Extraordinary women often do amazing things. When Jennifer Kaplan learned that her mother-in-law had been diagnosed with breast cancer in 2009, she got serious about raising money to help expose and eliminate the environmental causes of breast cancer. How serious? Keep reading to learn more about Jennifer's brave "Climb Against the Odds" and to see why this extraordinary mountaineer is our "Woman of the Week!"
What can you tell us about your "Climb Against the Odds?"
I will be climbing to the summit of Mount Shasta, 14,179 feet above northern California. I will be joined by 29 women who have survived or been touched by breast cancer, and we are raising money for the Breast Cancer Fund. It’s a challenging journey, requiring ice ax, crampons, and full forty-pound packs – but it’s nothing compared to the challenge which breast cancer presents to all women. Only 10% of breast cancer cases are hereditary; the Breast Cancer Fund aims to eliminate the environmental causes of the disease and conquer it.
What made you decide to do this climb?
My husband’s mom Diane was diagnosed with breast cancer last fall, which spurred me to apply. I wanted to challenge myself to do something difficult, and the climb certainly qualifies. Honoring Diane and raising money for a great cause gives it purpose.
Have you been training?
My husband, my dog and I do hikes in the hills around the bay area every weekend, and I take a slightly heavier pack each week. I’m training with a trainer at work for strength, and I’m running to get my cardio where it need to be.
What keeps you motivated?
I will be carrying prayer flags with the names of people my fundraisers wanted to honor. I want to get those hopes – and myself – to the top of the mountain.
You're newly married? Congratulations! I bet it's a challenge to balance everything going on in your life right now?
It’s been tough lately, with a new job role, training, and fundraising all at the same time. The marriage is the easy thing to balance!
How do you handle stress?
I take my dog to the park and watch her run and play – she’s my therapy dog.
Vital Stats:
Name: Jennifer Kaplan
Birthplace: Midland, Michigan
Where you live: Oakland, CA
Zodiac Sign: Virgo
Nicknames: J-Ro
Pets: Wenley, our terrier-mix puppy
Bra Size: Too Shy!
Favorites Things:
Vacation Spot: Dahab, Egypt
Writer: Milan Kundera
Cocktail: Margarita
Ice Cream: Coconut Bliss, Espresso flavor
Flower: Peony
Perfume: Don’t wear any!
Pair of Shoes: Frye boots
Just for Fun:
What's your best physical feature? My smile
What 3 things can always be found in your refrigerator? Ice Cream, Cauliflower, Yogurt
What's your favorite form of exercise? Yoga
What's one article of clothing you can't live without? My Jeans
What color underwear are you wearing right now? Black
Blackberry or iPhone? iPhone
The Nitty Grity
What is your idea of perfect happiness? Sitting in a hammock on a beach with a cold margarita in my hand
What is your greatest fear? Crazy killers
What is your guilty pleasure? Trashy reality TV shows
What is your current state of mind? Working towards healthy
Which super power would you most like to have? I’d like to fly like Superman, so I’d never have to get stuck in traffic again.
When and where were you happiest? Working with AIDS orphans in South Africa
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? I’d be more patient.
What do you consider your greatest achievement? Taking a year off the career wheel to travel, volunteer, and learn Spanish.
Where would you most like to live? Somewhere with a terrace looking out on the ocean, in a country with liberal vacation time mandates.
What is your motto? You can’t always choose what life will dish out, but you can always choose how you react to it.
Secrets Shared...
Your hardest life lesson learned? There are many beautiful places to live, and I’ve lived in many, but being far away from family has been a higher price to pay for that experience than I thought it would be.
Your gnarliest wipeout? I tried to ride my snowboard through the terrain park. I jumped on to a box, slipped and landed on that box, square on my tailbone.
Your best advice to other women? Don’t settle – once you find the right person they can make you happy every day.
To help support Jennifer in her climb: Click HERE to visit her fund-raising page!
Posts
0 comments:
Post a Comment