Jeanette Stephens-El: Pedaling for Cancer Research
A 13-year breast cancer survivor, Jeanette is excited to participate in an effort to raise funds to support research on the many forms of cancer.
Jeanette Stephens-El was devastated, but not surprised, when she was initially diagnosed with breast cancer in 2003. Two of her five sisters had already had the disease and two of her brothers had died of different forms of cancer.
Jeanette had hoped she would be spared. But with her diagnosis and the subsequent one of another sister, four of the five sisters have been diagnosed with breast cancer.
“I had a 9-year-old son at the time, and it was just me and him,” she said. “You go through a lot of things in your mind when you’re diagnosed with breast cancer. You think about your mortality. – You think about what your legacy might be, but I wasn’t ready to have a legacy yet. I was only 43.”
Today, as a proud 13-year cancer survivor, Jeanette recognizes the need to research not only because of her experience with cancer, but because of how cancer has impacted her entire family.
Jeanette was born and raised in the heart of New Jersey’s farmland. She thinks back to her upbringing, a wholesome lifestyle that reflects her commitment today to healthy eating and exercise.
Now, as she prepares to join the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) at its inaugural indoor cycling fundraising event – Spintensity 200 – on Nov. 5, the Moorestown, New Jersey, legal secretary is excited to be supporting a cause that is personally important to her.
“When we all come together, we can make a difference, and help people with cancer who need support and care,” she said. “Cancer has been part of my life in the worst way. By raising funds for cancer research, I know there will be a better chance of survival for so many, like my brothers.”
A breast cancer patient advocate, Jeanette is serving as an AACR Ambassador for the AACR event being held at the Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum in Philadelphia.
As a cancer survivor, Jeanette has taken it upon herself to talk with anyone she can about the importance of staying health conscious. Cancer screening is another area that Jeanette is very passionate about, as she has seen firsthand that early detection of cancer through screening really does save lives.
Learn more and support cancer research at Spintensity200.org.
Learn about physician-scientists and cancer researchers like Fellow of the AACR Academy Lewis C. Cantley, PhD, who are driving progress against cancer.
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There are many ways in which you can lend your talents to support lifesaving research. Learn how you can become an advocate for cancer research, participate in events to raise awareness, volunteer your time, and share your story of how cancer has affected your life.
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