Best friends fight breast cancer together | News, sports, jobs

Photo provided by Jessica Bernstein Wendi Smith and Jenny Ellison-Moore have been friends since they were in middle school in Lake Arrowhead, California. Now the two friends are fighting breast cancer together, despite being on opposite sides of the country.

Jenny Ellison-Moore and Wendi Smith have a bond that dates back to their childhood in the San Bernardino Mountains. Their friendship now faces its biggest challenge yet.

On February 19, 2024, Eillison-Moore, who now lives in Oregon and is a single mother of four, received the heartbreaking news of her diagnosis. Just weeks later, Smith, a mother of two and caring for her elderly father who lives with her, received the same devastating news.

Smith had been putting off a mammogram even though he had noticed some warning signs during self-exams; After her friend's diagnosis, she knew she had to get checked out.

In February, Smith was diagnosed with Paget's disease (PAJ-its) of the breast, a rare form of breast cancer.

The women have two very different types of breast cancer, which means two different treatment methods. However, both women had to undergo surgical removal of their right breasts, which was an emotionally challenging battle for them as they came to terms with the loss of a body part.

Smith underwent her mastectomy in July and was admitted to the Cleveland Clinic two weeks later for MRSA.

Smith has six more radiation treatments; She will then return to the Cleveland Clinic for a CT scan to ensure her body is cancer-free and a bone density scan.

“The unknown was scary, at first it was a question of whether I was going to live or die, but Jenny and I are both pretty positive people and were able to be there for each other.” Smith said.

“Through it all, they remain pillars of strength and are determined to fight this cruel disease with courage and grace.” said her childhood friend Jessica Bernstein.

Bernstein set up a GoFundMe account for the women to ease the financial burden of battling cancer, as both women had to take time off work for treatment and overcome these challenges while raising young children and theirs ran the household.

Smith advocates that everyone, man or woman, get checked for breast cancer, especially if they notice any abnormalities.

Smith says the Warren community has been incredible.

“The support and encouragement I have received from people is incredible. I couldn’t ask for a better community.” Smith said.