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Wednesday, December 26, 2007 9:56 AM CST

Thank you to everyone for your posts, notes, cards, phone calls, flowers, etc. We are humbled by the outpouring of love we've received during the holidays. And as expected there have been some really hard days...and probably more to come. Not having Jenna here for Christmas gave us each an ache in our hearts that just can't be described. As with everything else this year, it just felt "off". But we have had some good days with smiles, laughter and happy memories. And knowing that Jenna was in heaven with Jesus for Christmas--how wonderful is that! Knowing she isn't sick, there is no cancer....just pure joy and happiness. We will see her again one day and find out the reason for all of this. That will help carry us thru the days to come.

He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak.

Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;

but those who hope in the LORD
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be feint
Isaiah 40: 29-31

Thank you again for all your prayers love and support.

Love,
Michael, Tricia & Morgan

Saturday, December 15, 2007 8:30 AM CST

We've had a hard enough time getting into Christmas this year and this crazy "record breaking" warm weather is not helping at all. 80 degrees does not make you think about Christmas (or at least not normally around here). Just another thing that makes this year feel even more "off". I have been avoiding the malls as much as possible and have done a lot of internet shopping this year. Just not up for the crowds or seeing gifts that I know Jenna would have liked. And besides--Christmas is not about the material gifts. Speaking of gifts--if you need something for that someone special....the Lite 102.9 Radiothon for the Levine Children's Hospital is going on right now. Call and make a donation in someones honor or memory. You'll feel great....Morgan and I did it yesterday.

Morgan was home sick yesterday. She's got a cold/yucky cough going on. I think she's on the mend though. She had a busy week. Thursday was her performance in the school Holiday Play. She did a great job--she read one of her favorite "December Memories". It was about the fun we have taking the annual Christmas photo with Wilson. That is a happy memory and you've seen a lot of those pictures with Jenna and Morgan and big old Wilson. They used some of our pictures in a slide show at the end. Today Morgan is headed up to make gingerbread houses with our neighbors--it is something she and Jenna have done for the last 2 years and Morgan is looking forward to it. Shs has felt Jenna's absence just at much as we have --hearing her say "I miss Sissy" ---well, you can imagine how hard that is. We all miss her....in little ways, in big ways, for the craziest reasons, for the normal that isn't here any more....and mostly we just plain miss her sweet spirit and presence in our daily lives.

We're still working on the joyful, thoughtful and thankful. I have to say Morgan's contagious giggle/laughter and free spirit bring such joy to us. We went out last night and tried to see a shooting star during the meteor shower....it was definitely entertaining--especially when she was looking in the telescope at a planet and missed a shooting star that Michael and I were able to see. She was not happy and Michael and I just had to laugh. She is a special gift from God.

Please keep praying for our family and all the other families who have lost their loved ones....the holidays are harder than you can imagine. Also keep the children (& adults) still fighting cancer in your prayers. I have to say it again--don't forget what's really important this Christmas season. Spend time with the ones you love making special memories. And remember the birth of Jesus is what it is all about--his birth gives us the hope of being with our precious loved ones again one day.

We continue to be thankful for each of you who love and support us thru this site.

Love,
Tricia, Michael & Morgan

Thursday, December 6, 2007 8:55 AM CST

Hello everyone.
Well, it's December and there are so many memories surrounding us. We're doing our best to be "joyful, thoughtful and thankful". Right now I think the "thankful" part is working---I am so very very thankful for the wonderful memories that I have of Jenna. The special ornaments, the pictures, the written words and of course her wonderful smile help keep me going. We also have a lot of love--we feel surrounded by people who truly care for us and we have our strong love for Jenna which bonds us as a family. Jenna taught us the true meaning of love. We miss her so much and it's just twice as hard this time of year.

We continue to do some "normal" traditions and then we're throwing in some new traditions as well. We'll just see what works best for any given day at any given time. Some days we just have to "put on a game face" for the outside world and keep going.

Morgan's social calendar continues to be full. There's chorus and drama practice for school play, soccer, birthday parties, and lots of other things that keep us on the go. And as I've said before--busy is good for all of us.

Have a wonderful week--make sure you take the time to be with ones you love and make memories--that's much more important than anything going on during this hectic time of year. Please keep praying for the children battling cancer and for those who have lost their precious children to cancer.

Love,
Tricia, Michael & Morgan

Almost forgot....we were able to see Jenna's finished room before Thanksgiving. Another thing we are "thankful" for right now. I added a picture of the plaque.

Sunday, November 25, 2007 6:35 PM CST

Hello
Hope everyone had a good Thanksgiving and enjoyed time with loved ones. Our day went well (or as well as it could under the circumstances). We're pretty much sticking to our traditions--some people say they have to do something completely different after losing a child. I think we've found comfort in the traditions/routines--so far. We enjoyed being together with family and had much to be thankful for.

Now that we've made it thru Thanksgiving we can all feel the Christmas holidays approaching......it's like a switch has been flipped or something. Even knowing that we're almost at 11 months without Jenna seems so overwelming. How can it have been almost a year without her beautiful smile and sweet self? Everyone kept saying "the holidays will be the hardest" and we knew it and anticipated it....but it's just here already--in little ways and sometimes big ways. And let me just say, I can tell it is not going to be easy--what people have said is going to be so true. Michael and I hurt for the loss of Jenna and we hurt just as much for Morgan's loss of Jenna. Morgan is grieving and hurting right along with me and Michael. This is all just as hard or harder for her. So, I would ask that instead of praying for "the Witherspoon family", please pray for each of us specifically--we all have such different hurts in our hearts right now. We are all going to need lots of prayers during the next month or so.

Our minister concluded his sermon today with 3 words to help everyone approach the holidays with the right mindset. I think I will be repeating them a lot! We are to approach the holiday season joyfully, thoughtfully and thankfully. Joyfully--the angel delivered good news of great joy. Thoughtfully--what is this season really about? Thankfully--for the gift of Jesus' birth.

Thank you for following our journey and showing us such love and support. Thanks to those who check in on us but don't always post. Thanks to those who keep us close in thought and in prayer. Thanks to those who don't know what to say but still make the effort thru a hug or other gesture. Thanks to those who just seem to know when we're having an off day and check on us at the right time. Thanks to those who listen when we rant or rave and don't take it personally. Thanks to those who listen when we want to talk about Jenna. Thanks to those who share their "Jenna memories" with us. God has blessed us with each of you and we are very thankful.

Love,
Tricia, Michael & Morgan

Saturday, November 17, 2007 3:55 PM CST

Hello.
We're still here.....still moving along....still missing Jenna. Nothing has changed in that department.

Morgan found some "I'm Thankful For..." lists from 2005. Thought I would share what Jenna put on her list....

From Jenna Thanksgiving 2005.
I'm thankful for...
Child Life
CMC
Children's Miracle Network
My Neurosurgeon
Animals
Caring People
Love
Girl Scouts
School
My pool
Medicine
Clothes
My parents
Teachers
Friends
God
My grandparents
Computers
Wacky Wilson
My hair
Braces
Heat
My sister
My doctors
My home
Nurses

I really like the order of her list. I'm thankful we have special memories like this to help remind us to be thankful even we don't always feel like it. Will try and update next week--there are many things our family has to be thankful for and I'm going to try and capture them.

