A Journey of Surrender - Jen's Fight Against Glioblastoma

This is Jen, or you may know her by one of her many other titles: Mom, sister, wife, friend, daughter, Major DellaCrosse, Nurse Jennifer...the list could go on and on.

And as of last summer, Jen has taken on the title of fighter.

As many of you know, just over a year ago, Jen was diagnosed with an aggressive and incurable brain cancer - Glioblastoma. This stage 4 cancer is no joke - it is mean, it is nasty, it is relentless.

But we serve a God of miracles!

Over the course of the last year, Jen fought this cancer just as she fights all of her trials in life...with JOY.

Joyful Jen.

Jen had surgery last July to remove the golf ball sized tumor and has since undergone extensive treatments including chemotherapy, radiation, and participation in clinical trials.

Despite her incredible fight, recent scans have shown that the existing tumors have doubled in growth and she is now fighting a new tumor on the other side of her brain.

Ryan, Jen's husband, has been fortunate to be by Jen's side day and night since her diagnosis. He has navigated not only Jen's diagnosis and treatment, but also a move from Texas to Florida, all while maintaining as much of a sense of normalcy for their seven children as possible.

While this has been the hardest fight of this sweet family's life, Ryan and Jen would both be sure to tell you that there has been so much beauty, so much fruit and so many blessings that have come from this fight.

At this time, Ryan and Jen are trying to heed the old adage “Hope for the best, plan for the worst”.

This is where we, Jen's friends and family, can step in.

While so many are praying for Jen's healing (which is what Jen covets the most!), many have expressed a desire to provide financial support to Jen, Ryan and the kids.

The funds raised here will go towards:

Medical Expenses:

They are exploring several promising treatment options in the UK and Denmark, as well as working to find new clinical trials in the US that will accept Jen.

Funds will also be available for assisting with any additional medical costs not covered by insurance, ensuring Jen has access to the best possible care. They are exploring several promising treatment options in the UK and Denmark, as well as working to find new clinical trials in the US that will accept Jen

Family Memories/Travel:

They are also planning a family adventure together (all NINE of them!) - an opportunity to live out some of Jen's "bucket list" dreams, while making memories together as a family.

BUT, the greatest gift you can give the DellaCrosse family is your continued prayers as they carry this Cross.

Jen and her husband, along with their seven children, are deeply rooted in their Catholic faith. Jen has such a beautiful admiration for our Lord, which has only grown during her battle with this terminal cancer.

The "Surrender Novena " quickly became the prayer that anchored Jen to the truth that God was in control and that He does, indeed, sow treasure troves of graces when we are in our deepest poverty.

"Every time, every day, just put it back at the foot of the cross and say, 'Jesus, I know you’ve got this,'” Jen says.

Jen isn't done fighting.

She isn't done trusting that "God's got this".

She knows that God has a plan for her days - she intends to continue to fight and to continue to trust.

Please prayerfully consider donating to this wonderful family as they take these next steps in Jen's Journey.

Thank you.

Jen would LOVE to have people join her in the Surrender Novena, not just for the graces of surrendering to be poured out upon she and her family, but also that those same graces be poured out on each of us. She knows, firsthand, the peace that this prayer has brought her and wants each and every one of us to have the opportunity to experience those same graces.

Jen and Ryan were recently on Ryan's podcast, "The Catholic Talk Show" to share a little bit about Jen's journey and her testimony.

You can watch that video HERE

For more information on How to Pray the Surrender Novena, visit this link.

Thank you in advance for the continued outpouring of love, prayers and support. Know that the DellaCrosse family prays for each of you as well!