Realtor Mom Transforms Tragedy Into Thousands of Chemo Bags for Children in Need

When her teenage son Tyler was diagnosed with cancer, New Mexico real estate professional Michelle Jenson’s world changed overnight.

What began as a devastating family ordeal has since grown into a mission to support every child in the state enduring cancer treatment.

Jenson, an associate broker with Simply Real Estate in Albuquerque, recalls that Tyler — then a standout high school athlete — showed few signs of illness.

What she thought was a sports injury turned out to be a tumour in his neck.

The diagnosis was shocking.

Introduced during Tyler’s treatment to the Children’s Cancer Fund of New Mexico, a nonprofit dedicated to easing the burden for families, Jenson says she only realised the depth of its impact after her son went into remission.

“They help every single child in New Mexico who has cancer, yet hardly anyone knows they exist,” she says. Today, as a board member, Jenson works to change that.

The Fund raises nearly $1 million annually, providing everything from meal vouchers for families during hospital stays to scholarships for young survivors.

To complement this, Jenson and a close friend created “chemo bags” — practical and comfort-focused packs that include essentials such as toiletries, paracetamol, towels, cosy socks, colouring books, and blankets.

“Hospital visits can happen without warning,” Jenson explains.

"These bags make sure families are never caught unprepared.” Initially distributing them directly to hospitals, she soon partnered with the Children’s Cancer Fund to guarantee the bags reached every family in need.

Beyond this initiative, Jenson also volunteers with Make-A-Wish New Mexico, helping raise funds for life-changing experiences.

She says her son’s resilience remains her driving force.

“When Tyler was in treatment, he said that once he recovered, he wanted to encourage other athletes to see a doctor if they had any pain. That awareness could save lives.”

What started as a mother’s heartbreak has become a statewide support network — and an inspiring example of how real estate professionals can change lives far beyond the transaction.