Being a teenager comes with its own set of problems and hardships. These pettier issues are put into perspective when something truly devastating happens. North Harford senior, Jenna Damron has had her fair share of the latter.

When Damron was 14 years old her mom passed away from liver cancer, a disease that claims 23,000 lives a year according to cancer.gov. Damron’s mother lost her battle one week after Damron’s sophomore homecoming dance.

Originally told she was suffering from a pulled muscle by Patient First, Damron’s mother was then later informed it was gallstones causing her pain by Upper Chesapeake hospital. However, it was the University of Maryland Medical Center that diagnosed the problem as liver cancer, some two months later.

Damron’s mother had a clinical trial, which helps researchers and doctors alike determine how different treatments affect the patient and whether or not they help.

“Her treatment helped people and that’s what she would’ve wanted,” said Damron.

The tragedy brought Damron’s family closer together and although she’s suffered, Damron has grown as a person because of the ordeal.

“I had to be strong for my sisters who were seven and eight at the time. I get to know people before I judge them, because you never know what someone could be going through at the time,” shared Damron. “Also, spending time with your family is so important, because you never know how long you have with them.”

“My life is a lot different now for a lot of reasons. It’s kind of weird not having my best friend around. But I love how supportive my family is and my friends were and still are amazing about the situation,” said Damron