Our friend Jen - stage 4 breast cancer treatment for a single Mum and wildlife advocate.

$43,207 of $150,000 goal

Given by 226 generous donors in around 7 months

Fundraising for non-subsidised life lengthening treatment a wonderful friend and Mum. All funds are converted to NZD upon donation.

Nelson

+3 images

Last year, we celebrated Jen getting the all clear from a shocking breast cancer diagnosis. This year, Jen discovered that she now has stage 4 metastatic breast cancer, with secondary growths in her hip, lymph nodes, and chest wall.

Recently, after a trip back home to see her family in the states, Jen went back to hospital for some scans, and although her cancer has not spread - her chest tumour has grown. Unfortunately this means she must now begin a very expensive non subsidised treatment. approximately $150,000 is needed for this option.

Jen is a single mother, with family over the other side of the world in the states. We, her village, need to support her through her treatment and to provide legacy care for her boys.

This is a hand no one should ever be dealt, and as Jen begins her life lengthening treatment, she is immediately met with hurdles - hospital stays, infections, and reactions to medications. There are so many unknowns, but one thing we can do is help create funds to provide her some financial relief for her treatment, and to support Noah and Logan, her wonderful young boys to enjoy those moments and make beautiful memories with their gorgeous Mum.

Emma Matthews' involvement (page creator)

Jen is my friend. Our children have grown up together in Nelson, New Zealand.

Use of funds

Making lasting memories, making Jens home comfortable, cost of living travel costs and care for Jen, Logan, and Noah

Hair and other things.... 29 September 2026

Posted by: Jen Germano

Currently into cycle two for Trodelvy. Going in for my second dose of this cycle tomorrow. The first cycle was hard- probably five good days out of three weeks. I was pretty sick. But slowly adjusting the meds that help manage the chemo side effects - it's a work in progress. Let's just say that I spent two weeks not being able to go very far from a toilet 🤣 not really how I want to live life. Plus a bit painful and I blacked out at some point and woke up on the floor after being unconscious and home alone..... So up and up. This cycle isn't quite as traumatic. But still room for improvement. Luckily I have lots of amazing friends helping with meals and kids when I need it.

My hair has all started to fall out. The lovely Sonja from Renaissance Hair shaved it off for me yesterday which has helped significantly with the mess - clumps of hair everywhere before that. At least the buzz cut means I won't clog up the vacuum 🙂

And Logan turned 10 years old!!! Nothing like cancer to make you realize how precious every birthday is and this was such a lovely one. Cake and soccer, bike park, playgrounds... It was the most amazing day with the boys and Eva and Tui - Logan's best friend. My little boys are growing up and I'm so very grateful to see what amazing humans they are turning into.

As always thank you all for your support, messages, help, prayers and best wishes!!!

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