Dear Friends and Family,
Our beloved Jenn was recently diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer. While this is certainly proving to be an obstacle, I know she will get through this, but she needs our support!
Jenn will be pursuing treatment at Vanderbilt, which boasts a renowned oncology department ranked 17th in the USA, alongside multiple forms of alternative therapy. Her treatment is expected to last a minimum of 12 weeks, with full recovery scheduled at six months.
Note from Jenn: "On September 15th, I received the life-changing news of my cancer diagnosis. While this unexpected shift in my life path has been quite destabilizing, I am committed to overcoming this challenge with the support of my community. I am determined to embrace every tool at my disposal and not let this diagnosis bring me down or set me back. I envision myself becoming even wiser, stronger, bolder, joyful, and peaceful in 2026 and beyond.
I understand that this journey will come with its difficulties and blessings, and I am already grateful for the support I have thus far received and will continue to receive from my community to help me stay secure, confident, and focused. Having dedicated decades of my life to healing and personal growth, I know the strength that comes from resilience and support. Thank you for being a vital part of my healing, integration, and empowerment journey.
Two seasons ago, in relation to my role with Gaia U International, where we teach regenerative education and trauma-informed resilience to navigate crises, I asked myself, "What type of leader do I want to be in this next season of my life?" The answer I arrived at is that I want to be a leader who humbly demonstrates the full spectrum of my humanity. I aspire to openly share my strengths and skills while vulnerably offering insights into the depths of my being. Our human experience is complex, and I aim to nurture a world that acknowledges and integrates the intricacies of our interconnected lives, lived in times of planetary crisis.
Embracing and sharing are the evolution of our skill building alongside our struggles and stories can inspire profound change and uplift a community rooted in compassion and resilience. Let us cultivate a future where vulnerability is celebrated and our collective strength empowers us to face the challenges ahead."
Call to Action: I am hosting a fundraiser to assist Jenn with her treatment costs, ensuring she can concentrate on her recovery over the next 12+ weeks. Contributions will help cover medical expenses, holistic therapies, and daily needs, making a meaningful difference during this time.
Jenn's treatment will require a minimum of three months of recovery, during which she will have limited ability to do basic chores at her off-grid Permaculture homestead and a diminished capacity for professional work. Jenn is actively passionate about and engaged in her role as President of Gaia U International; however, she must step back from many of her responsibilities and intends to reduce her stipend significantly. With reduced income and increased expenses, her projected cost of living and healing for the next three months is around $20,000; however, there is still uncertainty regarding the total cost of her cancer treatment.
As part of her commitment to her values and role with Gaia U, Jenn has chosen to share her cancer journey openly. She aims to document her experiences to provide additional resiliency training to the Gaia U community, informed by the valuable lessons learned along this journey.
Words of Support
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Beth Woodring