Brian Olson, the husband of Jenny Olson, along with their two children, Elise and Ben, were fortunate to be the recipients of Team Vogel’s 2013’s extraordinary efforts in assisting local families who are afflicted with cancer.
The following was written by Jenny Olson, shortly after her cancer diagnosis:
“On August 1, 2012, a tumor was found in the back of my neck to the left of my spine. We were assured it was 98-99% benign, as big as a lemon and it would need to be removed. Surgery was set for August 6 (CHS Class of '96, important date, it gives me chills) and it was successfully removed. However, the pathology tests came back positive for cancer. I have a rarer cancer called synovial sarcoma. Doctors set up radiation treatments and they were going to start September 19. But, September 6, I found a lump in my neck. After a CT scan, our worst fears were confirmed: the lump in my neck was a lymph node filled with the cancer, as well as the site in the back of my neck. The tumor had grown back that fast and is as big as before surgery in the back of my neck, so we have a new treatment plan. I will start chemotherapy on September 25; three cycles over a course of 9 weeks. Then I will have chemotherapy and radiation every day for 5-6 weeks. That should take us to the beginning of January where I will have three weeks off. Then in the beginning of February, I will have extensive surgery to remove the cancer from both areas. It will involve reconstruction and plastic surgery. Of course, this schedule is if there are no setbacks or big bumps in the road. Let's just say it has been a long month and half and the hardest is yet to come. Thank you for your love and support. I don't know what we would do without our fantastic family and friends.”
During the entire battle with cancer, Jenny remained optimistic and upbeat as she was determined to beat the horrible disease, even though the cancer was overtaking her body. The one thing that kept us going through the entire time was the love and support of family and friends. Many people stepped up and helped us through the toughest of times. It was a rough stretch of times. Once you would think she would catch a break, another setback would be taking place. When people surround you with their care, you can feel it and ultimately become a better, stronger person and family. Jenny felt that the entire time from her diagnosis in August of 2012 until the day she passed away on January 25, 2014.
Jenny Olson was a classmate of Joe Vogel at Cotter High School. One of those people/groups that supported us was Team Vogel. We were in awe of the tremendous generosity and support we received from Team Vogel. They supported us not only financially, but the people involved within the organization brought awareness to others about our family’s struggles which brought support from various parts of the community. We are forever indebted to all that Team Vogel and so many others have done for us.
At the time of this writing, it has been a little over three years since Jenny has passed. I would classify them as “adjustment” years. We have been figuring out how to adapt to this new way of living. It has had its fair share of bumps and hurdles to jump over, but we have been able to also experience many joys. I would like to think that I have been laying a foundation to help get the three of us to where we need to be. We are not where I would like us to be yet, but I have grown content with the progress that has been made. I am convinced that we are set up for great things to come. There will
At the time of this writing, it has been a little over three years since Jenny has passed. I would classify them as “adjustment” years. We have been figuring out how to adapt to this new way of living. It has had its fair share of bumps and hurdles to jump over, but we have been able to also experience many joys. I would like to think that I have been laying a foundation to help get the three of us to where we need to be. We are not where I would like us to be yet, but I have grown content with the progress that has been made. I am convinced that we are set up for great things to come. There will
hopefully be some welcome changes in all of our lives involving many different aspects. Jenny would not want us to be sitting around and feeling sorry for ourselves. She would want us to live each day to the fullest and make a difference in this world in a great way. I would like to think we are trying to do so.
Jenny and Joe would want us to “pay it forward” as much as we can and to “don’t stop believing.”
RSS Feed
