Jennifer Young

Jennifer Young was an M.Sc. student in her time at ABEL. A remarkable academic, she earned a Bachelor of Arts and Science at McMaster, and a Master in Mathematics, describing herself as a “math nerd/biologist hybrid” who was “addicted to CrossFit.” Her thesis was entitled, “Factors Affecting Population Dynamics of the Invasive Round Goby,” one she researched at ABEL. In September 2013, Jen was diagnosed with a rare small cell neuroendocrine cervical cancer with metastatic disease in the liver and lung. After several rounds of treatment, a thorough deep dive into clinical trials (during which Jen became the self-proclaimed “person they test new drugs on”) and a last-ditch effort to slow the growth of the liver tumors, Jen died on May 17, 2015, at the Juravinski Cancer Centre in Hamilton, Ontario.

Her academic excellence, positive attitude, kind heart, and love for CrossFit didn't stop there. Before her passing, Jen co-founded a foundation appropriately named "Love the Snatch" with her cousin, Ashlee, which remains dedicated to raising funds for cervical cancer research in her honour. Jen did everything from math to science to sports to her eloquent writing and musical talent. To read about her openly discussed battle with cancer, visit her personal blog, From Potato to Paleo.

Beyond her legacy of hope, which has raised over $30,000 dollars, to date, McMaster University dedicated the "Jen Young Memorial Award" in her honour, one awarded for remarkable students in math and science. Jen lives on through her foundation, her university, and above all, in the hearts of those who knew what an incredible and genuine person she was. Please donate or buy merchandise at Love the Snatch to preserve Jen's memory and provide others like her with the means to overcome.