Most people have been through a life affecting event. For Jennifer Lofink, it was her triumph of cancer. Jennifer was born 15 years ago, October 26, 1999, in Newark, Delaware. One of three sisters, Jennifer has been growing up in the same house for 15 years.

At age two, Jennifer was diagnosed with neuroblastoma, the most common extracranial solid cancer in childhood and the most common cancer in infancy. Jen described her disease as “the cancer of the stomach.” After being treated for about a year or two, Jen was cleared of her cancer.

“I attended St. Elizabeth’s for preschool,” Jen explained. Even though Jen had no side-effects of the cancer, she did have one disadvantage to the other students, she was deaf. This did not stop Jen though, she was given hearing aids to enhance her hearing. Jen has been wearing hearing aids in school ever since then.

Once she completed preschool Jen accompanied some of her fellow students to Christ the Teacher for kindergarten through 8th grade. After nine years at CTT, Jennifer had to make the decision on where to go for high school. Since her older sisters had already attended Padua Academy, Jen followed their path with several of CTT friends to Padua Academy.

Jennifer is one of the 170 students in the class of 2017. She takes college preparatory classes and is enjoying them. “I have made some great friends so far. They have always been there for me which is great,” Jen said exciedly. Though Jen is not participating in any sports or outside activities, she is really enjoying the Padua experience and cannot wait for the years to come. “I just can’t wait for prom. I saw my sister get ready and it looked so exciting.”

Jennifer is looking forward to her next few years at Padua Academy. She has been through a lot, but that has not stopped her from experiencing life. “My friends are a big part of my life,” Jen finalized, “and they have always been there for me.” Jennifer has been deeply affected by her friendships and has deeply affected them.