From Chronic Pain to 5K Finish Line: Jenna’s Unstoppable Journey
From Chronic Pain to 5K Finish Line: Jenna’s Unstoppable Journey
At the Move For Jenn Foundation, we believe in the power of movement—especially when it’s fueled by hope, hard work, and the right support. One of our recent activewear grant recipients, Jenna Nascimento, has embodied all of those things and more on her journey to running her very first 5K post-amputation. And what a moment it was!
In February 2024, Jenna found herself lost in a sea of uncertainty. She had been living with chronic foot pain, misdiagnosed with a cyst, and had switched orthopedic offices in search of answers. “Running something like a 5K seemed impossible,” she said. But after her tumor was finally correctly identified as synovial sarcoma and she underwent amputation, that seemingly impossible goal quickly became her very first milestone in recovery.
Fast forward just one year shy of her amputation surgery—with the help of a running blade provided by the Move For Jenn Foundation—Jenna crossed the finish line of her first 5K. Her final running socket wasn’t even ready until the beginning of May, giving her only a few short weeks to train. But when race day arrived on May 31, she showed up with grit, grace, and an entire support system by her side.
“Seeing my family there—I sobbed!” she said. “My stepmom, who had a double mastectomy due to breast cancer risk, ran with me. Friends and family were cheering me on from the sidelines and running beside me. That support mirrored this whole healing journey.”
Jenna’s race wasn’t just about the finish line—it was a celebration of what’s now possible. While running still feels technical and mentally demanding, Jenna says what she loves most is the feeling of reaching milestones she once thought were out of reach. “Every single time I go for a run, I’m reminded of how much of a gift movement really is,” she shared. “Gratitude flows through me on so many levels.”
Next up? Jenna’s aiming for another 5K—this time with her husband and kids by her side—and eventually, a 10K. She’s even exploring professional gait training to stay strong and injury-free.
Jenna, we’re in awe of your perseverance and joy. Thank you for letting Move For Jenn be part of your journey. We’ll be cheering you on every step of the way! 💛
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Could you or someone you know benefit from an activewear prosthetic grant? Learn more and apply here.