Jennifer Redmond Strawn

A Mother's Triumph Over Tragedy

2009 may have proved tough for many, but it would be hard to rival the challenges that Jennifer Redmond Strawn met in a year's time.
A Beaufort, SC resident for more than fourteen years, Jennifer, and her husband at the time, relocated to the Lowcountry from Atlanta with a baby and number two on the way. "I feel like God led us to Beaufort. We had visited there, and loved the friendly, smaller town atmosphere," explained Jennifer.

Flash forward a decade-plus, and Jennifer finds herself a single mother of six children, ranging in ages from 2 to 15. The "single mother" title was only a part of what changed during the past year, as her 17-year marriage ended rather abruptly.

Earlier in 2009, in March, Jennifer was sleeping and rolled over on her side, tucking her hand under her arm. What awakened her was the feel of a grape-sized mass in her armpit. The next day she went to her doctor, and after a sonogram and a subsequent biopsy, the diagnosis was made. At 37 years old, Jennifer had breast cancer. Her mother, diagnosed at age 31, had lost her battle against the disease years before.

"Because of my experience, and where I found my cancer, I really encourage women to not only do a routine breast self exam, but also to feel in their armpits as well every month. Feeling that lump when I did definitely saved my life."

After a few rounds of chemotherapy, when Jennifer's hair began to fall out, she took matters into her own hands, and shaved her head preemptively. In a remarkably loving show of support, Jennifer's daughter Rebecca, age 13, shaved her head as well.  "It was an amazing thing to do especially at that age. She actually shaved her head twice during that time," Jennifer said.
A grueling course of treatment included chemotherapy, radiation and finally, a double mastectomy. A PET scan on New Year's Eve of '09 revealed a completely clean bill of health. 

"My close girlfriends and sisters carried me through this," explained Jennifer. "And of course my children were so supportive as well."  Jennifer has begun writing a book about her experiences, with not only the difficulties included, but also humorous moments as well. "I've definitely had to keep laughing even during the dark times."

When asked how it is raising six children single-handedly, Jennifer says that the older ones help by pulling their own weight with laundry and chores. One strategy that Jennifer tries to employ is to prepare the week's meals on Sunday and shop for them in one day. "That's the plan, anyway," laughed Jennifer.

Jennifer is an advocate for adoption, as two of her own are adopted from China. "I forget which ones are adopted. They are all loved the same. And I really recommend to people, especially those who may have been battling infertility, to try and explore the path of adoption."

Jennifer is now working with the United Hospice, which serves Hilton Head Island, Walterboro, Bluffton, Estill and Beaufort. She began working with them part-time, but her position as volunteer coordinator has become a full-time career, and she is thrilled with this new chapter in her life.

Jennifer says, "Being involved with such a wonderful organization of care and compassion has been very inspiring. The United Hospice team gives excellent holistic care, treating a person in every way -- physically, socially, and spiritually -- as the patient approaches his or her final days."

Jennifer knows full well about inspiration, since through her most difficult times she graciously received it from her faith and her friends, and, with every aspect of her own life, continues to inspire others.

For more information on volunteering with United Hospice, Jennifer would love to hear from you! Please call (843) 522-0476 for details on getting involved in this wonderful organization.

Up Close:

Moved to Beaufort, SC in: 1996
Favorite TV Show: "American Idol"..we all gather around and watch it!
Preferred Family Activity: Going to the beach!
Next Goal: Training with my oldest three children for the Peachtree Road Race marathon in Atlanta
Motto: Pray without ceasing