Greenhut Tollin Jennifer - Everyone Needs a Larry: Love with a Twist of Cancer

Early Praise for
Everyone Needs a Larry

It makes so much sense that Larry, my manager for many years, became Jenns greatest caregiver. It would have been a blessing to have this when going through my sisters cancer journey. Their story will entertain and educate, as well as inspire a deep sense of gratitude for every challenge we face. Congrats to Jenn and Larry!

Paula Abdul , American singer, dancer, choreographer, actress, and television personality

One of the most positive and valuable books out there on how to turn negative situations into positive ones. Cheers to all of the Larrys out there

Dr. T. Que Collins, Preventa Better Cancer Outcomes

I always knew Jenn was the best thing that happened to Larry. Who knew that Larry would be the best thing that happened to Jenn?! This isnt a cancer story, its a love story, written with candor, compassion, humor and heart. I promise it will make you smile, cry, and believe that good things can happen when you surrender and trust the journey!

Michael Tollin, Executive Producer, The Last Dance and Co-Chairman, MSM

Jenn and Larrys story is exactly what the doctor ordered. I highly recommend this beautiful book for anyone journeying through cancer or any adversity. Jenns awareness, courage, positivity and vulnerability are contagious.

Pat Croce, serial entrepreneur, former NBA executive,
NY Times bestselling author, and cancer survivor

Jenn and Larry teach us about the power of commitment. Their story will be a lifeline to others that are beginning their journey, and those who may have lost hope. It was a great pleasure to work with them as they healed, and now, as they continue to help others

Dr. Sheila Marie Campbell, LAc DACM

Everyone Needs
a Larry

Everyone Needs
a Larry

Love with a Twist of Cancer

A Memoir

Jennifer Greenhut Tollin
and Larry Tollin

It sounds so serious, no? A Memoir...

It IS a Memoir

How about, A Quirky, Happy Ending Memoir?

Definitely NOT.

Copyright 2022 by Jennifer Greenhut Tollin and Larry Tollin
Published by Zero Negative
Everyone Needs a Larry: Love w ith a Twist of Cancer

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.

Although the author and publisher have made every effort to ensure that the information in this book was correct at press time, the author and publisher do not assume and hereby disclaim any liability to any party for any loss, damage or disruption caused by errors or omissions, whether such errors or omissions result from negligence, accident, or any other cause.

Adherence to all applicable laws and regulations, including international, federal, state, and local governing professional licensing, business practices, advertising, and all other aspects of doing business in the US, Canada or any other jurisdiction is the sole responsibility of the reader and consumer.

Neither the author nor the publisher assumes any responsibility or liability whatsoever on behalf of the consumer or reader of this material. Any perceived slight of any individual or organization is purely unintentional.

The resources in this book are provided for informational purposes only and should not be used to replace the specialized training and professional judgment of a healthcare or mental healthcare professional.

Neither the author nor the publisher can be held responsible for the use of the information provided within this book. Please always consult a trained professional before making any decision regarding treatment of yourself or others.

ISBNs: 979-8-9858493-0-1 (Hardcover), 979-8-9858493-1-8 (Paperback),
979-8-9858493-3-2 (EbookEPUB)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2022905193

Text: Jennifer Greenhut Tollin and Larry Tollin
Cover Design: Laura Duffy Designs
Interior Design & Layout: Danielle Smith-Boldt

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Los Angeles, CA 90049
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Fighting cancer with love, one book at a time

For my mother, Ruthellen,
who taught me everything I know about caregiving.
I miss you so much,
LT

For YOU.
Thank you for opening your heart, allowing me
to inspire your souls desire to heal, to be happy,
and to love the life weve been gifted.
JJ

Its not about simply believing that everything happens for a reasonits about choosing what you want to believe and then running with it.

Jennifer Greenhut Tollin

Were like peanut butter and jelly... the crunchy kind!

Larry Tollin

Really? Thats your quote?

What? We are!

Table of Contents

Introduction

Do you remember the romantic comedy When Harry Met Sally? It is about two quirky people who meet, become friends, and, years later, fall in love despite their differences. Our storyline is similar, but we take things to a whole new level by adding stage IV cancer to the mix. We describe it as When Harry Met Sally... Then Sally Gets Cancer.

Surviving breast cancer is challenging, to say the least, but turning your spouse into your writing partner to tell the story of itwell, that has sequel written all over it. Our goal is to give you a he-said-she-said perspective from the caregiver and the patient.

Picture a loud-mouth boy from Philly meeting a sensitive, introspective girl from NYC. They fall in love, get married, and intend to live a life full of fun, travel, and, eventually, have some adorable kids together. But fate had other plans for these two. Because BAM! stage IV breast cancer came along and upended their newlywed lives, forcing them to change paths, rely on each other completely, and learn to overcome their numerous, but compatible, differences. In the time it takes to drink a cup of coffee, they had to become people they didnt know they could be. After all, it was a matter of life or death.

By the way, Im the patient. My name is Jenn, or JJ, and eighteen months into my new marriage, I received this shocking diagnosis. My journey involved endless doctor appointments, treatments, surgeries, and behind-the-scenes care. All of this would have been almost impossible to handle without 24/7 around-the-clock support. Which leads me to introduce my other half, husband, and caregiver extraordinaire, Larry or LT, as everyone calls him. Hell be sharing his story in BOLD, which is definitely more like Larrys tone. And al

Hello, everyone! And the pleasure is all mine! And yes, I will d

Hold on, babe, lemme finish...

Just to let you know, hes going to do that once in a while, interrupt mecome in and be cuteso this is a warning... prepare yourself.

Can I interject here? I want to give my pitch.

Well, Im not done yet, my love, but if you cant wai

In case you feel like this book might be a downer, let me tell you that its far from it. Trust me, Jenn and I wouldnt be interested in writing a sad cancer story as much as you wouldnt be interested in reading one. Which is why I felt it imperative to include the humor, the mistakes, and everything else about the dynamic between two people who fumbled their way along an unexpected path created by cancer. And dont worry, were not going to keep anything from you because its far more entertaining and far more relatable. Also, as everyone knows, I like to talk. This is more than just a story about surviving cancer; its about how to turn whatever is thrown at you from a negative into a positive. If my nonstop chatter about our newly discovered wisdom can help even one couple better navigate their way through their own personal storm, either with cancer or any life challenge, it will have been worth it for meand us.