Love,
Tricia, Michael, & Morgan

Tuesday, November 6, 2007 6:34 AM CST

Good morning.
We're all doing ok right now. Morgan had a very good time trick or treating last week and came home with quite the load of candy. Morgan got her report card last week and she had straight A's. We are very very proud of her! She's almost finished with her travel soccer--one more game this weekend. But then she's going to be playing indoor soccer--a bunch of the girls on her travel team are doing it so she of course wanted to do it too. So, we'll be busy as usual around here. Which is probably going to be a good thing with the holidays approaching so quickly.

I was able to get away for a girls weekend with my friends Lynn and Sharon. We spent the weekend in Mt. Pleasant/Charleston area. It was a lot of fun--lots of shopping, good food, laughter and even a few tears. It's still a little tough to come home after being away--the reality of our life is always there waiting for you. I once read this list of "Grieving Parents Wish List" (what they wish people knew)and it mentioned a couple things that have been hitting me lately. One was that some people think that after about 6 months that the grieving is over (not true--and especially with the loss of a child) and the other is that grief changes people--people are not the same person they were before they lost their loved one and they never will be. I think that's the one that's been on my mind most. I do feel so "different"....some days it's like I don't fit in. To the outside world, I'm sure I look the same or appear to be the same but inside I am so different. It's hard to be around people who have mixed up priorities or people who just don't "get it".....do they not realize that the car they drive, or the house they live in, or the clothes they wear, don't really matter? That stuff is so not important....but so many are wrapped up in it and other things. If they only spent as much time and energy on loving the people around them and letting them know how much they mean to them. And then there's Christmas coming up--so many people are already talking about what they're buying for their kids, where they're going, etc. And here we are the family that celebrates our first Christmas without our child and 2 days later it's the anniversary of her death. Talk about feeling "not right". That one tops the list. It doesn't mean you can't talk about Christmas in front of me--it's just a statement of how I'm feeling right now. Ok, enough of that. We are different--that's just the way it is. But we're also different from a lot of people in the fact that we have experienced the grace of God and his love in a way that others have not. He has and will continue to hold this family in the palm of his hand......God is good to this "different" family!

Have a great week and please keep praying for all of us parents, siblings and grandparents who have lost our loved ones.

Love,
Tricia, Michael & Morgan

PS: added a picture of Morgan's Halloween costume.

Saturday, October 27, 2007 2:03 PM CDT

10 months.
How can it be that our sweet, smiling Jenna has been gone from us for that long? It still seems so unreal. We miss her so much every single day. There's just a great big Jenna sized hole in our hearts. There are sweet reminders/memories of her everywhere but there are also reminders of her absence as well. It's just not easy for any of us--we all miss her in different ways. I still miss taking her to school everyday. I miss her smile. I even miss her big steroid cheeks (never thought that would come from me :-). I miss tucking her into bed at night. I miss her trying "to boss" Morgan and their arguments. I miss hearing her tell me "Love you" at bedtime. I could just go on and on and on. It does help to know that she is in heaven and it's the most wonderful place and she is experiencing true love and joy beyond anything we can imagine.

Thank you to those who are still with us, still checking in, still crying with us, still remembering Jenna, still taking care of and supporting Morgan, still offering kind words/gestures, and mostly for those still praying.

We love and appreciate you all.

Please keep praying for families who have lost their children to cancer....we lost another young girl named Katlyn to a brain tumor this week.

Love,
Tricia, Michael & Morgan

Tuesday, October 23, 2007 5:39 PM CDT

Hello.
Michael and I were privileged to be able to attend the big celebration for the Levine Children's Hospital last Thursday night. We still weren't able to get up to Jenna's room but we know we will soon. It looked beautiful from the outside--they had the light on in her room(very top left). It was a wonderful night celebrating the generosity of many people that turned a dream into a reality. Kids and families are going to get the best care possible. We felt so honored to be there--and all because of peoples love for our Jenna. All of your donations made Jenna's room a reality and it still overwelms us at times that $50,000 was raised in such a short period of time. It was so neat to see Jenna's name on the big wall in the atrium of the hospital....gave us chill bumps.

We just want to say "thank you" again to all who helped on Jenna's Dream Team and all who donated to Jenna's room. The love and outpouring of support has meant so much to us as we go thru the grieving process. Yes, we'd rather have Jenna with us---but knowing her legacy will live on at the hospital and hopefully, her smiles will be remembered for a very long time too. What more could we ask for? Everyone wants their child to be remembered....especially when they were as wonderful and special as Jenna.

Please keep praying for our family and for the families like us who have lost their precious children--Riley's family and Brandon Elam's family.

Have a blessed week.

Love,
Tricia, Michael & Morgan

Monday, October 15, 2007 6:39 AM CDT

Hello.
Morgan informed me last night that it was time to update the site. I tried to talk her into doing it for me but no luck. Maybe some other time.

Things are ok with us. It's finally cooling down a little here and it actually feels like fall. But like everything else, it makes me miss Jenna. It's something about the seasons changing that makes it harder than normal. I think it's the reminder that life is carrying on...the seasons change but we're still coping with our lives without Jenna and it still feels "not right". I actually talked to a mom whose child has been gone almost three years and she just said flat out..."it doesn't get easier, the hurt will always be there you just get better at dealing with it" There have been so many activities lately that Jenna was always with us--Fall Festival at Morgan's school, picking out pumpkins, the United Way kick off at Michael's office, and we have an upcoming trip to Charleston for a soccer tournament. Just more things to add to the long list of "firsts without Jenna". I do have wonderful memories from all of the activities I mentioned....and that is good and helps make the days better.

Morgan's out of school today for teacher work day. She's still sleeping which is good--she had a busy weekend. (2 soccer games, Fall Festival, a sleepover and we went to see Disney's High School Musical on Ice yesterday). Not sure what we'll find to do today....I'm sure she'll come up with something.

Thank you for all of your posts --we appreciate knowing people are thinking about us and keeping us in your prayers. It makes the days a little brighter to come here and know that people are still with us.

Love,
Tricia, Michael,& Morgan


There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under heaven:
2 a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,

3 a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,

4 a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,

5 a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain,

6 a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,

7 a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,

8 a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.

Ecclesiastes 3: 1-8

Sunday, September 30, 2007 7:44 PM CDT

We had a really good day on Friday. We went to the new Levine Children's Hospital and participated in Microsoft's annual Day of Giving. (go to www.givecmn.org and they have a link with some pictures) Of course, there were a few difficult moments(mostly just thinking about it on the ride over) and a few tears but overall we felt so loved and supported by all that were there that it made it a really special day for all of us. We kept Morgan out of school so she could be a part of the day too. I think the minute I walked thru the doors I felt such peace and joy--I knew Jenna would have loved everything. Her room wasn't 100omplete yet--they started working from the ground up so her room on the 11th floor hasn't been fully furnished/completed. We'll have to go back to get the finished pictures. But it was still very special to be there and walk around and especially to see the view....it was great to be above the trees and looking out for miles. (in the old hospital you saw the tops of roofs or the parking deck most of the time)

We're so thankful for the new hospital.....it will be so wonderful for families dealing with a child with a serious illness. It brought back some memories of our first days at the hospital--it was surreal. But after seeing it, I just kept thinking how blessed we were to have the care we had for Jenna---the people inside the building are what make it so special. She received wonderful care and more importantly she loved and trusted those who cared for her and they loved her back. She only cried/complained about going to the hospital once....it was right after she was diagnosed and had spent over a month in the hospital. She was home for 2 nights and then spiked a fever which was an automatic trip back to the hospital--for another weeks stay. We all cried over that trip.

