Community Corner
'Crazy Chemo Lady' Returns to Fight Cancer
Jodi Allen fought back against breast cancer in 2010 with her positive outlook. Now, the cancer is back, and so is the "Crazy Chemo Lady."
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In 2010, Jodi Allen was diagnosed with breast cancer. Rather than sink into depression, Allen instead decided to make the most of her chemotherapy treatments and began dressing up in outlandish outfits to cheer up the other patients getting chemo, which, in turn, made her own hospital visits more enjoyable.
Allen, of Chesterfield, also believes her positivity contributed to her being declared cancer-free. Recently however, tests revealed the cancer had returned, so Allen has once again become the "Crazy Chemo Lady," lightening the hearts of other patients at Missouri Baptist Medical Center, where she gets her treatments, and serving as an inspiration to others.
Allen took the time to share her thoughts on joy, perseverance, and faith.
Q: What’s the biggest challenge you’ve taken on?
A: I am currently battling stage 4 Triple Negative Breast Cancer. I was originally diagnosed in June 2010, and knowing that I would have to spend the summer doing weekly visits to the hospital for chemotherapy did not sound like fun. So I decided, "Lets have a little fun with this battle and make these weekly visits to the infusion center a bit more enjoyable."
Thus, the crazy chemo lady was birthed. Each week at chemo, we would select a theme, dress in costume and hand out trinkets to the other patients. We were pirates, princesses, cowboys, Mardi Gras revelers, and much more. Each week, we brought joy and encouraged others to take time to dance even in the midst of the storm!
This past January, the cancer returned, and although the medical prognosis is grim, my spirit and faith in God has not weakened. I feel God has called me to spread His Joy on this earth to others, especially those facing tremendous battles like I am.
Q: What inspired you to take on this challenge?
A: My sister originally inspired me to start the crazy chemo themes and friends and family and patients have encouraged me to keep it alive as I fight cancer again. I truly enjoy seeing the joy it brings others and if it takes their mind off the battle for just a few moments, then it is good.
I am struggling alongside them and sharing with them the hope that I find in Christ. I feel so blessed to have God use me in this way and to teach my two small children that you can always give back to others...sometimes your small, silly act may be just what someone else needs.
Q: Did you succeed?
A: In my opinion, success doesn't have to be measured in grand numbers or accomplishing major goals. For me, it is knowing I am doing God's work and spreading joy to those around me who are fighting for their lives! On top of that, I am having fun, which is huge sunshine for my own soul!
In 2010, Jodi Allen was diagnosed with breast cancer. Rather than sink into depression, Allen instead decided to make the most of her chemotherapy treatments and began dressing up in outlandish outfits to cheer up the other patients getting chemo, which, in turn, made her own hospital visits more enjoyable.
Allen, of Chesterfield, also believes her positivity contributed to her being declared cancer-free. Recently however, tests revealed the cancer had returned, so Allen has once again become the "Crazy Chemo Lady," lightening the hearts of other patients at Missouri Baptist Medical Center, where she gets her treatments, and serving as an inspiration to others.
Allen took the time to share her thoughts on joy, perseverance, and faith.
Q: What’s the biggest challenge you’ve taken on?
A: I am currently battling stage 4 Triple Negative Breast Cancer. I was originally diagnosed in June 2010, and knowing that I would have to spend the summer doing weekly visits to the hospital for chemotherapy did not sound like fun. So I decided, "Lets have a little fun with this battle and make these weekly visits to the infusion center a bit more enjoyable."
Thus, the crazy chemo lady was birthed. Each week at chemo, we would select a theme, dress in costume and hand out trinkets to the other patients. We were pirates, princesses, cowboys, Mardi Gras revelers, and much more. Each week, we brought joy and encouraged others to take time to dance even in the midst of the storm!
This past January, the cancer returned, and although the medical prognosis is grim, my spirit and faith in God has not weakened. I feel God has called me to spread His Joy on this earth to others, especially those facing tremendous battles like I am.
Q: What inspired you to take on this challenge?
A: My sister originally inspired me to start the crazy chemo themes and friends and family and patients have encouraged me to keep it alive as I fight cancer again. I truly enjoy seeing the joy it brings others and if it takes their mind off the battle for just a few moments, then it is good.
I am struggling alongside them and sharing with them the hope that I find in Christ. I feel so blessed to have God use me in this way and to teach my two small children that you can always give back to others...sometimes your small, silly act may be just what someone else needs.
Q: Did you succeed?
A: In my opinion, success doesn't have to be measured in grand numbers or accomplishing major goals. For me, it is knowing I am doing God's work and spreading joy to those around me who are fighting for their lives! On top of that, I am having fun, which is huge sunshine for my own soul!
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