Heroes: Jen Ringler…”The Real Hero”

Brain tumor survivor Jeannie Kauffman (at left holding guitar) is quick to note that the real “hero” of her story is her partner and caregiver Jen Ringler (right).

By survivor Jeannie Kauffman, in recognition of her partner and caregiver.

My name is Jeannie Kauffman.  On October 25, 2005, I was diagnosed with a brain tumor – a glioblastoma IV. 

When the doctor dealt this crushing blow, the ripple effect traveled far.  And as anyone dealing with cancer knows, far is an understatement.  As I see it, this is the real “hero” story.  From the moment the doctor uttered those awful words - “brain tumor” - I was not alone. 

Beside me stood Jen Ringler, my partner of seven years, and the birthmother of our eighteen-month-old daughter.  We were stunned, shocked and confused. 

I froze.  Jen acted.  Not realizing that from that moment on we would be known as “Caregiver” and “Patient”, we muddled through that first night.  Jen secured a meeting with a highly regarded and extremely busy neuro-surgeon for the very next morning.  She made the calls.  She took the calls.  She kept our daughter shielded as best she could.  She calmed my fears in the dark nights before surgery, always assuring me we would be okay. 

I believed her then, and I believe her today. 

Jen knew from the beginning of this journey that we were battling terrible odds.  Of course, there have been times that we’ve both had the wind knocked out of us.  Our first meeting with our neuro-oncology team at UCLA was one of those times.  Learning the true statistics can cripple anyone.  But not Jen.  Her response was to ask: “What do you need?” “More research and more funding” was the answer. 

Jeannie’s Cure was born.  Jen was on fire.  We left feeling very hopeful. 

Jen became the CEO, COO, IT guru and webmaster for Jeannie’s Cure.  On February 14, 2006, she launched the website at www.JeanniesCure.org.  She single-handedly designed it, built it, updates it and manages it.  The website accepts online donations, which funnel directly to UCLA’s Neuro-Oncology department.  Jeannie’s Cure tee shirts are sold through the website, (so seeing Jen running out of our house with a large box in tow is commonplace). 

The toughest times have brought out the toughest spirit in Jen.  Radiation was hell.  During that time she planned her first fundraising events.  She has run a rummage sale spanning four yards (which raised $6,700).  We have participated in a Brain Tumor Conference at UCLA, where we raised awareness about Jeannie’s Cure, promoted the website, and hatched initial plans for our First Annual Casino Night (which raised $6,000).  With the help of so many family members, friends and fellow warriors, Jeannie’s Cure, a.k.a. Jen, has raised over $31,000 to date.

The real “hero” is obvious.  Raising a two-year-old, caring for a GBM IV, running a house, balancing checkbooks and meals, and operating Jeannie’s Cure could be a fulltime job for anyone.  Jen does this all with grace, kindness and a “never-quit” attitude.  Her optimism is catchy, and her belief in our doctors, humanity and the ability to find a cure is never-ending. 

I feel lucky.  Jen’s mom tells me:  “When it comes to caregivers, you hit the lotto.”  

I could not agree more.