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When I was first diagnosed the doctors thought it was either melanoma or clear cell sarcoma. After additional testing the results confirmed that I had clear cell sarcoma. But I am getting ahead of myself, this is how my sarcoma story started.

I was diagnosed in June 2014, but it all started that April. I woke up with a sore chest and midline after a rigorous personal training session the night before. Looking back the only pre-symptom I had was a sharp unusual pain when I sneezed or coughed. I went to my general practitioner who sent me to get an abdominal ultrasound.

If you are reading this, sarcoma has impacted your life in some capacity. I wish it were under different circumstances, but through this twist of fate we are all connected. So, I’m going to be as transparently honest as possible with you all, because if this experience taught me anything, it’s how to be vulnerable. I’ll start by telling you a bit about my mom.

West Elm Greensboro and Jodie Brim Photography partnered together to throw a memorable "Brunch and Bubbly" event to honor local women and their achievements.  All of the proceeds, ticket sales and raffle funding raised was donated to the Move for Jenn Foundation.

Sarcomas are a rare form of cancer estimated to be about 1% of all cancers according to recent publications from the Sarcoma Awareness Foundation.  There are many sub-types of this type of cancer because they can arise from a variety of different tissue structures within the body.  According to the Sarcoma Awareness Foundation, the majority of sarcomas are found in the limbs of the body where there are high concentrations of connective tissue. 

Cancer. The word stops you dead in your tracks. For Jenn Andrews, the word ignited a flame to create a foundation to ensure that fellow sarcoma patients would not find themselves isolated and alone.  The Move For Jenn Foundation helps this rare subgroup of cancer patients get access to necessary medical equipment to ensure that they keep moving forward.

The Move For Jenn Foundation ends 2019 on a high note by issuing a grant to their first pediatric cancer survivor, 15-year old Harleigh Spartman.  "I knew I would never be able to afford it for her," Angela [Harleigh's mother] said. "And I'm just so happy. That's the only thing she hasn't been able to conquer-- is running. And she wants to run so bad."

Since Jenn lost her right foot and lower leg to sarcoma 21 months ago, she has been an idol in the cancer community, representing amputee fitness and sarcoma survivors worldwide. As an amputee woman, her goal is to encourage other amputees and give them hope that despite the hardship of losing a limb, they can recover, move on successfully, and resume life with the help of prosthetic solutions.

The Move For Jenn Foundation was able to put its mission into motion at the Pajamas All Day 5k! Since starting their non-profit, Miles & Jenn Andrews have granted a number of prosthetics to amputees who have lost limbs, and encourage everyone to go for a run, walk, or anything active if it means moving because you can.

If you or a loved one has had to go through a leg amputation, you know losing a limb is far from easy.  I hope you find these (10) household tips and tricks helpful.

Adam-12 Boardman, a longtime nationally-heard radio broadcaster and podcaster (and newly-minted Charlottean!), will be helping out the Move For Jenn Foundation by running through the woods this winter!  The further he goes, the more money we can raise for the cause!  Please consider making a pledge for this great event and cause.  Thank you! 

The whole Andrews crew got to talk about their upcoming 5K race on Good Day Charlotte!  Are you signed up for the Pajamas All Day 5K to raise funds to fight sarcoma and help cancer amputees get active again?  If not, sign up today!  Did we mention that amputees RUN FOR FREE?