October 14, 2021
photo courtesy of Jenny Ingram
Language arts teacher Jenny Ingram shaves her head after her diagnosis with her sister, Jessica Prosperi, and her niece and nephew, Amelia and Jonathan.
“It’s really weird to have to think about death. It’s morbid, but I don’t think I’m going to die anytime soon. I’m not afraid to die. I just worry about my family because that would be terrible for my parents to have to deal with that, or my sisters or my nieces and my nephew. I worry about my family if I were to die, but I don’t dwell on that,” Ingram said.
Despite the disappointment of a return of her Breast Cancer as Stage Four, she has been able to maintain a positive and at times, comical, outlook on her situation. Her light has also made its way to those around her and lifted their spirits.
“I got to know how strong and positive she is. I always knew she was a good writer, but she would write about her experience and she would always add a comical flare and try to find the positives. If it was a crummy situation, she would find a way to laugh about it,” Srouji said. “I was bummed for her to have to go through it again but I knew she was gonna be okay. We wish she didn’t have to go through it again but with her support system and her attitude, she’s gonna be fine.”
Ingram’s close friends have found that their relationships have grown more than they ever thought possible throughout her journey.
“It’s a privilege to call her one of my best friends. I love her positivity, I love that she’s my friend. I could not be more grateful to have her in my life and it’s crazy that it’s only been 10 years; it seems like I’ve known her my whole life,” Hensley said.
Ingram has found that, in addition to her family and friends’ support, the community has greatly benefited her ability to thrive.
“When you’re dealing with a serious health issue, so much of your ability to thrive is a social-emotional aspect: your attitude and your perspective. The support of the community has completely helped,” she said. “Their love and support is giving me life. I’m so appreciative of it. To have a loving community that allows [me] to have a positive outlook on things literally prolongs my life, and for that, I’m eternally grateful.”
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