and lots of stretching, but it got progressively worse. In late January, I took a trip to Napa. On my last day there, I felt very off. I thought it was food poisoning, but then I woke up one morning jaundiced, headed to the ER, and my life changed forever.

 

I hate that this is something that I'm asking, but unfortunately, I'm looking down a long road of treatments that may never end. I don't want to pass this burden on to my children. So anything, any amount you can give, please know that it's appreciated. And if you can't, positive vibes and healing thoughts are welcome.