Breast cancer runs in Jenn Nudelman’s family, and she’s been helping raise awareness by taking part in 3-Day walks and Race for the Cure events for years. She received her own breast cancer diagnosis in May 2011, and was unexpectedly laid off from her tax accountant job in the middle of her treatment. Determined not to let the diagnosis and loss weigh her down, she thought of ways she could take advantage of the time off:
“Little did I know that once the initial shock wore off (which took a little while), this would be one of the greatest blessings in my life. Once I didn’t have the burden of working a gazillion hours, I decided to do some things I’ve wanted to do for some time, but couldn’t do while working a crazy tax accountant’s schedule. I wanted to ACTIVELY volunteer for Komen, give back to the community served by St. James Cathedral and foster a rescue dog.”
If you’ve been to a Komen Puget Sound event in the past couple of years, chances are you’ve crossed paths with Jenn. Her willingness to help wherever needed, share her story and advocate for breast cancer programs and services is greatly appreciated by the Affiliate, who recognized her in May with their 2013 New Volunteer Award.
As the co-founder of Seattle Shar Pei rescue organization Aleks’ Angels, Jenn helps foster neglected and abused pets and helps them find permanent homes (she’s adopted a few of her own along the way). Her work with St. Vincent de Paul has broadened her understanding of need in our community, and strengthened her appreciation for how much she has, even when she was unemployed (she started a new job this summer).
Jenn previously had seven pink ribbons tattooed on her lower leg, each signifying a 3-Day walk. Earlier this year, as a part of the Get Ink for the Cure event at Dzul Ink Lounge, she had tied them all together with an elaborate scroll-work cross. I saw it right after it was finished and it was gorgeous. Fully healed, the detail is simply stunning.
I ran into Jenn several times at the Seattle 3-Day walk and she was rocking her awesome tattoo and doing some awesome fundraising, too: She personally raised over $5000 for breast cancer research!
