At age 24, most young women are seeking their share of escapades and adventure, embracing and enjoying the game of life. This was not the case with Jennifer Falkenstern, a Norwood native whose battle with cancer inspired her to help others confronted with overwhelming challenges of their own.

Diagnosed in December 2003 with acute myelogenous leukemia (AML), Falkenstern embarked on an uphill battle to overcome the insidious disease. For a while, she remained in remission; then, in September 2005, the cancer returned. After an extensive donor search, Falkenstern, in April 2006, underwent a bone marrow transplant at Hackensack University Medical Center. The success rate for the procedure hovers around just 50 percent, yet Falkenstern remained determined to fight. An article in The Record that year on her plight and incredible pluckiness caught the eye of Patrick Gonnelli, founder of the then-nascent Smile Forever Foundation, a financial-support group established in the memory of his wife, Barbara, who had succumbed to breast cancer in 2003. Moved by Falkenstern’s story, Gonnelli offered to help; moved by her extraordinary experience with Closter-based Smile Forever, Falkenstern became a frequent volunteer with the foundation, and ultimately joined its board.

Today, Falkenstern, 29, is fund-raising director for the organization, which recently expanded its mission to include families affected by autism. Now living in Englewood, she works closely with Gonnelli, maintaining the Web site (www.smile-forever.org) , securing grants and loans, organizing fund-raisers and giving talks at schools and community centers. And while still fighting for a complete recovery, Falkenstern continues to wear a winning smile – and do her best to spread cheer where it’s so needed.

Recently, Falkenstern adds, she learned the identity of the donor who saved her life; logistics – and health concerns – permitting, she hopes to one day travel to  Sweden to meet the good Samaritan who underwent the risky transplant process to give so selflessly. “Scandinavia!” she marvels. “Such a small world. It’s just so amazing.” Proving that the reach of philanthropy truly goes on … forever.