Jennifer Eller found more than a workout when she discovered the weightlifting community. She found encouragement, connection, and a place to challenge herself physically and mentally. Through dedication and hard work, she earned several weightlifting records. She never imagined that an unexpected injury would change her ability to participate in the sport she loved.

While training, Jennifer accidentally dropped a weight on her chest. The injury required medical attention, including imaging of her upper body. What those images revealed was something Jennifer never expected: cysts on her lungs and eventually a diagnosis of lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM).

Suddenly, Jennifer was navigating a disease she knew little about. She turned to The LAM Foundation for information, resources, and support. Through the Foundation, she connected with a LAM Clinic at the University of North Carolina and began making annual visits to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for continued care.

Although Jennifer can no longer lift the weights that once earned her records, she hasn’t stopped challenging herself. She now focuses on exercises that help protect her lungs and preserve lung function, finding new ways to stay strong while taking care of her health.

Jennifer also makes sure she’s ready to help others learn about LAM. A full time Speech-Language Pathologist, she stays connected to the LAM community through virtual learning events and can be found carrying a LAM Quick Facts card on her purse. She’s even turned her gratitude into action, organizing Facebook fundraisers to support The LAM Foundation and help other women facing LAM.

For Jennifer, finding The LAM Foundation meant finding people who understand, trusted information to help guide her decisions, and resources she could share with her care team. It’s the kind of support she wants other women to find, too.

But Jennifer has another goal: she wants to return to the sport she loves.

Imagine what might be possible if women living with LAM had better guidance about treatment, exercise, and protecting their lung function. What if they could pursue the activities they love with greater confidence and fewer limitations? What if new treatments gave them even more possibilities?

These are the questions that make continued investment in LAM research so important.

Jennifer’s story is a reminder of why we keep moving forward. Today, women living with LAM need connection, information, and compassionate support. Tomorrow, they need research that leads to better treatments and, ultimately, a cure.

Your gift helps make both possible. It helps women find support today while giving researchers the resources to pursue a future with more answers, more options, and more hope.

Because every woman deserves the chance to imagine what’s possible.

Make your gift in honor of Jennifer and all women living with LAM