Lacuna Loft is excited to continue introducing more young adult voices! These great folks represent a variety of perspectives on the myriad of topics covered here at Lacuna Loft. Before everyone starts really getting into the nitty-gritty of all they have to say, we wanted to introduce them a bit. Without further ado, here is Jennifer (and Vlad)!

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My name is Jennifer, and my cancer’s name is Vlad. I was minding my own business on a sunny November day when cancer decided to introduce itself to me. At 31, I discovered I had chromophobe renal cell carcinoma. January 3, 2019 marked my farewell to my left kidney and Vlad.

Cancer has been a whirlwind that blew through my life in just a few months before leaving a confused heap of debris behind. I’m still trying to understand the meaning of everything that’s happened and learn how to utilize that new perspective going forward. Still, that typhoon exposed a sturdy, underappreciated foundation that I am rebuilding on. My goals after reaching NED status include transforming my overall health and raising awareness about young adult cancers.

Through growing up in northeast Ohio, to teaching English in Japan, to starting my journey over in the Buckeye State, I’ve had animals by my side. I like to spend time with my pets when not working online as a writer and editor. As a lifelong fan of fantasy fiction, I often daydream about magical creatures and record a few of their antics on paper.