Jennifer Sanchez, 46, was being proactive. After learning about a program through St. Luke’s, DNA Answers, which maps your genomes and tracks your medical history to try to find genetic links to medical problems, she was intrigued by the science and wanted to be part of it.
Through the program Jennifer learned that she had the BRCA1 mutation, putting her at high risk for both breast and ovarian cancer. Because of that, she made the difficult decision to undergo a hysterectomy and double mastectomy to reduce her risk in November of 2024
However, she was completely blindsided in February of 2025 at her post-hysterectomy appointment when she was told that she already had early stage ovarian cancer. What followed was six rounds of chemotherapy over four months as well as a double mastectomy in September of 2025 where no other cancer was found. Today she is cancer free!
Throughout that roller coaster, Jennifer’s husband, Andrew, 43, and their daughter, London, 17, were her rocks. Andrew lost his mother to colon cancer at just 55 years old and Jennifer’s experience pushed him to have his first colonoscopy in September of 2025. Through that process, cancer was found. Andrew had surgery in January and will start six months of chemotherapy shortly.
The cancer journey has taken a tremendous financial and emotional toll on the family. In addition to the family being emotionally exhausted and facing months of additional hospital bills, Jennifer lost almost six months of income due to her surgeries and treatment plan. While Andrew is back at work following surgery, he will not be able to do so through chemotherapy, losing valuable income for the family.
The Sanchez family has teamed up with the HEADstrong Foundation on a Fighter Relief Fund that will directly assist Jennifer and Andrew in their fight and help alleviate some of the financial strain that cancer has caused the family. Every bit of support helps!
Learn more and support the Sanchez family at https://pledge.headstrong.org/fundraiser/7028009
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