That's the latest with us. We're just doing our "normal" things right now. Morgan is doing well in school and living and breathing soccer. She had 2 games this past Sat. They won one and lost one. Next weekend I think it's only one game--so it will be a little less hectic.

Thank you for continuing on this journey with us. We have felt so wrapped in love and prayers these last 9 months. Hard to believe it's been that long.....it's easier to process the time knowing that Jenna's happy, cancer free and experiencing the warmth and love of Jesus first hand. And knowing one day we'll all be with her again....seeing that wonderful smiling face.

Love,
Tricia, Michael & Morgan

Monday, September 24, 2007 11:23 AM CDT

Hello.
I haven't written lately--it seems like the same things keep coming out and I don't feel like it needs to be said again and again. Or maybe it does....I'm just in a weird mood I guess--keep coming here because it's part of my life--but not knowing what to say today. It does keep Jenna's memory alive....sometimes it helps to write--other days it's a struggle. I think struggle is probably a good word for us--that's what we do every day. We struggle with the loss of Jenna. There is no doubt she is cancer free and in heaven....never do we question that. We know she is experiencing things we can only begin to imagine. But we as humans struggle with her absence in our daily lives and routines. We have to get up and put one foot in front of the other and keep going about our lives....and all the while it feels so off and not right. But we know we're not alone in this--God continues to be with us --just as he was when Jenna was here with us. Please keep praying for all of us--that's what we need to help us thru our struggles.

We will be visiting the new Levine Children's Hospital for the first time on Friday. The last time we went thru it was back in the spring/early summer of 2006 when it was all under construction. We are excited to see it but at the same time there will be mixed emotions because Jenna won't be with us to see it. It was something she looked forward to doing. I can remember her asking me if I thought they'd let her spend the night even if she wasn't a patient. Not many kids want to do that--but she was excited about the idea and the concept behind the hospital. She was sure she wouldn't be a patient in Oct. of 2007--she was going to get better and not have to be a part of that place. I guess she was right--she is better and won't have to be a part of that hospital. She'll just be there in spirit and especially in "her room" on the 11th floor. We are so thankful to everyone who helped make "Jenna's Room" a reality.

Thank you to everyone who continues to visit here and keep our family in your thoughts and prayers.

Love,
Tricia, Michael & Morgan

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9

Tuesday, September 11, 2007 3:54 PM CDT

It's hard to believe it's almost the middle of September....the days seem to be going so fast. I was reminded at another Caringbridge site that September is Childhood Cancer Awareness month. They also had a great link that promotes awareness and CureSearch. If you have time check out http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AGS4yE5v9rM
It definitely hit home with me. Share it with someone--we need all the help we can get to raise awareness and funds for research. This disease needs to stop taking our precious children.

We continue to feel Jenna's absence in our daily lives. Some days you just need to feel sad, need to miss, need to feel empty and then the next day is better. The next day has smiles, laughter and sweet memories. I was reminded of a sweet memory by Morgan's teacher. We were talking about Wilson and she told me she could still remember Jenna coming to school after we got him and telling her that Wilson was "trying to dig to China". He did like to dig when he was a puppy.

Morgan is as busy as ever. She's even kept the toothfairy busy the last week--she's lost 3 teeth! (and she pulled them herself--2 in one day!) Just another reminder of how fast she's growing up. Her soccer team played 2 games last weekend and they won both of them. They were very excited. This weekend there are no games. Yea!

Thank you for continuing to visit our site, follow our ups and downs, pray for our family and friends, and shower us with love. We can never explain in words what it has always meant to us. This is one of the special blessings that came from Jenna's illness and death.

Please continue to keep the Friddle family in your prayers. We know they appreciate them....and need them.

Love,
Tricia, Michael and Morgan

Thursday, September 6, 2007 8:22 AM CDT

I write today to ask for special prayers for the Friddle family. Their precious Riley is now in heaven. My heart hurts so badly for this wonderful family....but at the same time I know that Riley was greeted at the gates of heaven by a smiling Jenna and many others. They're now running together on streets of gold--there is no pain, there is no cancer.....only great joy. I can only imagine!

I can still remember the very first time we met Andrea and Riley. Jenna had been in the hospital for about 3 weeks and we were still pretty shell shocked over the whole cancer/brain tumor thing. They came by to introduce themselves and offer support and encouragement. What a blessing they were and how thankful we are to have known Miss Riley.
I can still remember how we always "bumped" into Riley on the days we went to the hospital to see Dr. G. It always brought a smile to Jenna's face.

Please remember them in your prayers over the next days, weeks and months.....they will need them now more than ever.

Love,
Tricia, Michael & Morgan

Tuesday, August 28, 2007 1:34 PM CDT

It's so hard to believe that it's been 8 months since Jenna went to heaven......it just doesn't seem like that long but when you stop and think about it---it's a really long time. Don't know if that sentence even makes sense....it does to me so I guess it's ok. Things have "leveled out" with me and I'm doing much better. Thanks to everyone for your words of support/encouragement and all the extra prayers. The one thing we can all say is that thru all of this we have been so blessed and have never felt "forgotten" or alone. So many times there is someone who reaches out or who does some little thing to lift our spirits. Just yesterday someone came up to me at the gym and with tears in her eyes, told me she had thought of me as she dropped her children at school and saw the place where I always parked to take Jenna into school and that she was still thinking of us. It's just the things like that that come along right at the perfect time.

Morgan is doing well--she seems to be growing every week. She's back in school and getting in the groove of things. So far things are good....it wouldn't be normal though if there wasn't some sort of grumbling about school in general....that's just the way she operates. :-) Her social calendar continues to be full so we're always on the go. She also has soccer practice twice a week and after labor day, her games will start.

Please continue to pray for those with children battling cancer...especially Riley's family. There are also many adults fighting this battle as well. I can't tell you what it will mean to families battling cancer to know you're out there praying for them....so let them know--it could be just what they need at that moment.


Love,
Tricia, Michael, & Morgan



May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13

Wednesday, August 22, 2007 1:25 PM CDT

Hard......very hard. That's how it's been this week. I think August is going to go down as the hardest month since Jenna left us. Or maybe the others were just as hard and this one is just the most recent and stands out. I had no idea the whole "going back to school" thing would be this hard. It's been harder for me than Michael--probably because I'm the one who is always in the school. Or it's just one of those times that are harder for me--we each have different things that get to us. It has literally knocked me for a loop--I have been very "weepy" and have cried at the littlest things. People have come up and told they've been thinking about me or asked me how I'm doing and my eyes just fill up. Jenna's absence has just been so strong this week. I think it's because school was so important to Jenna and it's what kept her feeling "normal". And to us this is so "not normal"--we're supposed to be sending two girls off for the first day of school. I think August has just been the months of "should" and "would"....Jenna would have been 13 and she should be going into 8th grade. Just things like that. I just keep telling myself she is in a far better place and she is happy and feeling nothing but joy.

