Donate to help Jennifer Waryas

After 18 months of struggling to swallow food and many related procedures, Jennifer Waryas has been diagnosed with cancer in her esophagus and in her stomach. She is going to undergo 5-7 weeks of chemotherapy and radiation. This is to begin in June or early July. Once the chemotherapy and radiation are completed, she will have surgery to remove part of her esophagus and half of her stomach. She will have a feeding tube at times during the process. When the surgery is done, she will spend at least 7 days in the hospital. Then she will return home for recovery. There will be a large adjustment to her normal life in relation to how she can eat, what she can eat, and how much she can eat. Doctors feel that Jennifer is young and healthy (except for the cancer) and that with the proper treatment, surgery, and focus on recovery, she has a very good chance of beating the cancer.

Jennifer is a dedicated mother to Michael (age 14) and Jacob (age 12). She also has a significant other, Tim, who is disabled. Jennifer is an LPN/paraprofessional that works with special needs children in the special education department at the local school. Jennifer helps take care of these children and assists with their learning during the school year. During the summer Jennifer works for the City of Chisholm Garage and the Chisholm Recreation Program for youth

Jennifer is a helper and a fighter and has been all her life. She fights for her family, friends, and coworkers. She used to stand up to bullies in high school that would pick on her disabled brother. She served some time as an elected vice president on the Board of the local AFSCME union. Her coworkers wanted her on the Board because they knew Jennifer would fight for their rights and be tough. Jennifer also helps her community. She has helped her 99-year-old neighbor with grass cutting, snow blowing, and other household tasks. Jennifer has also helped numerous other neighbors with household tasks that needed assistance because they had cancer or other medical issues.

Outside of work, Jennifer is also very involved with the school and her children. She refs basketball games, broadcasts them on Facebook live so people can watch from home or other states. She volunteers to help coach and even runs the scoreboards for various sports. Jennifer has developed a strong relationship with the community.

Jennifer is always willing to help anyone. At this tough time in her life, we are respectfully asking that we stand up and help Jennifer with some of her financial needs. Jennifer is going to have to step away from work during treatment and recovery. The funds raised will go towards day-to-day and monthly bills, medical expenses, and travel for medical treatment. Jennifer lives in Chisholm, MN and has appointments at times in the Twin Cities. All unused funds will be donated to various cancer charities/non-profits.