Elgin woman goes from survivor to warrior against cancer
After losing both her parents to cancer and being a breast cancer survivor herself, Jennifer Fox has dedicated her time to helping others afflicted by this disease.
The 47-year-old from Elgin is among 100 Ford Motor Company Models of Courage nationwide selected as Warriors in Pink.
"What we try to do is spread the word (about) what Ford does for the breast cancer community," said Fox, a security therapy aide at the Elgin Mental Health Center. "We share our stories with others to try to inspire them and give them more good days."
Fox lost her mother to cancer when she was 6 years old. She herself was diagnosed with breast cancer on July 29, 2014.
"That's something I will always remember … (the date) sticks in your mind," Fox said.
Fox underwent chemotherapy and radiation treatments and had a double mastectomy in early 2015 with reconstructive surgery and breast implants. She has been cancer free ever since.
During her own battle, Fox lost her father to lung cancer on July 15, 2016.
"That was a very hard pill to swallow," said Fox, adding, "it motivates me to want to listen and talk to other people. Everybody needs to be able to vent to make themselves feel better."
Since Warriors in Pink was established in 1993, Ford has donated more than $136 million to breast cancer research and sponsors four charities - Susan G. Komen, Dr. Susan Love Research Foundation, The Pink Fund, and Young Survival Coalition.
"I personally put together chemo bags and deliver them to the different chemo centers," Fox said.
A 1989 Elgin High School graduate, Fox is trying to get students from her former school to help set up chemo bags and deliver them to local cancer centers.
Among the items Fox distributes are Ford Warriors in Pink bandannas, lotion, calendars, pens, notepads, adult coloring books, coloring pencils, and lemon drops or ginger chews to get rid of dryness, nausea or metallic taste in patients' mouths when undergoing treatment.
Fox also is involved in fundraising and event planning for the LivingWell Cancer Resource Center in Geneva, where she started taking cooking, yoga and art classes and participating in support groups after being diagnosed. She volunteers for LivingWell's "Look Good Feel Better" program and at various community events supporting cancer awareness.
"I like to help people," Fox said. "Going through the treatments … I know how it feels (like) some friends have abandoned you. If I can inspire somebody or put a smile on their face, that makes my day."