I was trying to shake the tears and I picked up a little book called "One Minute Praises--Prayers to Brighten Your Day". I flipped thru--hoping one would catch my eye and "do the trick" to make me feel better. Here's the one I found:
The Healer of Our Hurts

Out of the depths I have cried to you, O Lord;
Lord, hear my voice!
Let Your ears be attentive
to the voice of my supplications. (Psalm 130: 1-2)

" Lord, You know the hidden sighs of my heart. You know my secret anguish, my silent tears. Your all-seeing eyes perceive the suffering that no one else sees. Though I may hide my grief from those around me, I can hide nothing from You...and for that, I am grateful.
Others may abandon me, but You are always near. Others may misunderstand me, but You don't. Even my own heart deceives me at times, but You will never betray me.
Because You are all-knowing, You alone can comfort and heal me. You alone can guide and restore me. Regardless of the cause of my hurt, You know the way to help me. You are indeed the Great Physician!"

Thanks to all those who have reached out this week, have said extra prayers and to those who I have "cried on". Your love and support mean more than words can ever express. We are thankful and blessed to have each of you.

Love,
Tricia, Michael & Morgan

PS: Jenna's "Dream Team" will have a booth at Summerfest in York this Sat (the 25th)--stop by and vist with them if you attend!

Wednesday, August 15, 2007 6:02 PM CDT

There's not much to report from here--other than the fact that it is HOT and pretty miserable right now. Doesn't look like we'll be getting a break for a while. Morgan starts school a week from today. She's admitted that she is ready. It's hard to believe she's going into 5th grade. She will be in Mrs. Frick's class---this is the same teacher that Jenna had when she was in 5th grade (Ms. Cooke back then :-) So, we are looking forward to a great year. All the preparations for back to school have brought a flood of memories and some "Jenna moments" for me. I've been remembering how she loved school and just wanted to be a normal kid and not treated any differently after her cancer diagnosis.....she just wanted to be another kid going to school. And how in 5th grade she went to school at first wearing her bucket hats until her hair starting coming back and how she had 33 days of radiation--without missing a day os school. So many memories......I miss her so much!

Morgan will be busy and hot this weekend. Her U-12 soccer team will be playing in a tournament. I'm not looking forward to sitting out in the heat.....and she's not really looking forward to playing in the heat.

We appreciate your continued posts, love and prayers. I know there are days that I survive only because of the power of prayers.

Riley has an MRI coming up next week--please keep her and her family in your prayers. The time before an MRI is always stressful.

Stay cool.

Love,
Tricia, Michael, & Morgan

Monday, August 6, 2007 5:28 PM CDT

Great article about Jenna's Golf Tournament on Children's Miracle Network website....
http://www.givecmn.org/newsandevents-article.cfm?art_id=461


************************

Hello everyone.
I know everyone has been waiting to hear how last week went. It wasn't the greatest week ever but we survived it. I wish I had some great story to tell about Jenna's birthday--but I don't. It was an "Ok" day--that's just the best way to describe it. It was just a very weird and "off" day for me. I know Jenna had the best birthday ever in heaven....something that we can only imagine. But it was still hard here. There were some very sweet moments in the day and we definitely felt an outpouring of love which helped us all. Thank you for all the posts on the website, the flowers left at Jenna's grave, the cards and especially for your prayers. We were very touched by all the wonderful gestures.

We did receive a special gift yesterday. Our neighbor Jane brought Morgan a special quilt/lap blanket. We gave her a bunch of Jenna's t-shirts and she cut them up and used them to make a 2 sided blanket for Morgan. It is very neat and special. Morgan curled up under it yesterday afternoon and it just gave me goose bumps seeing her wrapped up in Jenna's t-shirts...it was a visual of Morgan wrapped in Jenna's love. Thank you Jane!!! (photos attached)

Speaking of Morgan-- she had team soccer camp every night last week and on Sat. So, she has been a very tired girl today. She'll be practicing 2 times a week starting this week and then a pre season tournament isn't far away either. She's actually starting to get ready to go back to school.....a tiny bit. She's enjoyed helping me with some PTO things at the school and she's visited with some of the teachers too.

We've got one more family get away coming up before we head back to school. We're going to spend some time with friends at their lake cabin. It will be a nice end to our summer.

Please keep praying for our friends (young and old) battling cancer. God knows who they are and what they need. And as always, we appreciate the prayers for our family.

And a big praise for Ellie's latest bone marrow results--it's all clear. God is good....she's gotten so big and so different from when we first met her.

And another thing: Happy Anniversary Kate & Chad. We were in NY for their wedding 1 year ago. What great memories we have from that weekend!!
Jenna had the best time being in the wedding--even though she was in the wheelchair and Morgan had to push her.


Love,
Tricia, Michael & Morgan

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11

Monday, July 30, 2007 4:47 PM CDT

Hello.
We started off our week at Jenna's Legacy of Smiles golf tournament and we had such a great time. It was great to see how many came out and played for Jenna---some had just learned about her recently, while others have been with us since the beginning. Michael enjoyed playing, Morgan rode all over the course in the golf cart and I got to hang out and socialize....it was a good day for all of us. And the best part, they raised $7400!! It continues to bless us to have such an outpouring of love and support for Jenna and our family. A very special thanks to all involved.

I've heard "I Can Only Imagine" more than usual the last week or so. I think it's been preparing me for this week. Not having Jenna here for what would have been her 13th birthday is not going to be easy.....we're selfish--we want her here so we can do the things we always do. But then I hear that song and it reminds me that she is so much better off and experiencing a love and joy that we can only imagine......it's got to be better than anything here. I just keep imagining her dancing and smiling.....she's going to be having the best birthday ever and she wouldn't want us to be all gloomy and sad. So, we're going to do our best to make Thursday (and the whole week) happy and a celebration of our special girl. We want to continue her legacy of smiles. We've got a few things in the works including having lunch at one of her favorite places and some time in the next week or so we'll be going to donate some gifts to Child Life. We wanted to get things that would be appropriate for kids Jenna's age--they always get lots of things for the younger kids but it's a little tougher the older they get. We'll also be celebrating Nana Betty's birthday--it was the same as Jenna's. Morgan has taken over the job of baking the cake this year--it will be wonderful I'm sure.

So, this week will bring another of the "firsts". You know I really don't like all these "firsts"---but it's all part of the grieving process and they have to be done. We can't make them stop or go away. (still doesn't mean we like them :-) We really would appreicate extra prayers this week--for all us (grandparents too!). I read this and it's going to be my verse for the week:
"The LORD gives strength to his people;
the LORD blesses his people with peace" Psalm 29:11


Love,
Tricia, Michael & Morgan

Thursday, July 26, 2007 9:47 AM CDT

*****************************
Quick update:
Don't forget about Jenna's Legacy of Smiles Golf Tournament coming up on July 30th. There's an article in Fort Mill Times about it and the work of the "Dream Team".
http://www.fortmilltimes.com/education/story/6599877p-5877744c.html

********************************



Hello
Can't believe it's already Friday. The summer seems to be flying by this year. Luckily Morgan starts school later this year so we still have over a month of summer vacation.

We continue to receive so many blessings as we adjust to our new lives. Several weeks ago we were given a book called "Memories of Jenna" It was compiled by a teacher at Morgan's school who lost a brother several years ago--so she understands the importance of memories of a loved one who is no longer with you. The book has remembrances from some of Jenna's teachers and some of her friends. It has blessed us to read their accounts of what they remember about Jenna and sometimes about how she impacted their lives. It is something we will treasure forever....some of the things written brought big smiles and of course a few tears as well. I wish I could share it with everyone! We also received an email from someone who had never met Jenna but had heard her story and just wanted to let us know how much it and her smile touched them. And yesterday we received a check from Jenna and Morgan's dentist office to go towards Jenna's room fund. The whole office had a yard sale and sent half of their proceeds to Levine in Jenna's memory. They sent the sweetest note along with it. While we do have our lows and our periods of sadness, we are constantly uplifted and encouraged thru this "new normal" by so many people. We feel very fortunate and blessed to have this support--we think it shows that God had a plan for Jenna's life and it's still at work.

