The National Brain Tumor Society was the charity that was nearest and dearest to Jackie. She was an amazing advocate for them, raising so much money that they named a research chair in her honor. The first time the San Francisco Bay Area branch of the Brain Tumor Society asked Jackie to speak was 2010, the second walk after she was diagnosed. I came across this video of her speaking and was once again blown away by just how amazing she was, even during the worst of times.
If you can’t see the video above, click here.
Jackie’s memorial fundraising page for the National Brain Tumor Society can be found here.
DefendUSA says:
I have a photo for you…check your spam. I hope it makes you smile like this video…
Melanie says:
I heard this song on my way into work this morning for the first time. I thought of Jackie!
Kathi says:
Heather,
What an amazing speaker she was! Thank you for sharing that. I’m an oncology nurse, and when I tell people what I do I get the same response 99% of the time, “oh, that must be so sad”. And I give them the same response every time, “No, it’s not. Of course there are incredibly sad moments, but my patients have so much courage and hope that the day to day work is a joy”. We try to make our clinic a happy place for them to come to while they’re receiving chemo, and so many patients tell me that we’re the only ones who treat them normally (which is sad). Getting awareness out there for HOW to talk to cancer patients is a big thing too.
Anyway, while all cancer sucks, there are a few that I think are worse (just because there isn’t as much hope to give them as far as treatment options), and brain cancer is one of those. I’m so sorry you had to lose Jackie! – from reading your blog I get a sense of just how awesome she was!
Take care,
Kathi
Erin Christine says:
I love this. Thank you for sharing with us. What a beautiful soul! xoxo
Glenda says:
Inspiration!!! Amazing Jackie!
amourningmom says:
Jackie is such an inspiration – thank you again for sharing her with us. I can only imagine what a bittersweet week this is for you. Sending you extra hope and hugs. Grief can be exhausting at times – so be kind to yourself. xoxo
Jenifer says:
Hi there, I am the new event director for the NBTS Bay Area walk and I’ve recently learned of Jackie and her incredible spirit. She touched so many lives! Thank you for sharing this with all of us who didn’t get the opportunity to meet her – by sharing her story she is still able to inspire hope.
Kat says:
Wow! That she could be so encouraging and inspiring despite the seriousness of her disease is amazing. I wish she was MY friend! My Dad had a brain tumor that took him as well. He would have rocked that walk with a goofy headband too.
Lisa says:
You do such honor to your loved ones that have left by living the wonderful life you do….and I’m sure they are so incredibly proud of you.