Following Jennifer’s death, the mission of Jen’s Friends Cancer Foundation was revised to reflect her wishes that the money raised in her honor be used for others struggling with cancer within the Mount Washington Valley region. What originally began as an effort by a group of recent college graduates to raise funds for a close friend who was battling cancer is now one of the most recognized community-based public charities in northern New Hampshire.

In June 2001, Jen’s Friends was honored by the Mount Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce as the recipient of the Best of the Valley Award for non-profit fundraiser/charity event for 2001. At that time, Janice Crawford, Executive Director of Mount Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce, said, “Jen’s Friends makes a difference. We’re fortunate to have such a group here in our valley.”

In January 2007, Jen’s Friends received the 2006 Mountain Ear ‘Ear of the Year’ Award. As Tom Eastman, editor, explained, “This award is given annually to honor the person, event or institution which has – in the view of the editorial staff of The Mountain Ear – most contributed to the quality of life in Mt. Washington Valley.”

Since 1998, Jen’s Friends has supported more than 160 cancer patients and their families in the Mt. Washington Valley region. And in 2008 alone, Jen’s Friends paid out over $136,000 in non-medical bills for 43 clients and their families.