We're getting ready to have all of the "Dream Team"(the friends who have been leading the way for raising the funds for Jenna's room at CMC) over for dinner this weekend. There really is no way to thank them but we thought we could at least have them over and feed them as one way to thank them. It is going to be a fun time.

Please continue to pray for those battling cancer--young and old. We know first hand the power of prayer.

As always, we thank you for continuing to stop by this site and for your love and prayers.

Love,
Tricia, Michael & Morgan

Monday, July 16, 2007 10:06AM CDT

Quick update with the next fundraising event.
*****************************
Jenna's Legacy of Smiles Golf Tournament
Fort Mill Golf Club
*****************************
Captain's Choice Golf Tournament
Monday, July 30, 2007
Cost: $50 per player
Regristration: 8AM
Shot-bun start: 9AM

Complete program of special events, continental breakfast, 18 holes of golf, lunch, door prizes and exciting awards
For more details or to register contact:
Anthony Caricari 803-802-0393

Proceeds benefit Levine Children's Hospital
___________________________________

I've thought about updating but just haven't had much to say.....or at least nothing new to say. Last week was hard---coming home from the vacation was tough and then there were more "firsts" without Jenna. The 4th was nice and spent with friends and then the 5th was my birthday--which was good but very low key. We've just had lots of days where Jenna's physical presence is greatly missed. (we know she's with us in spirit and in our hearts but some days you just want her physically here) Since my birthday has passed that leaves Jenna's coming up--just looming out there. It's tough to even think about. We've tossed around a few ideas but nothing definitely planned yet.

This week we've been spending time with Uncle Ron, Aunt Linda & Nicole. They're here for a couple weeks and we're really enjoying having them here. Morgan is headed to the movies with them in a little while to see Ratatouille. So, as usual there's always something going on.

Thank you for continuing with us on this journey and for your prayers and support. We are very thankful to have this site and for the friends (new and old) who are part of this.

Love,
Tricia, Michael, & Morgan

Sunday, July 1, 2007 9:34 PM CDT

We've just returned from a week at the beach. It was a really nice trip....I can't remember the last time we actually spent an entire week at the beach. Morgan enjoys the sand and "sorta/cautiously" likes the ocean. It was a very relaxing time for all of us. Of course, we missed Jenna like we always do these days and coming home always seems to re-emphasize that. There were many times when I looked out at Morgan on the beach and saw her mannerisms and it so reminded me of Jenna. They are so alike in many ways yet very different at the same time. God blessed us with 2 very special daughters.

Too tired to really write more tonight. Maybe later in the week.....and maybe I'll add some of the beach pictures too.

Thank you for your love, prayers and support.
Love,
Tricia, Michael & Morgan

Sunday, June 24, 2007 7:18 AM CDT

Good morning.
I have really BIG news..........the Dream Team has been successful in raising the $50,000 for Jenna's room at Levine Children's Hospital!!!! I can't tell you how good this makes us all feel. We are thrilled and feel so honored that so many people from so many places have all come together to make this happen. We know that Jenna is smiling in heaven over this. She wanted to visit the new hospital but never have to be a patient there--now her room will be there for years and years and her legacy will live on at the hospital. There are no words to adequately thank the members of the Dream Team--you all have been a true blessing to us during this time of missing Jenna and dealing with her absence. We are thankful for each and every one of you. God is good.

There are still some fundraiser projects in the works--things that were started before the goal was met. Those will still go on......the funds may still go to Levine or they may go to another one of Jenna's favorite charities. It will all be worked out soon and we'll keep everyone posted.

Thank you to every person who helped in any way--big or small to make sure Jenna's room became a reality. We are truly blessed and humbled by all of this and very very thankful.

Love,
Tricia, Michael, & Morgan


Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good;
his love endures forever. Psalm 106:1

Tuesday, June 19, 2007 9:07 AM CDT

Things are getting back to the routine here. (or as close to that as we can be) Morgan made it home from soccer camp--she enjoyed it but she was a VERY tired (and slighty cranky) camper. She has no big plans this week so we'll just be hanging out.....and I'm sure some things will come up for her. Morgan does think we should mention that her dad took Wilson to the vet last week....and the sweet little puppy that was only goin to weigh 75-85 lbs. is now a whopping 122 lbs. He's massive!! Teh vet said he needs to drop about 10 lbs....even though he wasn't overly concerned about the weight. I can see Jenna shaking her head and smiling about how big her Wilson is now.

Father's Day was hard--once again we're faced with another "first" and the ever present absence of Jenna in our lives. It's so hard to believe it's almost been 6 months. We've gone half a year without her and without her precious smile and sweet spirit. It's just hard--it's just that plain and simple. Everyone else is going on with life but our path is different and each day we just have to get up and put one foot in front of the other and see where we end up. There is no doubt that Jenna is better off and that she is cancer free in heaven. That is what keeps us going.

I got this in an email and it hit home....thought I'd post it. (amazing how these things show up when I need them most)

When there are no answers to your questions.....
Trust Him when you don't understand.
Trust His heart.
Trust His purpose.
Trust Him when it is your heart that's broken.
Trust His goodness.
Trust Him beyond the grave.
Trust Him to know best.
Trust His plan to be bigger than yours.
Trust Him to keep His Word.
Trust Him to be on time.
Trust Him to be enough.
Trust Him to set you free.
Trust Him and Him alone!

Have a great week!
Tricia, Michael & Morgan

Wednesday, June 13, 2007 12:07 AM CDT

Hello,
Lots of rain here this week.....which has led to some serious clutter removal. Miss Morgan has been on a roll--she has cleaned out her closet, her room, and the game closet. Everything is neat, organized and clutter free. (this was a trait that was definitely not shared by Morgan and Jenna--Morgan was the only one that really got into this sort of thing) The next room is the bonus room--we've got some major work to do there but it will have to wait. Morgan leaves tomorrow for soccer camp at USC. She'll be there until Sunday. She's very excited and looking forward to staying in the dorm with her friends. It will be very quiet around here without her.

It still seems so weird to have a summer that isn't filled with doctors appointments. For 3 summers, that's what we had to do.....take Jenna for appointments at the clinic or for MRI's or whatever. Some days it just feels like we have too much time on our hands.....again showing that missing piece of our lives. It just makes me sad.....and even mad on some days. But I know Jenna is in heaven doing things that we can only imagine...

We did have lunch with the McGinley girls yesterday. Both Ellie and Lily are getting so big. Ellie continues to brings smiles to our faces.....and very fond memories of special times shared between her and Jenna. I especially enjoyed seeing Ellie display some of her "independence". She definitely knows what she does and does not want to do :-)

Thank you for your continued prayers and support.....it truly does mean the world to all of our family.

Love,
Tricia, Michael, & Morgan

Tuesday, June 5, 2007 6:05 PM CDT

Hello everyone.
We're still here.....starting to get into a routine now that Morgan is out of school. Not really much to report in that area.....come to think of it there isn't really a lot to report period.

We did not go to Relay this year. We decided to take a year off and go back next year when things aren't quite so "fresh". And as Karen pointed out--Jenna was up in heaven cheering on Ellie just like she always did----so there was definitely support from the Witherspoons--just in a different location this year. That made it all seem better.

