As she wrapped up helping chair one of the most successful Snoqualmie Valley Relay for Life cancer fundraisers – raising almost $100,000 for research and support services – Bev Jorgensen hadn’t been feeling well.
A couple of trips to her doctor left Bev facing a diagnosis she is familiar with as a support giver, but never thought would be her own – cancer.
Bev shared the lymphoma diagnosis with friends late last week, which has come as a shock to many friends.
You see, Bev is one of the Valley’s biggest givers. She has spent her 30 years here volunteering… to say it is her passion is a huge understatement. Giving to others is Bev’s life.
She was born to support. Bev is a the definition of selfless. She has been honored time after time for her commitment to this community. The awards include Heart of the Valley, Spirit of North Bend and Volunteer of the Year.
Having lost both parents and then her best friend Gloria to cancer – and watching the disease touch the lives of many other friends and neighbors – Bev has continually made Relay for Life a passion. Each January when local storefronts turn purple, you can bet she had a hand in making that happen.
Bev’s dedication and love of life is contagious. Her patience to just listen is what friends say sets her apart.
Bev, a mother of five who was widowed over 20 years ago, is also dedicated to raising her adult special needs son, Greg. She is passionate about Special Olympics – always keeping Greg active, competitive and connected to the community.
Bev Jorgensen is nothing short of special. She gives to others simply because she likes helping. She believes in community – and in the Snoqualmie Valley… no matter how it changes.
Things like this aren’t supposed to happen to people like her, but as Bev once told me, cancer isn’t fair and doesn’t discriminate, which is why she’s worked so hard all these years to find a cure.
But in true Bev fashion, she’s facing this head on, seemingly ready for the battle. After letting friends know about her new diagnosis, she displayed a positivity that might only be described as ‘so Bev.’
“I will be the victor! I am not posting this for sympathy but for prayers. Because I know prayer makes all things possible! This will be a journey full of life’s lessons and I’m ready!”
Family and friends are also doing anything they can to help, donating meals and household help while the lady who always does for others isn’t in a position to do as much for herself.
Bev said oncologist appointments begin this week and will offer more detailed information about the exact battle that lies in front of her. But even before that happens, friends have set up a GoFundMe page to help Bev, who is on a very fixed income, deal with the medical expenses anticipated to come her way.
In the words of the fundraising page, “This community is a greater place because her [Bev’s] hands have embraced each one of us. Now we get to finally help her.”
Bev Jorgensen, if anyone can kick cancer’s butt, it is you. Everyone is on your side and ready to support you in this new battle – family, friends, some you don’t even know… heck, even karma is on your side.
You can donate at Bev’s GoFundMe page HERE.
Comments
Bev for next 2 weeks I can help with transportation and meals. Covering you and your family with prayers.