The Quiet Strength of One Maine Woman Inspiring Us All

I went to school with Jena at Lewiston High School. Throughout the years, we’ve been in and out of touch, but I began noticing her quiet battle, years ago. And anytime I see her online posts, at least for me, I walk away inspired. 

Jena Litrocapes doesn’t scream her trauma into the world, she doesn’t yearn for sympathy or seek praise. She shares her story with grounded humility, honesty, and strength simply to help others. 

That’s what makes her different.  

I recently connected with Jena and must share a tiny bit of why this woman is a hero to so many Maine people. Back in February of 2024, while in a meeting as HR Manager for Walmart Transportation in Lewiston, she suddenly lost her train of through.

Quiet Strength of One Maine Woman Living Fully

She told me,

"During a meeting at work, I lost my train of thought mid-sentence. Completely blank. Later, I felt a sudden jolt in my head that stopped me in my tracks. My assistant and manager insisted I get checked out — even though I resisted. That decision likely saved my life."

A scan at St. Mary’s Medical Center revealed a 2.5 inch mass on her brain.  

She was transported to Maine Medical Center, where doctors diagnosed her with Stage II Oligodendroglioma, this is an inoperable brain tumor. 

The diagnosis isn’t the only thing that stands out, it’s how she chosen to live ever since.  

Jena shared,

"Many people associate brain tumors with seizures, but not all brain tumors present that way. Mine didn’t. My symptoms were headaches, exhaustion, memory changes, and weakness — symptoms that are easy to explain away."

Jena went through 30 rounds of radiation and six months of chemotherapy, despite that, she kept working. She kept serving her community. She continued to show up for her husband and beautiful daughters.

She went on to say,

"Strength doesn’t mean I don’t struggle. Strength means I struggle — and I keep going anyway."

She didn’t stop supporting causes like Special Olympics Maine and local fundraising efforts. Even jumping into the freezing cold Maine waters for charity. Jena didn't give up.  

Put’s a lot into perspective doesn’t it?  

She of course admits, not every day does she feel strong, but strength is not about pretending, it’s about continuing. 

Cancer may live in her brain, but it does not define her soul or spirit. She is still here, still leading, still serving, still living.  

Today, Jena she gets MRI scans every three months. The tumor is still there, but is not growing. She shared with me that they watch carefully. They hope. They live.

Early detection saves lives. Make sure to go to your yearly exams and if anything physically seems out of sorts with your health, don’t put it off.

Jena wants all of us to live, fully. Let’s show her we are all #jenastrong.