Lincoln woman battling colon cancer gets Magic Moment

By: Lauren Fabrizi
lfabrizi@klkntv.com

Jennifer Bratcher has spent the last decade traveling with her lifelong partner, James Rosekrans, and their two daughters, Cameryn and Kaya.

Soon after returning from their trip to Thailand in June, Jennifer was diagnosed with colon cancer.

“My health deteriorated really quickly after that,” Bratcher said. “It was just a huge shock because I was so active.”

Bratcher hasn’t responded to any chemotherapy treatments. The cancer spread to her liver and lungs. Her sister, Natalie Bratcher, wants to make sure the little time she has left with her family is memorable.

“We really want them to be comfortable and happy and enjoy their time as a family,” Natalie said.

So she nominated her sister for a Union Bank Magic Moment. The family spent Monday morning celebrating Christmas early.

Gift certificates to the nail salon and movies among other places will help Jennifer spend time with the girls and Rosekrans. Soft blankets will keep her warm while she rests. And it wouldn’t be a Christmas celebration without a family tradition, fleece pajamas.

“Our children, just to see their eyes light up as they were opening their gifts,” Bratcher said. “It was so amazing.”

But what Bratcher and Rosekrans are most thankful for is the tremendous amount of support they’ve received from family, friends and their work community.

“It’s a difficult battle,” Bratcher said. “And so it’s nice to have people around you that’ll come help brush your hair or help put your boots on, or whatever I need help with.”

Union Bank also finished off the family’s basement so Bratcher can have extra room to rest. She hopes her story will be a warning to others to get screened for colon cancer.