In 2014, Jenna-Lee Clark was diagnosed with a rare type of cervical cancer. She was 28 years old, and given birth to her daughter Summer just seven weeks prior.

Treated at Chris O’Brien Lifehouse, Jenna was given the option of a complete hysterectomy or a radical trachelectomy – an innovative procedure that removed the cancer while sparing the uterus and ovaries. Jenna opted for this procedure, which meant she and her husband Aron would eventually welcome their son Vander into the family some time later.

As a way of saying thank you to her treating team at Chris O’Brien Lifehouse, Jenna-Lee, Aron and friend Mike created SurFebruary – an annual, month-long surfing event where participants spend each day of the month surfing or swimming to raise funds for the Chris O’Brien Lifehouse Living Room.

In 2020, SurFebruary raised $110,000 for our supportive care service – a range of evidence based therapies designed to alleviate the symptoms and side effects of cancer and treatment.

Jenna with Summer and Vander

The Chris O'Brien Lifehouse Arterie team with their destinctive orange caps

Xavier Neil, ambassador for SurFebruary, catching a wave in 2019