Today we’d like to introduce you to Jenn Dipirro
Hi Jenn, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
When I was invited to run with Every Woman’s marathon in Savannah GA with Milk4Life, I didn’t hesitate. The opportunity to take on 26.2 miles was something I couldn’t pass up, so in May of 2024, I laced up my shoes and committed to the training. But while I was preparing my body for the physical challenge ahead, something was happening inside of me that I never could have predicted.
Around the same time I started training, I began experiencing issues with my left ear—I couldn’t hear out of it. I kept going back to the ENT, trying drops and steroids, hoping for relief. Eventually, they decided to place a tube in my ear, and for the first time in weeks, I could hear again. But something still wasn’t right. My ear started leaking, and despite more rounds of steroids and antibiotics, the problem didn’t go away.
Finally, in July—right in the middle of my marathon training—doctors ran a CT scan. That’s when they discovered the real issue: a small hole in my skull. My brain was pushing through it, leaking cerebral spinal fluid out of my ear.
In August of 2024, I underwent a craniotomy to repair the hole in my skull. The surgeons placed metal plates to hold everything in place, ensuring that my brain was protected. The procedure was intense, and the recovery even more so. For six weeks, I focused on healing, allowing my body the time it needed to recover from something I never could have anticipated.
But even while I was resting, I never lost sight of my goal. The marathon was still on my mind.
At my six-week post-op appointment, I received the news I had been hoping for—I was cleared to start light running. It wasn’t much at first, but it was something. Each step felt like a victory, a reminder that I was still in this. I wasn’t giving up.
I built my strength back up, mile by mile, and by November, I was standing at the starting line of Every Woman’s Marathon in Savannah, Georgia. After everything I had been through—the uncertainty, the surgery, the recovery—I was there, ready to run 26.2 miles.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I was in so much pain but without having that marathon in sight I dont know If I would have healed as well as I did. I was in tip top shape going into the surgery as well.
I had to let me balance come back, I had to give my body time to rest, I had to let me hair grow back and my biggest struggle was giving my body time!
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a teacher for a public school and I truly feel I was born to teach and lead. This led me to become a virtual health and wellness coach! I LOVE being able to help people find their strength grit and determination to become the best version of themselves!
I am most proud of my work ethic, drive and staying authentic and true to who I am every single day!
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
Taking risks is what got me to where I am today! Turning my fear into strength to do the next big thing is what DRIVES me. Staying comfortable and complacent doesn’t help move the needle forward to finding out what you are truly capable of!
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