MMC-BD NEWS

When it comes to our health and wellness, Jayme Nielsen understands there are things we can control, and many others we can’t.

She couldn’t control being diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes, but she could control how she responded. Over the past five years, Jayme dedicated herself to activity, running many 5ks, 10ks, half marathons and marathons. The last two years she participated in her first triathlon and the JDRF Ride to Cure Diabetes 100-mile ride in La Crosse.

In March of this year, Jayme’s world fell apart when she was diagnosed with breast cancer at 39. The diagnosis coincided with the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, and a difficult time was compounded when she had no choice but to attend her chemotherapy appointments alone during a scary time in her life.

But once again, Jayme focused on what she could control. She has a Bachelor of Science in Clinical Laboratory Science and has been working in IT for Children’s Wisconsin supporting laboratory applications, and she has been able to work from home, reducing her exposure to COVID-19 and other viruses. Her husband Adam, however, still needs to go in to work where he sometimes performs COVID-19 testing. Together, they have two children, Lily, 13 and Quinn, 10.

Understanding that Jayme is at risk, Adam changes out of his work clothes in the garage before entering the house and washes them separately. The children are also taking it seriously, and understand the importance of wearing masks and social distancing.

“They have been great through all of this,” Jayme said. “They still continue to be mindful and comment when they see people not wearing masks or not taking it seriously. We have missed many family celebrations over the summer and don’t go and do things we normally would because we don’t want to contribute to the spread and because we want to stay healthy.”

Jayme successfully completed 16 rounds of chemotherapy and underwent a double mastectomy and is looking forward to a time when things get back to normal. But for now, she feels it’s important for everyone to do what they can, for themselves and for others.

“I know how it feels to be vulnerable and at risk, so I wear a mask to protect myself as well as the community,” said Jayme, whose sister Erica works for Marshfield Medical Center-Beaver Dam. “I am a person, I have value in this world, and I wish everyone cared more about the welfare of other people. I was healthy until I wasn’t, and I’m not alone.

“Simple acts like wearing a mask in public, social distancing and washing your hands can help keep us all healthier.”