Jerri Nielsen Finishes Her Fight With Breast Cancer
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| Jerri Neilsen Photo © Tim Boyle/Getty Images |
Dr. Jerri Nielsen became a motivational speaker, raising awareness about breast cancer as she traveled around the globe. Her cancer was in remission until 2005, when it spread to her liver and bones. Despite this, Dr. Nielsen kept on giving speeches and traveling worldwide to educate others about cancer.
In October 2008, the cancer metastasized to her brain. Despite this, Jerri Nielsen kept up her speaking schedule until March 2009. She lived to be 57 years old, and passed away at home in Southwick, Massachusetts. Dr. Nielsen is survived by her husband, Tom FitzGerald, and her parents, two brothers, and three children.
Speaking of Jerri Nielsen, her husband said, "She fought bravely, she was able to make the best of what life and circumstance gave her, and she had the most resilience I have ever seen in anyone. She fought hard and she fought valiantly." I like this quote from a speech that Jerri Nielsen gave in 2001 in Salem, Ohio: "People are all that really matter. ... You can be in a real hole, a horrible place, and if you have wonderful people, it doesn't matter." She did not live her life focused on cancer, nor let herself be defined by the disease - her experience of Antarctica made a great impact on her, and made her grateful for each day. Jerri Nielsen said, "The only thing that matters is: Did you live? Do you really live? Did you make a choice?"
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Comments
Wow, what a heroine! May she rest in peace. I wonder how she got access to the chemo drugs while she was in Antarctica…
She got the chemo drugs via a very publicized and extremely dangerious emergency air drop. You should read her story, it’s fascinating.
I enjoyed reading her book several years ago. She was a very interesting lady. Tenacious, stubborn, intelligent and a fighter. I think I would have liked her a great deal.
Dr. Jerri Nielsen FitzGerald was an amazing lady. My husband and I met her in 2005. I bought her book and read it.
I feel sorry for her children, they have no idea what they missed out on by turning their backs on her.
My condolences go out to her mom, dad, brothers, and husband.
I read her book and was struck with the bravery she showed.
She is an inspiration to me and, I know, so many other breast cancer survivors.
I just finished her book and Googled her to find out how she is know. After reading her one-of-a-kind story, I was so sad to find she just recently died. What an amazing woman.
March ‘08, Jerri sat at my table while on a cruise to Antarctica. What a blessing it was to be in her presence. The powerful energy radiating from her person prompted me to say to her, “I feel as though I’ve just touched the face of God.” She smiled and responded, “…and did He seem pleased?” (I’m very sure He was pleased.)