17/02/2026
Meet Jenna, co-founder of SurFebruary.
The 17th of February is a very special day for Jenna and SurFebruary.
Today is the anniversary of Jenna’s cancer remission - a day that she says “I have had mixed feelings about over the years, pure joy, relief, guilt, deep gratitude. But one thing remains true, its an opportunity to really reflect on life, and a reminder for my family and I on the reasons why we do what we do.”
Just 6 weeks after the birth of her daughter Summer, Jenna was diagnosed with cancer.
“I was 28 years old, a new wife and mother, full of life and dreams for the future to be told that the conventional treatment for my cancer would leave me infertile”
Hoping for a second child the team at Chris O’Brien Lifehouse were able to offer Jenna an innovative option of treatment that could preserve her fertility,
“2 years later, we were blessed with Van. The first baby born to Chris O’Brien Lifehouse post this treatment. This has paved the way for more patients to undergo this treatment too. More babies born to loving families. And years later I get to sit here on this day and feel grateful for that.”
“With this epic SurFebruary community, we create HOPE. The money you raise fund crucial new research projects. Advances in screening and surgical procedures are all products of research. And research is hope.
Without it, quite simply, I may not be standing here today, and that amazing, super fun little grom Van wouldn’t be either.”
“So each time you get into the water for the second half of this month, just remember that each and every one of you is making a difference, a ripple effect that will touch so many patients with cancer now and into the future.”
Thank you, Jenna, for sharing your story. The origin story of SurFebruary.