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Partricipant Bio: Jenn Bos
Hello everyone, my name is Jennifer Bos. I am honored to be the nurse on this expedition. I come with 14 years combined ICU, ER, and Oncology experience. I am thrilled to participate in this effort to increase awareness of young adult cancer. My hope is that this documentary will impress upon its audience how completely life altering, and all too often devastating a cancer experience at this age is. I believe this adventure and the documentary will demonstrate the tenacity and will to not only survive, but to thrive in these individuals. Something that I hope can be experienced by many more young adults with cancer.
I am very interested in the cause of Young adult cancer persons. Cancer has changed my life as well. Although I have not had cancer myself, I have lived with it since I was 2 years old. Cornelius Anthony Bos, my dad, was diagnosed and treated for Hodgkin's Lymphoma when he was 23yrs old and again 3 years later. Treatments in the 1970's were in the very early stages of research and development. There were no potent anti-nausea medications, or precision radiation equipment. My dad was faced with many battles, 2 little girls to raise, social isolation, financial hardships, fertility issues, and the greatest of all; the possibility of death. Sadly the obstacles he faced then have changed very little over the years.
My dad survived these cancers and even went on to miraculously have another child. I would say that he did thrive for many years. My dad lived his life well, always providing a happy, stable, hopeful environment for his family. But deep inside of himself he struggled with the constant fear of re-occurrence. He went on to survive both bowel and bladder cancer which were a result of the large doses of radiation he received in the 70's. In August 2008 he was diagnosed with metastatic disease which took his life on November 30, 2008 at the young age of 55.
My dad often commented on what a lonely journey this cancer experience has been for him. He was thrilled to hear of this initiative. Mikey Lang had learned of my dad's story many weeks ago when my dad was still fairly well and had requested an interview with him to discuss his experiences of cancer as a young adult 32 years ago and to hear his account of "life after cancer". Unfortunately his disease progressed too quickly and robbed him of this chance to share how he overcame so many obstacles through the years. I will try to share what I can about my dad's and my entire family's journey with this thief named Cancer.
Throughout this expedition I will support and encourage the survivors both physically and emotionally. I will also embrace my own personal growth. I look forward to July 2009, to share in the celebration of life.
Our Mission
To help young adult survivors of severe illness or injury identify, process and apply life lessons through adventure activites.