Jenna’s Friendship Circle
Jenna’s Friendship Circle is a new program that connects survivors and friends the old fashioned way, through the mail. CBTF has lots of ways for you to meet people, participate in activities and become a member of our community.
Today, most of this is done online, which is great because it means you can join from wherever you are! Sometimes, stepping away from all the electronics and technology that keep us connected feels good. This is what makes Jenna’s Friendship Circle unique…you don’t have to log in, unmute or turn your camera on to be a part of it. Just check your mailbox every other month and look for something special for you!
Jenna’s Friendship Circle is funded by Jenna’s Rainbow Foundation and run by a team of young adult brain tumor survivors and friends that want to give back and brighten your day. The program was created in honor of Jenna Kamil* and all of the members of our community that provide constant support and encouragement to us and each other. We hope being a part of this program will brighten your day and make you feel special.
*Jenna’s Friendship Circle is named after Jenna Kamil, who died from a brain-stem tumor in May 1999 at the age of seven. The Friendship Circle was created in honor of Jenna who wished “the world would stay a rainbow.” We hope Jenna’s Friendship Circle will help fulfill Jenna’s wish and make the world a brighter place for brain and spinal cord tumor survivors by helping them know they are not alone.
Meet the Friends of Jenna’s Friendship Circle!
Ellory Branan
Favorite Color: Coral
Favorite Movie: Mary Poppins
Favorite Food: Ice Cream
Favorite Animal: Elephant
Bio: I was diagnosed at age 7 with Juvenile Pilocytic Astrocytoma. I was treated and studied St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. I’m now 32 and work at Michael’s. I love doing crafts singing in my church choir, going to Broadway musicals, and I have a big Disney heart.
Why Ellory likes being a part of JFC: Some of the most memorable times while I was undergoing treatment was getting to go to the mailroom. Getting to tear open the boxes and envelopes to see what surprises were inside. Reading cards from people I love and missed. Being part of Jenna’s Friendship Circle lets me be able to pass on that excitement. I get to send out my love and the person on the other end gets to physically know they are being thought of.
Andrea Erb
Favorite Color: Pink
Favorite Food: Tacos
Favorite Animal: Dog
Bio: I am a college student getting my degree in Office Administration. In my free time I like to read, travel and hang out with family and friends.
Why Andrea likes being a part of JFC: I like interacting with other survivors around the country.
Jason Burris
Favorite Color: Sky Blue
Favorite Movie: Independence Day
Favorite Books: The Hobbit, The Giver
Favorite Food: Peanut and Almond Butter
Favorite Animals: Dog, Elephant, Tiger, Bear
Bio: I am 39 years old and have had the privilege of experiencing a pituitary brain tumor at the age of 7 and as a result: all the scary stuff, the surgery, doctors appointments, endless meds and even the fun stuff that goes along with that. My passion is photography. My purpose is helping people. I enjoy arts, crafts, drawing, watching sports, business, cooking and reading. I try to live a very healthy lifestyle physically, mentally and nutritiously.
Why Jason likes being a part of JFC: I enjoy being part of Jenna’s Friendship Circle because it helps us get away from technology and develop more meaningful relationships. There is a sense of personal touch that is missing with technology. This program with the Children’s Brain Tumor Foundation helps develop a stronger community through helping each other in our struggles. Nothing is more important than helping other people. I have experienced this first hand via a card I received from a boy that warmed my heart and helped me realize why this is so important.
Cam Kozickl
Favorite Colors: Lime green or periwinkle
Favorite Food: Anything spicy
Favorite Animals: Whales and Bats
Bio: I was diagnosed at the age of 14 with craniopharyngioma, but I haven’t let My diagnosis stop me from achieving my goals and going after my dreams. I was first introduced to the children’s brain tumor foundation via their partnership with camp make a dream in late 2017 and I’ve been a part of their community ever since. Some activities I enjoy doing in my spare time include cooking, reading or listening to podcasts and trying new things. You can easily find me in a crowd thanks to my colorful and constantly changing hair color.
Why Cam likes being a part of JFC: I like being a part of Jenna’s friendship circle because I think there is a special kind of magic associated with sending letters and packages to someone via snail mail that you don’t normally experience everyday, and as a volunteer I have The special privilege of sending little surprises to people every other month.
Abbey Rene
Favorite Color: Pink
Favorite Movie: The Princess Bride
Favorite Food: Mac and Cheese
Favorite Animal: Butterfly
Bio: Hi! My name is Abbey and I am from Redwood City, California, which is about thirty minutes away from San Francisco. I live with my parents and younger brother and sister. In my free time I enjoy playing tennis and painting as well as any other creative activities.
Why Abbey likes being a part of JFC: I love being a part of Jenna’s Friendship Circle because of the connection between the volunteers and survivors. Each month we are able to send packages that incorporate fun activities that strengthens the ties within the CBTF community and broadens the support network. It has exposed me to people with common interests, with fun and fulfilling activities.