Jennifer French is a dedicated special needs paraprofessional who finds joy in the simple pleasures of life: gardening, fishing, cooking, and canning. Diagnosed with diabetes at the young age of nine, she navigated its complexities until three years ago when a new challenge emerged – renal failure. Currently, Jennifer is at stage 5 and has been undergoing dialysis for a year. This diagnosis hasn’t dampened her spirit or her commitment to those she serves and loves.
Beyond her illness, Jennifer is a beloved wife of 23 years with two daughters, and has extended her love and care to countless other children, earning her the affectionate title of “Momma Jen.” She’s known for having one of the biggest hearts imaginable and a quirky, fun hobby of collecting dirt from all corners of the globe. Friends, family, and even her doctors have contributed to this unique collection, bringing her jars filled with soil from half a world away, a testament to the joy she brings to those around her.
However, the impacts of her illness are undeniable. For the past four years, Jennifer has struggled to enjoy the activities that once brought her so much happiness. Her fishing pole gathers dust, the chokecherry jelly has gone unmade, and her garden has lain untouched since before her diagnosis, likely due to the exhaustion that accompanies her condition. Despite these challenges, Jennifer continues to radiate positivity and bring sunshine wherever she goes. Her vibrant spirit is so impactful that, as her vascular surgeon exclaimed upon learning she was initially denied a transplant due to her BMI, “Jen, you’re like a ray of sunshine and always smiling, I really want to write that hospital and tell them if you guys could just meet her, that’s all it would take.” This speaks volumes about her unwavering optimism even in the face of adversity.
Jennifer is preparing for a six to eight week stay at and around UC Health Anschutz in Aurora, Colorado, where she will receive a life-saving kidney transplant. This critical medical journey necessitates a period of relocation and extensive recovery, which unfortunately brings with it a host of uninsured medical expenses. These include travel costs, according to Help Hope Live, and lodging for herself and her caregiver, medications, and numerous other out-of-pocket costs that will accumulate over time. Help Hope Live specializes in helping individuals like Jennifer navigate the financial burden associated with a kidney transplant.
Donations through Help Hope Live will provide tax-deductible contributions for donors, and the funds raised in Jennifer’s honor will be managed by the nonprofit and disbursed directly to cover her verified medical expenses. This ensures that every dollar contributed directly benefits Jennifer’s fight for health and recovery, according to Help Hope Live. Help Hope Live will provide personalized guidance throughout the fundraising process, empowering Jennifer’s community to rally around her during this challenging time.
Jennifer has always been the one to help others, even when facing her own “mountains.” Because she would rather go without than ask for help, it is important to ask for her. Support is requested to help ease the financial burden of this life-altering transplant and allow Jennifer to focus on her health and recovery. A generous contribution will not only bring relief but also give Jennifer the chance to return to her beloved hobbies, including gardening, canning, cooking, fishing, and most importantly, spending quality time with her family.
