THE JACQUELINE RUSH LYNCH SYNDROME FUND: TIPS FOR CHANGE

MISSION:

The Mission of the Jacqueline Rush Lynch Syndrome Cancer Foundation is:

– To increase public and medical community awareness of Lynch Syndrome as well as the significant cancer risk it creates.
– To increase the awareness that colon and other cancers are on the rise in people under 30.
– To raise funds for Lynch Syndrome genetic research.
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Lynch Syndrome is a hereditary gene mutation that causes colon and other cancers. People with Lynch Syndrome are often diagnosed with cancer at shockingly young ages. Research indicates that 1 in 400 people have it.

A Lynch Syndrome carrier has an 82% chance of getting colon cancer, a 70% chance of getting endometrial cancer and a 12% chance of getting ovarian cancer. A carrier also has a 50% chance of a 2nd primary cancer within 15 years of getting the initial diagnosis.

JACQUELINE’S STORY:

On March 30, 2014, Jacqueline lost her battle with cancer at the young age of 23. She was diagnosed with Stage 3 colon cancer when she was just 20 years old. It’s highly likely that her cancer was present when she was having some health issues during high school. Knowing about Lynch Syndrome and the likelihood that it was the cause of her family’s colon cancer history would have saved her life.

Jacqueline embodied all that was sweet, kind, honest, loving and exuberant in life. Her ability to find joy and goodness in people and circumstances knew no bounds. Jacqueline was a bright and intelligent young woman bursting with dreams and aspirations; a beautiful soul both inside and out.

She never wanted her battle with cancer to define who she was. She wanted people to see her for who she really was and for what she was capable of accomplishing.

Dealing with the effects of chemotherapy along with significant pain on a daily basis Jacqueline found the strength to graduate from San Diego University with Honors and a double major in Marketing and Spanish. For the semester following her initial chemotherapy treatment and several surgeries she traveled to Spain to study abroad with her close friends. Jacqueline was determined to live life to its fullest despite concerns from her physician and family regarding traveling so soon after her treatment.

Although she was cancer free for about a year, the cancer eventually spread to her liver. She began a new phase of chemotherapy during her senior year of college. After graduation, and while continuing chemotherapy she worked as a Marketing Communications Associate for Ghirardelli Chocolate Company. Despite the pain that she endured everyday she embraced her new career with the same excitement and energy she had for everything else in life.

Jacqueline’s bright smile, beautiful green eyes, big heart, soft voice and girlish giggle profoundly touched everyone who knew her. Ultimately her life-long dreams were taken from her because of colon cancer. Her family, friends and co-workers are heartbroken. She was a breath of fresh air, a treasure to many and a blessing to all.

You’re never too young to get colon cancer. Please help save lives by sharing Jacqueline’s story and spreading the word about Lynch Syndrome. Join us to help raise funds for this great cause at our Tips for Change on September 26 from 5pm – 10pm at Gianni’s, which is located at 2065 San Ramon Valley Blvd, San Ramon, CA 94583. Call (925) 820-6969 to make reservations.