Jenny Haigh, Minnesota Women’s Soccer Pioneer Faces Her Toughest Challenge

I’m updating this post so everyone will remember the benefit for Jenny Haigh which is tomorrow, Sunday April 26th. I encourage everyone from the Twin Cities soccer comunity to come out and support Jenny and her family.

Jenny Haigh has fought many a battle throughout her life. In the late 80′s, Haigh played soccer for both the St. Paul Blackhawks and Cretin-Derham Hall where she set many records. She went on to be a star forward for the UW Madison from 1991-95. During her time as a Badger she appeared in the NCAA Tournament four times, including the National Championship game in 1991. Haigh also had a brief stint in Europe playing for IFK Jonkoping in Sweden.

Haigh eventually moved into coaching where she managed the Middleton, Wisc. girls high school soccer team. She also trained and coached for Bangu. Her coaching led her to Arizona State which in turn eventually landed her the head coaching job at Northwestern University.

Today, Jenny is fighting a different sort of battle, one that isn’t on the soccer field. On Wednesday, January 7th, Jenny Haigh had an MRI to find the cause of pain she had been having in her neck. She was immediately admitted into the hospital with a broken neck, the result of several tumors along her spinal cord. She was quickly fitted for a halo to immobilize her neck and surgery was scheduled shortly thereafter. These tumors, or chordomas, have caused significant, irreparable damage to her vertebrae. The first surgery was successful in removing 60-70% of the largest chordoma, and a rod has been implanted to keep Jenny’s spinal cord safe, immobilizing her neck movement for the rest of her life.

As a former professional athlete and mother to a three year old boy, this permanent condition will require a dramatic shift in Jen’s lifestyle. While a hard truth for Jen to hear, she would be the first to tell you that her life is not without its share of blessings, as is evident by the love and support of her friends and family. Their words, thoughts and prayers have been paramount to Jen’s ability to face an uncertain future, with more surgeries and radiation needed to keep the remaining tumors at bay. The road ahead is long and daunting, a challenge Jenny is ready to face with steely resolve. Jenny is strong, and her positive attitude remains fierce, but the future is filled with financial uncertainties and burdens.

A benefit is being held for Jenny on Sunday, April 26th at O’Gara’s Garage in St. Paul. Your contribution to this event would be so greatly appreciated. All proceeds will go to defray medical and other expenses related to Jenny’s ongoing care, treatment and recovery.

For more information on the event, or to donate money, goods or services to the silent auction, please visit: www.teamjenny.com
For more information on Jenny’s status, please visit her Caring Bridge website.

A Benefit for Jenny Haigh
Sunday, April 26th, 4:00 to 9:00 pm
O‚Garas Bar Grill
164 Snelling Ave North