Jen hates Cancer (and Capitalism)

We hate Cancer and Medical Capitalism.

Honestly, beating Cancer one time was more than enough. Beating it a second time meant taking home the World Champion Remission Belt. But when Cancer decided to get back in the ring a third time... well, Jen isn't going to tap out and let it win.

Jennifer Lanier is a bold leader in the Portland Theatre community. One of the Artistic Directors of the Original Practice Shakespeare Festival, she is a guiding light and mentor to many queer and POC artists in our city. She has been an energetic voice on the boards of bigger theatres (Portland Center Stage), smaller theatres (Crave Theatre), and community groups (Southwest Washington Pride Alliance). She and her wife, Dustina, are revered throughout the entire Pacific Northwest for their social justice work.

But treatment is tougher this time: the medications are a bit more, well, pricey. The COPAY on the targeted gene-based chemotherapy that is going to save her life is $6,500 A MONTH, with supplemental copays of $2,500 a month for the other support drugs. Also, she must take leave from work for at least six months. Dustina also is taking a month off work to help get everything in order with the appointments, medications, procedures, and her own health.

We have opinions about the state of medical care in this country, but the time for that conversation is not now. Now... we need to raise the funds.

All funds raised here will go to cover those outrageous co-pays, travel for medical appointments, upcoming prescriptions, and lost wages.

If you're looking for other ways to help, please contact Lauren or Brian Saville Allard, and they can direct you to where the family needs support the most.

Thank you for anything you can do to help.