Those who know Jennifer Derr know her as a loving mother, devoted partner and passionate small-business owner with a warm heart and giving spirit. Now it’s their turn to repay the kindness.
Derr, owner of Scranton homegoods store Jenny’s Corner, was first diagnosed with breast cancer at age 29. Over the past 14 years, the Scranton woman has had hundreds of surgeries, treatments and trial drugs, and endured setbacks in the form of infections and complications. She also was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Recently, Derr has been fighting past breast cancer issues and is facing future concerns in her lungs. She must begin surgeries and treatment immediately.
To help aid the financial burden of cancer and treatment and to surround Derr with positivity and love, her family and friends will host a benefit for her on Sunday, Sept. 8, from 2 to 5 p.m. at The V-Spot Bar, 906 Providence Road, Scranton. Tickets cost $20 and include domestic beer and a buffet at the event, which also will have basket raffles. Proceeds will benefit Derr as well as her daughters, Mia and Camille, and partner of 16 years, Lisa.
For more information, visit the event’s Facebook page. Baskets and donations of any kind are being accepted. To donate, call Danielle Edsell at 570-947-5858; Christine Reese at 570-800-9282; Natalie McKeel at 570-687-7648; or Carrie Chase at 570-507-0106.
Through it all, Derr has documented her journey on her social media pages, and kept things real to educate people about what it’s like to experience the cancer and treatment. Derr also maintains a positive outlook and works to spread as much love and hope as she can.
“I never look at cancer as a handicap or a death sentence, as we all have one of those, but it is how I handle the information,” Derr said in a Facebook post. “I am extremely proactive, engaged in medical opportunities and fear nothing. All that I want is to make a difference in the world while I am here.”
If you go
What: Benefit for Jennifer Derr
When: Sunday, Sept. 8, 2 to 5 p.m.
Where: The V-Spot Bar, 906 Providence Ave., Scranton
Details: Tickets cost $20 includes domestic beer and a buffet at the event, which also will have basket raffles. Proceeds will benefit Derr as well as her daughters, Camille and Mia, and partner of 16 years, Lisa. For more information, visit the event’s Facebook page. Baskets and donations of any kind are being accepted. To donate, call Danielle Edsell at 570-947-5858; Christine Reese at 570-800-9282; Natalie McKeel at 570-687-7648; or Carrie Chase at 570-507-0106.
Gia Mazur is an award-winning staff writer and beauty obsessive who joined The Times-Tribune’s Lifestyles department in 2015. She’s a product enthusiast who can’t live without an eyelash curler. A proud Virgo, Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick in Pillow Talk is her go-to. Contact: gmazur@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9127; @gmazurTT
