By: Joannah Long
Amy Harris is a high school English teacher and mother of two boys, almost 11 and 14. Although her job can be challenging at times, Amy confides that her students are awesome and they are the reason she continues to teach 11th grade American Literature after 16 years. Amy is also a breast cancer survivor who was a beneficiary of support from the Go Jen Go Foundation. Even as she was fighting cancer, she did not let that diagnosis limit her; she remained strong and determined, becoming the primary source of support and sole provider for her boys. Here is her powerful journey.
The Real Challenge
Not long ago, Amy experienced a real challenge outside of the classroom. On February 5, 2018, Amy Harris was diagnosed with HER2 positive invasive breast cancer. During that same time, her husband (at the time) and her sons’ father, had moved out only four weeks before Amy’s diagnosis because of his own “disease” with alcoholism. Her husband never helped her or his children throughout their journey. He never even had a conversation with them about why he left or about her cancer. So, within four weeks, her boys faced two major life events: the loss of a father and a mother with cancer. In addition, her husband lost his job, which created obvious financial issues.
After the Diagnosis
Amy had five surgeries; a lumpectomy, mastectomy, reconstruction, and two adjustments. Her treatment included chemo and Herceptin for three months, and continued Herceptin only, for nine more months every three weeks. She had a port in her chest for one year. Currently, she is taking Tamoxifen for four more years.
Her Boys
Amy protected her boys by being honest and open. She treated cancer like a cold and talked to them about it in a very direct, deliberate manner so it was not confusing or scary. Amy says that her boys were so brave and resilient. She added: “I don’t think any of us truly understand the gravity of what we have experienced in the last two years. I just hope we are all stronger for it. Sully and Finn were 8 and 11 at the time. Our lives changed overnight, and my boys had to adjust to a new life and routine.
Getting up on their own without a parent around on school mornings is just one example. It was very hard for me to leave my boys sleeping in the dark, as I left for work. It’s pretty incredible what gets done when there is no choice.” Sully (her 13 yr old) was in therapy for almost a year, and it helped. Finn, her younger son, talked to his counselor once a week for the majority of his 4th-grade year, providing him with comfort and a sense of security. Finn carries the weight of the world and her plight on his shoulders. She is both awed and heartbroken by this.
In addition, she spoke with her boys all the time about his father and her disease. Every night when she tucked them in, they talked. They asked questions; Amy gave them answers, for comfort and support. This was her therapy as well, a sort of mental/emotional sorting strategy. They became their own little support group. Amy has been in therapy at least once every two weeks for the past two years. Fortunately, her family and neighbors surrounded her with love, support, food, time, advice, conversation, and on and on…
Go Jen Go Support
Amy learned about Go Jen Go from her sister-in-law, Jennifer Daily. She knows one of the Go Jen Go board members, Britt Yett. When asked about how the support from the Go Jen Go Foundation, Amy shared: “GJG supported us emotionally and financially. I received a $1500 check, and my boys and I were one of the recipients of Spread the Joy for Christmas. This was so incredible. I sent them a list, and they delivered the gifts to my next-door neighbor so the boys wouldn’t know. We had lots of communication about the Christmas lists. Go Jen Go was like our personal Santa! As a single mother, who was planning Christmas alone for the first time, this was an amazing experience and gift to my boys and me. It also saved me time that I have very little of!”
Another part of her experience included the opportunity to share her story through a partnership with Go Jen Go and Charlotte Radiology. She was interviewed at her house, with her boys. Amy appreciated this unique experience to share her story. She was also asked to share her story and the support of Go Jen Go on a short news segment that aired on FOX 46. Her boys experienced a live studio TV newsroom, which was very cool!
Run Jen Run 5K & Festival
When Amy was on the road to recovery, she decided to take part in the annual Run Jen Run 5K with her family. As part of this race, there is a Survivors Corner for breast cancer survivors and warriors. Amy felt like it was a special tribute to herself, her boys, and her journey. It made her realize that she wasn’t alone and that her story has the power to help others feel less overwhelmed and scared.
Her favorite memory of the race is running with her family: brothers, sister-in-laws, nephews, and sons! She was happy to be part of a movement that had supported her and continues to support others. Amy is thrilled to share that she is currently healthy and cancer-free! She is excited to participate in this year’s Run Jen Run 5K and Festival with her two sons and other family members to celebrate her journey.
More on Go Jen Go & Run Jen Run:
If you’d like to support the Go Jen Go Foundation here are a few opportunities. Sign up for the Run Jen Run 5K & Festival on March 7 at 8 AM, held at Symphony Park – SouthPark. You can donate to their fundraising efforts for the race and they always welcome race day volunteers. Visit www.runjenrun5k.com
To learn more about the Go Jen Go Foundation and Jen Pagani’s legacy, visit www.gojengo.org.
All proceeds will benefit the Go Jen Go Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing critical financial assistance to local individuals and families who are battling breast cancer. We provide aid during diagnosis, treatment and recovery.