I found a great song that gives me such comfort when I am having a day where I am really really missing Jenna. I actually found out about it on another caringbridge site....another mom who lost her sweet 4 yr old girl to a brain tumor actually mentioned it. It's called "Wish You Were Here" by Mark Harris. Thought I'd share the lyrics (but it's so much better to hear it--you can probably find somewhere on the internet).

"Wish You Were Here"
I wanted to tell you how closely I've kept
The memories of you in my heart
And all of the lifetimes that we had to share
Live even though we're apart
But don't cry for me
'Cause I'm finally free
(Chorus)
To run with the angels
On streets made of gold
To listen to stories of saints new and old
To worship our Maker
That's where I'll be
When you finally find me

No don't you be weary cause waiting for you
Are wonders that you've never known
Just hold on to Jesus, reach out for his hands
And one day They'll welcome you home
And that's when you'll be
Finally free
Finally free

(Chorus)
To run with the angels
On streets made of gold
To listen to stories of saints new and old
To worship our Maker
That's where I'll be
When you finally find me
I wish you were here, I wish you were here

And all of the dreams that you treasure
Will soon come together
And that's when your sorrow will find tomorrow
And you will rise again

(Chorus)
To run with the angels
On streets made of gold
To listen to stories of saints new and old
To worship our Maker
That's where I'll be
When you finally find me


We'll run with the angels on streets made of gold
We'll listen to stories of saints new and old
We'll worship our maker that's where we'll be
When you finally find me

I wish you were here

Thank you for keeping up with our family and for your prayers as we continue to move forward and adjust to our daily life without Jenna. We know she's running on streets of gold.....but it doesn't make us miss her any less.

Love,
Tricia, Michael, & Morgan

Monday, May 28, 2007 7:11 PM CDT

We've enjoyed the long weekend. We didn't have any big plans and it was nice to relax, hang by the pool and "do nothing" for a change.

Yesterday was 5 months that Jenna has been gone....it seems so much longer these days. The words just aren't coming tonight to explain it. There's just a heaviness that we carry around with us....some days the weight is manageable and other days it's all we can do to keep moving.

We went to see Shrek the 3rd yesterday. We all enjoyed it. It brought back some fond memories. I can remember taking Jenna to see Shrek 2. She was on chemo and wasn't supposed to be out and about but we decided she needed a change of pace and took the risk (along with lots of hand sanitizer). I can remember how much she enjoyed the movie--especially Puss in Boots. Not long after seeing the movie someone gave her a stuffed cat with these big plastic eyes and she immediately named it "Puss". (it really did look like Puss in Boots when he did the sad eyes) Puss was her constant companion at night and for hospital stays....Puss even went thru surgery with her. Puss is still here with us and is now Morgan's constant companion at night. She takes him with her whenever so goes anywhere for a sleepover....he even went on the cruise with us.

Morgan has a mini soccer camp for 3 nights this week but that's about all that's on the schedule. Just enjoying summer break!! Oh yeah, Friday night (June 1st) is Relay for Life for York County. We're not sure if we'll make it or not. We want to go and watch Ellie walk the survivor lap but it will be soooo hard and soooo emotional. We'll just have to wait and see how we are that day--that's all we can do.

We appreciate your visits and posts and we are very thankful for the prayers that are offered up on our behalf. Your prayers are working!

"I can do everything through him who gives me strength" Philippians 4:13


Enjoy the week.
Love,
Tricia, Michael, & Morgan

Monday, May 21, 2007 8:44 PM CDT

Today has been a special day. It started out with a dedication ceremony for a tree planted in Jenna's memory at Fort Mill Middle. The 7th grade members of the Jr. Beta Club hosted the event. We were given Jenna's "official" Jr Beta Club documentation and her pin. We also recieved a check for Levine Children's Hospital--the Student Council had raised money to go to the hospital in memory of Jenna and for her room. Then we got her yearbook. That one was tough. Mr. Caricari had some truly wonderful things to say about Jenna and it was such a special time for Michael and I--here we were at Jenna's school surrounded by some of her best friends remembering Jenna and hearing about how she impacted many lives. Here's an excerpt that I especially liked:
"Last and certainly not least, her smile....her smile was contagious. Her smile would make you smile and then make you want to smile at the next person that you would see." That thought has brought smiles to me all day...just the thought of her smile.....one of the most precious memories we have.
Back to the yearbook. They did a lovely tribute to Jenna in the yearbook. The picture from above was shown and there was a poem written by Jenna and then a poem written by another student, Jake Dawson, that was dedicated to Jenna. Thought I would share it too....

My paradise is Heaven,
That’s the place I want to be,
All of my friends and family watching for me,
There he is as I stare him in the face,
Surrounded by his love mercy and grace,
Imagining is in my past,
I am done imagining finally, at last,
I stand here now with the Lord,
Never tired, never bored,
I have left the world of forgiven sin,
I stand now with the Lord,
In my paradise, Heaven

Dedicated to Jenna Witherspoon in her memory (2006)

As I said above, it's been a special day. There were tears but they were sweet tears, remembering our Jenna and feeling so much love for us and for her. We are so blessed.

Morgan also had a special day too. Her rec soccer team played in the championship game tonight and they won!! It was a great game and we are so proud of her and all the girls she played with. It is so wonderful to see her out on that field smiling and laughing and having such a good time. It gives us such joy to see her that way. I'm going to say it again....we are so blessed.

As for me....I had a really good time being away for the weekend. There was lots of "relaxing", a little shopping and lots of laughter--which is always good for the soul. Thanks Laura and Lucy!!

Thanks to everyone for your posts on this site. They really do mean so much to us and help keep us going. We continue to be amazed at the outpouring of love we receive each day--in person and through this site. God is good and we know he continues to hold us in the palm of his hand. (and he's holding onto Jenna with the other)

Love,
Tricia, Michael, & Morgan

Friday, May 18, 2007 5:54 PM CDT

******************
Update on the Ski Show:
The ski show that was originally scheduled for Monday is being cancelled and will be rescheduled for later in the summer or early fall. Sorry for any inconvenience!
******************

Hello everyone.
Sorry for the delay in updating. I know a lot of you were waiting to hear about the BBQ. It was fantastic!! Lots of good food and music shared with lots of friends. We all had a great time and raised right at $10,000. The amount of money raised for Jenna's room is definitely growing--over half way there!! Thank you so much to the Dream Team for all the hard work that has gone into the fundraising for Jenna's room and to everyone who has donated. It truly means more than we can ever express. Just knowing that Jenna's legacy will live on for years to come is so comforting and we feel very blessed.

Mother's Day was pretty tough--another of the "firsts". Once again I was reminded of how different our lives are now. No words to really explain it and how much it hurts. Morgan was very sweet and made me a really neat card and gave me a cute picture of her that was made at school. She definitely brightened the day!

Morgan is winding down with her rec soccer. She had a game last night (she scored the winning goal :-) and then there are playoffs on Saturday. Her team is currently in first place--she thinks that's pretty cool. She only has 4 more full days of school and then 2 half days. Can't believe how fast this year has gone.

I'm heading away for a little "girl time" this weekend with a couple friends. It's long overdue and I'm looking forward to it.

