Donor Profile: Jennifer and Kevin Weist
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As the parents of a cancer patient, Jennifer and Kevin Weist know firsthand the importance of pediatric cancer research. Personal interest has prompted their unwavering support of Children’s Cancer Research Fund in creating a lasting legacy. “I’d like to look back and know that I played a part in making enough people invest in research that childhood cancer survival rates will increase,” she says. “I hope I can help interest people in results.” Jennifer and her husband Kevin have two children: John, 20, and Sasha, 18. The family began their journey with cancer in November 2002 when John was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer. |
John had a tumor in his right leg and 32 nodules in his lungs. The family was referred to the University of Minnesota Children’s Hospital, Fairview for treatment. John quickly started chemotherapy and then had his leg amputated above the knee in February 2003.
Unfortunately, recurrences required seven surgeries and chemotherapy for nodules in his lungs. His most recent surgery occurred in January 2008 for removal of a golf ball-sized tumor.
John is no stranger to unique medical conditions. Jennifer says he had problems when born and was diagnosed with high-functioning autism at age 4. However, John has never let any medical challenge prevent him from living life. In fact he even tried surfing in Honolulu, Hawaii with his prosthesis.
“How can we complain about John’s situation when John doesn’t complain,” asks Jennifer. “He is inspirational and pragmatic.”
Jennifer is thankful that, through organizations such as Children’s Cancer Research Fund, John has treatment options. In addition to financial support, Jennifer has supported Children’s Cancer Research Fund as a speaker for Community Health Charities Minnesota. She also share John’s story during the KS95 for Kids Radiothon in 2005.
Jennifer and Kevin recognize the value of the types of research supported by Children’s Cancer Research Fund. “When John began treatment, his chemotherapy protocol was very new and aggressive,” says Jennifer. “He had a better chance for success thanks to parents who were gutsy enough to participate in earlier clinical trials. I owe a debt of gratitude to the people who conducted and participated in those clinical trials 10 years ago.”