Jennifer Valenti of Mount Arlington was just 39 years old when she was diagnosed with Stage II breast cancer in May 2017. While raising her kids Jack, now 18, and Emma, now 15, she came across an unexpected source of inspiration: an organization called Inheritance of Hope, a community for young families who are affected by terminal illness.
An educator for many years (currently a Learning Disabilities Teacher Consultant on the Hopatcong Child Study Team for grades preschool through grade 12), she has shared that message with her students as well. And nearly ten years later, she is finding it a source of inspiration again, after her husband Mike was diagnosed with Stage IV pancreatic cancer in November 2024.
Here, Jennifer shares her story of hope, perseverance and courage, as she and her family get ready to take a Legacy Retreat provided by Inheritance of Hope.
New Jersey Family: Tell us about your personal connection to breast cancer, both in your own life and through your students?
Jennifer Valenti: At the time of my diagnosis, my daughter was in kindergarten and my son was in third grade. To accommodate my treatment schedule, I was offered a position as a Basic Skills Teacher for grades 1 through 3, which provided much-needed flexibility.
During that period, I worked closely with two young children whose mothers were living with metastatic disease. When I returned to my classroom the following fall, both children were in my third grade class in the Dover Public School District. When I came to the Hopatcong School District, I learned that the mother of one of my students was recently diagnosed with Stage IV breast cancer.
During this time, I supported all of these families in many ways—watching their children, preparing meals, accompanying them to wig appointments, securing medical supplies, and offering small but meaningful comforts, like painting their nails. Although my own journey with breast cancer was behind me, I felt a profound connection to these families and a deep desire to support them in ways that extended beyond the classroom.
As a teacher with Dover Public Schools, I created a community service project that invited students to care for others during some of life’s hardest moments by creating chemo care packages for patients at our local oncology office. The classes raised funds for supplies, lovingly assembled each package, and delivered them with compassion and hope.
My cancer diagnosis became an unexpected gift, enabling me to better support my family, students, and community by sharing resources and fostering meaningful relationships.
NJF: You discovered Inheritance of Hope through an Instagram post by Kendra Scott. What inspired you to get involved and volunteer?
JV: The Kendra Scott Foundation partners with Inheritance of Hope to fund Legacy Retreats designed to help young families navigate the terminal illness of a parent. I had a feeling that this was the support my students and their parents needed. When I reached out to Inheritance of Hope, they instantly embraced my students and their parents like family. Through helping my students become involved with this organization, I became aware of the vast opportunities and free resources Inheritance of Hope has.
After attending my first Legacy Retreat as a volunteer, my desire to be more involved with this organization deepened. Since then, my role has shifted to include being a Family Navigator as well as being involved with weekly online support groups.
NJF: Are there any moments or families you’ve worked with through Inheritance of Hope that have stayed with you?
JV: Two of my former students have volunteered alongside my children and myself at the Kendra Scott store at the Short Hills Mall for Holley Day, giving back on behalf of Inheritance of Hope. Holley Day is held annually on October 13—Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day—in honor of Kendra Scott’s late friend, Holley Rothell Kitchen. Through the Kendra Scott Foundation, 20 percent of sales from this day benefit Inheritance of Hope, supporting Legacy Retreats.
After I changed districts, two students I supported through Inheritance of Hope joined with my children, Jack and Emma, to carry our work forward—continuing to create chemo care packages for patients at Oncology and Hematology Specialists of New Jersey, where both their mothers and my family received treatment. Our connection to Inheritance of Hope has deeply inspired us to keep showing up for our community with empathy, generosity, and love.
NJF: What has it been like navigating your husband’s diagnosis and illness together as a family?
JV: As devastating as this diagnosis has been for our family, the resources I have gained through my involvement with Inheritance of Hope over the past eight years have been vital in helping us navigate this new chapter of our lives. Inheritance of Hope has taught me to live with greater intention, especially during challenging seasons. For our family, this has meant intentionally creating a legacy that will last for generations.
Although we are facing a challenging illness, the memories we have created are ones we would want for our children regardless of my husband’s diagnosis. Over the past year, we have recorded our voices telling our children that we love them and written cards for future milestones such as graduations, weddings, and the births of potential grandchildren.
NJF: How is Inheritance of Hope supporting you and your kids?
JV: Inheritance of Hope has been a beacon of support for our family every step of the way. They offer weekly online support groups where you can let your guard down and share both the highs and lows of your journey. The people in these groups truly understand, because they have been there themselves.
I previously volunteered to host the Metastatic Breast Cancer support group, and after my husband’s diagnosis, I recently joined the Caregiver group. Moving forward, my children plan to join the Teen group, and my husband may join the Living with Illness group. Support groups have been instrumental in validating my emotions, celebrating our wins, and offering encouragement during the more challenging times and I am looking forward to my family joining them as well.
This Christmas, our family was gifted a Legacy Song through Inheritance of Hope. Legacy Songs are another wonderful, free resource provided by this organization—they are written with kindness and love, specifically for each family, based on the information you provide. Our personalized song captures the heart of our family and is something we will treasure always. We are deeply grateful for Inheritance of Hope’s heart to serve and for creating a community that truly “gets it.”
Inheritance of Hope also offers free Legacy Videos to anyone, regardless of a diagnosis.
NJF: Your family will be traveling to a Legacy Retreat in Orlando this month. What does this experience mean to you, and what are you most hoping your children will take away from it?
JV: My relationship with Inheritance of Hope has truly come full circle. Seeing the smiling faces of the staff and volunteers when we arrive will feel like a joyful family reunion. Inheritance of Hope refers to it as “Jorrow,” joy in the midst of sorrow. We are looking forward to exploring tools and resources to help us navigate our new normal in the face of a challenging diagnosis. I am excited for my husband and children to experience the love and sense of community that this organization so generously offers. My hope is that, after being served, my family can return in the future as volunteers to give back and support other families in the same way we have been embraced by Inheritance of Hope.
NJF: What do you hope your children will remember most about this time in their lives?
JV: A diagnosis of terminal cancer can feel isolating, and I hope my family can connect with others on a similar journey so they know they are never alone. Our children are surrounded by caring individuals in this organization who support them through all seasons of life’s challenges and celebrations. My hope is that this experience will strengthen our family’s faith, hope, and love for one another. The Legacy Retreat will only deepen our appreciation for this organization and continue to inspire our desire to give back to our community. Above all, we hope that our children remember that they are always loved, supported, and encouraged through each adventure that they will encounter.
NJF: What are some of your most cherished family traditions?
JV: My family is from Massachusetts and we have been going to Cape Cod since our children were very little. We enjoy exploring the places that I went to with my parents when I was younger, while creating new memories with each adventure. Additionally, my father, father-in-law, husband and son all love cars. Coming together to visit car shows allows us to keep the memory of our fathers alive while enjoying this pastime alongside our children.
NJF: Where are some of your favorite places in New Jersey to spend time together as a family?
JV: Our family lives on Lake Hopatcong and loves everything the lake has to offer. Our children grew up night fishing in the backyard, taking sailing lessons, and now enjoy rowing on the lake. Between swimming, boating, and visiting local restaurants, our area has many opportunities to make memories and be intentional as a family.
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