We continue to need your prayers--please keep them coming. There are days when we're down in the bottom of a valley and days when we're hanging onto to the top. We experience so many types of days--days where it's all we can do to function.....days that keep us busy....days where the littlest things can send you into tears.....days that bring back happy memories and smiles.....days of sadness that goes to the core......and lastly, days of missing Jenna---those never go away.

Thank you for your support--and please keep signing the guestbook so we know you're out there!

Don't forget the ski show on May 21st at Windjammer Park (Tega Cay) from 6:30-7:30pm. $8 per person--email forjenna@comporium.net for tickets.

Love,
Tricia, Michael & Morgan

Thursday, May 10, 2007 11:53 AM CDT

It's been a good week. We're looking forward to the weekend and being able to celebrate Jenna at the BBQ/dance. We love any chance to celebrate Jenna and her life. With Mother's Day coming up it makes me feel so blessed to be the mom of two such special children. They are the most wonderful gifts from God. God chose me to be mom to Jenna and Morgan. Just writing that is very humbling. Every day and every minute should be cherished with your children.

I had a good "hard" day yesterday. It started with a trip to donate Jenna's wig to an agency who helps cancer patients with a variety of services, including wigs for those who can't afford them. When I took it in they were very excited because at the time they didn't have any pediatric wigs. Jenna would want someone else to have it and make them feel better after losing their hair. (Morgan thought it was a good idea too--had to get her approval too) And since I was only 3 blocks from CMC and I was having a "Jenna" day, I headed over for a visit with all our friends at the clinic. I got to see the whole crew and it felt really good. It was hard walking in the building at first but I gave myself a good "pep" talk and headed to see our hospital "family". I also went over to 7 tower to see Miss Riley while I was there too. I missed her because she was in radiation but I got to visit with Andrea and her parents for a while. It was good to see them--especially since it was a Wednesday and that's when we always bumped into them at the hospital. So, while it was a little tough at first, it felt really good to see everyone and be reminded of the wonderful and special people who took care of Jenna and loved her just like us.

We've got a fun event coming up that has brought back so many happy memories. There will be another Ski Show hosted by Carolina Show Ski Team this year. Funds raised will go towards "Jenna's Room" at the Levine Children's Hospital. Jenna had so much fun last year--she was all smiles. I have so many fond memories from that night. Jenna and all her friends riding in the limo over to Windjammer Park and being greeted by so many more friends there to show her how much they cared for her. It was such a great night and I am really looking forward to this year's event--I hope her friends can make it too. It will be held on Monday, May 21st at Windjammer Park (Tega Cay)from 6:30-7:30pm. Tickets are $8 per person and can be ordered thru the fabulous "Dream Team" at forjenna@comporium.net. I'll post more details early next week but wanted to go ahead and mention it since it will be here soon. Hurry and get your tickets--space is limited because of parking at Windjammer.

Details on the BBQ/Dance and Raffles can be found by clicking on "Read Journal History". Just can't get all that typed again :-)

Have a great weekend. Happy Mother's Day!!
Love,
Tricia, Michael, Jenna & Morgan

Tuesday, May 8, 2007 7:01 AM CDT

Added the Nascar Ticket Raffle flyer to the pictures section.

*********
Friends, Please keep our precious little friend Ellie in your prayers as she has eye surgery today. It's going to be hard for her because surgery isn't until mid-morning and she'll want to have her breakfast--which isn't allowed because of the anesthesia.
********

Nascar Raffle Ticket Info:

As you know that there’s an effort underway to name a hospital room at the new Levine Children’s Hospital in Jenna’s memory. The team of people who are running this effort keep coming up with creative ways to raise money, and this latest one is no exception.

They are holding a raffle for some awesome tickets to the upcoming Nascar races in Charlotte in May. There are 3 sets of tickets, one set is in the hospitality suite in the Diamond Terrace, another includes dinner at the Speedway Club, and the third is in the Diamond Tower section 208. You can check out the seating at http://www.lowesmotorspeedway.com.

They are only selling 300 raffle tickets, and they are $25 ea… but there are 3 chances to win. All proceeds will go to the Levine Children’s Hospital, and you can make checks payable to “Levine Children’s Hospital” – please put “Jenna’s Team” in the memo line. The drawing will be held May 12, at the BBQ/Dance fundraiser. You do not have to be present to win, but we’d love to see you there!

If you'd like to purchase tickets, please email Dave Gregorino at twovettes@juno.com.

Thanks Dave, for putting this great fundraiser together!!!

**********************


Busy. That is the best way to describe things around here. Busy is a good thing most of the time.....every once in a while we hit "overload" but for the most part it's a "healthy" busy. Of course, being busy doesn't make us miss Jenna any less or make the hurt go away but it does help. It would be so easy to let the grief weigh you down and make it hard to get out of the house. But God is faithful and he is helping us each day. We are living proof of the power of prayer.

I've been really busy with my school/PTO volunteer work the last week as we start winding down the year and I've chaperoned a couple field trips too. Morgan only has 13 more days of school. Wow!

Morgan has been the busiest of all of us. She and her dad ran the 5k in the Girls on the Run race last Sunday. They both did a great job! I was so proud of both of them :-) And I did a great job cheering them on from the sidelines :-) Morgan will have 2 soccer games this weekend. She'll have her last travel team game on Sat....then it will just be rec soccer for a couple more weeks. I don't know what I'm going to do with her this summer---she's gotten used to being so busy. I think she'll actually be ready for some major down time. We've got a couple camps lined up and I think that will be enough for her.

Thank you for your continued prayers and support for our family. We are blessed daily by the support from people near and far and your prayers are still helping us make it through each day.
"God is our refuge and strength,
an ever-present help in trouble." Psalm 46:1

If you need info on the upcoming BBQ dance--click on "Read Journal History". It's all there.

Don't forget to visit the Dream Team at FestiFun om Fort Mill this weekend.

Have a great weekend!
Tricia, Michael & Morgan

Monday, April 30, 2007 12:31PM CDT

Just adding the info about the upcoming BBQ/Dance again.....reminder that reservations need to be made by May 7th....see details below from "The Dream Team"

On Saturday, May 12th, we will host a BBQ and Dance Benefit at the Field Trial Barn at Anne Springs Close Greenway. This event will be for adults only, starting at 6pm and lasting throughout the evening. Bare Bones BBQ will be providing the food and we have some great entertainment lined up. The fabulous DJ Bill will be there and we have live performances from Southern Reign and The Taylor Brothers Band! A silent auction and raffles will also be available. The raffles include an Xbox 360 Bundle, a week’s stay at a 2 bedroom condo in Litchfield Beach, a Ride-Along Pass from the Richard Petty Driving Experience and a 20” girl’s bike and helmet. The raffle winner will be drawn at this dance! The silent auction will include some great items – including Panther Tickets! This will definitely be a fun night!

The cost of this event is a $50 donation per person payable directly to Levine Children’s Hospital, and will be tax deductible. We will accept cash, checks and credit cards. Please make your reservation by Monday May 7th by emailing forjenna@comporium.net.

_______________________________________
Hello everyone,
I feel like it's time to update but when I sit down, the words just don't seem to come. Or the words that come feel like the same thing I write again and again--they aren't new. We continue to miss Jenna every day. She's not here with us... we miss her... we're thankful she's cancer free and in heaven but we still miss her. She's on our minds so much of the time. It doesn't matter where you are or what you're doing....it may look to the outside world like we're functioning but on the inside, we're thinking about and missing Jenna. Morgan had a rec soccer game last night and the team she was playing against had a player named Jenna. Just to hear her name being shouted from the sidelines....that was tough especially when deep inside we want it to be us shouting for our Jenna on the soccer field. Or I go to the grocery store and some days all I can see on the shelves are her favorite snacks. It's just hard....life is so very different now for all of us.

