Mandy Jenkins Memorial for Breast Cancer Research

*** To donate money in Mandy's memory, please visit the Mandy Jenkins Memorial for Breast Cancer Research through the Breast Cancer Research Foundation ***

We are raising funds to honor the memory of Mandy Marie Jenkins, 42, who died February 26, 2023, in Zanesville, Ohio, after nearly four years of cancer treatment.

This fundraiser began on January 30 on behalf of Mandy, her husband Ben Fischer and loved ones to raise money for a long-distance ambulance to help her return home to Ohio from New York City to spend her final days surrounded by love.

Mandy has so, so many friends across the country and globe. Those of us who have had the extraordinary privilege to know Mandy responded and gave back so much of the kindness, love and care that Mandy put into this world. This fund raised far more than the original ask, so the extra money then – as now – will go to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Every $50 funds one hour of research.

Mandy was diagnosed with breast cancer and it was initially thought to be in remission in late 2019. It spread to her central nervous system (brain and spine) in 2020.

Her care team at Memorial Sloan Kettering in New York stayed on top of it for more than two years, allowing her to have a very high quality of life. But beginning late last summer, her problems started to compound, with seizures emerging and treatments becoming less effective.

Mandy spent more than two decades as a journalist and newsroom leader. She was a pioneer in digital media and helped newsrooms adapt for the digital age, developing strategies for online news presentation, finding new audiences with social media, and using the internet for reporting. She was a beloved mentor and editor who was enthusiastic about helping others in their careers.

She had a thirst for the world and knowledge that was unrivaled. Mandy traveled extensively, visiting at least 35 countries and all 50 states. Her most notable trips include the Olympics in Brazil and South Korea, hiking the Annapurna Trail in Nepal, a safari in Kenya, and trips to Russia, Latvia, Egypt and India to train fellow journalists.

Mandy’s quest for knowledge and care for others goes on. She donated her body to the Ohio State College of Medicine for research.

We believe the best way to honor Mandy’s memory is to harness her passions of helping people and seeking knowledge by supporting the many scientists and researchers who are trying to transform lives by finding a cure for breast cancer.

Thank you for supporting Mandy’s memory, her family, friends and loved ones. Please read her obituary here and a story from NPR in Ohio about her legacy. Here's a journalism podcast about -- and featuring -- Mandy.

We love you, Mandy.