Jennifer Pontoriero:

After 20 years of homeschooling and the last 15 of those working nights as a hospice nurse, I knew my life was going to change when my youngest went to college but definitely not the way I thought it would! The Lord had other plans. After being extremely active my whole life, playing softball, playing volleyball in college, and then going on to ultra-endurance events (marathons, Ironman, etc), I ended up with a herniated disc in my back causing me to have to  lay on my back for 95% of the time for 8 months. During this time, the Lord has taught me a lot about continuing to grow in Him and other ways to spread His love than just through my work as a hospice nurse. After a lumpectomy in 2016, that was the first time I really learned to trust in the Lord’s plans. When I was able to get out of the house besides for doctor's appointments, my priority after going to church was to get my mammogram. Well, God wasn't done with me yet! I found out I had breast cancer however His timing was perfect! It was caught early and I underwent a double mastectomy. I was moving forward again but my long term reoccurrence rate was higher than expected, even though the cancer had not spread, and I had to go through four rounds of chemotherapy. Throughout this whole process, I have chosen to be better, not bitter, and show others His glory through my difficult times! I know He has a purpose in ALL things! I pray you can trust Him through your storms too!