On a brighter note, Morgan is doing better with sleeping at night. She still has her challenging nights but for the most part they are better and she is resting well. She is adjusting to her new life just like Michael and I. Her busy schedule is definitely a saving grace I think. She's had 5 soccer games in 4 days. (3 were in the tournament). All of the playing is paying off--she scored 2 goals over the weekend. She was very excited and we were happy for her. Her schedule continues to be busy and this weekend she'll be running her 5k with her Girls on the Run group.

Please continue to remember those who are battling cancer and those who have lost loved ones. So many lives are being affected by cancer.....and the families need prayers and support....we've learned it first hand. Thank you for continuing on this journey with us.

Love,
Tricia, Michael, Jenna & Morgan

Thursday, April 19, 2007 5:29 PM CDT

Hello all,
I'm glad everyone has enjoyed our "guest author". I will try to get her to write more often. As Morgan said, we enjoyed our cruise. It was very relaxing and a nice change of pace. Of course, it was also difficult in a lot of ways. Michael and I had both had days that were more difficult than the others....his was Wed. and mine was Thurs.---no particular reason just plain old missing Jenna. I would find myself sitting by the pool thinking how to the outside world we looked like your typical family and thinking "if they only knew". I guess maybe we were a typical family....it's just the "new typical" for us.

Now we're back to the routine and Morgan is keeping us on the road with all of her soccer practices and this weekend her team is in a tournament. She'll have at least 3 games over 2 days.....maybe more if they win.

The "dream team" has got some things in the works for raising funds for Jenna's room at CMC.
---I've added a picture of a bracelet that is now available (thank you Bouldin Family for initiating this one). It says "Jenna's Legacy of Smiles" and it's periwinkle--the same as the Pray for Jenna t-shirts. It comes in small and large and the cost is $2. You can email Sherri or Karla at forjenna@comporium.net and they'll process the orders. (be sure to send the qty and size and the address for shipping)

---The team will also be set up at Festifun in Fort Mill on May 4-5. They'll be selling some different things including raffle tickets for the XBox bundle, the week stay at Litchfield Beach, the bicycle w/ helmet and the Ride Along Pass for Richard Petty Driving experience.

---Jenna’s Legacy of Smiles Benefit BBQ and Dance will be held Saturday, May 12th from 6pm until… at the Field Trial Barn at Anne Springs Close Greenway in Fort Mill. This is an adults only event. We will have a BBQ dinner, silent auction, raffles and lots of great entertainment. Not only will be have one of the best DJ’s on the planet, we will also have a live performance by the Taylor Brothers Band and Southern Reign. The cost of the event is a $50 per person donated to Levine Children’s Hospital and will be tax deductible. We will accept checks or credit cards and reservations should be made by Monday, May 7th. Email forjenna@comporium.net or call Karla @ 802-1616 or Sherri @ 548-7812 for reservations.

Ok, I think I've cover all the PR for upcoming events. We've still got a ways to go so any support for the fundraising efforts would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you for your love, support and prayers. I've said this zillions of times but it's still true.....your support has helped this family thru the good times and the bad and we can't imagine doing any of it without your love and prayers. We continue to feel blessed everyday. Speaking of blessings....it's amazing the support from people and places we'd never imagine. The article that was written in the Herald several weeks ago was picked up by AP and the team has been contacted by people in SC who read the article (had never heard of Jenna) and wanted to send donations. It's just unbelievable....well, not really, just the hand of God still at work thru Jenna. God is good.

Love,
Tricia, Michael, & Morgan

Sunday, April 15, 2007 7:29 PM CDT

Hi peoples, it's Morgan. I am going to tell you about our spring break cruise.

We went on a 4 night 5 day Carnival cruise. We left Monday and came back Friday. On the boat we hung out by the pool and watched the activities. ( ice sculpting, fear factor, survivor) We ate a lot of good food too. I went to Camp Carnival. I did activities like scavenger hunts, Deal or No Deal, exerseas ( exercise) and a party that I stayed up till 3:10 am. At Grand Turk we hung out at the beach and I collected sea glass. Then we went to Nassua, Bahamas we didn't get off the boat because we had already been there which was good because it poured rain. Then we came back to the US. We had a lot of fun!! See ya!

Love,
Morgan Mike & Tricia

Sunday, April 8, 2007 6:19 PM CDT

Happy Easter.
It's been a pretty good day for us. Easter is the reason we have hope and know that one day will be with Jenna again. Our pastor's sermon today was titled "Grieving with Hope". It couldn't have been more perfect. I wish we could share it with all of you.

It is spring break and we are taking a little trip. It's yet another one of our "firsts".....our first family vacation without Jenna. It's hard to be packing and planning--everything continues to feel "off". Even talking about it here feels weird. We continue to have that gaping hole in our lives. We know Jenna is so much better off but it doesn't make it any easier. I know we will have a good time and getting away will be good for all of us. I'll share more when we get home. Please pray for safe travels for us and a wonderful time together--especially for Morgan. This will be different for her as well.

I've added a picture of Jenna's marker for those who have asked about it and some pictures from last Easter. How precious are our pictures....now I've just got to get myself motivated to do some major scrapbooking.

Have a wonderful week. And thanks for your support and prayers.

"I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed to us." Romans 8:18
.....just imagining the glory that has been revealed to Jenna on this Easter Sunday.

Love,
Tricia, Michael, Jenna & Morgan

Monday, April 2, 2007 8:42 AM CDT

The spaghetti dinner was wonderful and a huge success. The group raised almost $12,000. Isn't that great?? We are all thrilled and so honored to have such great friends who put it all together. Hopefully we'll get a grand total later in the week that includes previous donations, etc.

I have a small book that I've read called "Markings on the Windowsill" and it's a book about grief written by a man who lost his 2 yr old son in a car accident. Anyway, there's a chapter called "Supporting Those who Grieve" and it talks about people who want to help but genuinely don't know what would be helpful. It goes on to give suggestions.....this is the part that hit me yesterday morning. "Stay in the game. Stay in the relationship. They need you now like never before. Love them and let them know it." Every person who came to the dinner or supported it in any way is "in the game" and it means more to us than you will ever know. There were people who attended and offered words of comfort/support and there were those who came and didn't feel the need to say anything or know what to say......it was all good for us. Sometimes a persons presence is just as helpful as the words. We felt such love and it has been very helpful to us as part of the grieving process to know we have so much love and support and that people truly loved our precious Jenna.

Morgan is doing pretty well. Her team won 1 of their 2 games on Saturday so they were very excited. She's just counting down the days until Spring break this week. She's off the 6th thru the 13th.

Thanks for checking on us. We appreciate your posts and visits here to Jenna's site. We ask for continued prayers for all of us as we continue to move through our new lives without Jenna. She's forever with us in our hearts but it's hard not having her physically with us.

Love,
Tricia, Michael, & Morgan

PS Please keep Riley in your prayers--she's been back in the hospital and having trouble with an infection in her port. Her site is listed below--drop by and let them know you're praying--I know they would appreciate it.

Friday, March 30, 2007 12:45PM CDT

There's a really great article in The Herald today.....http://www.heraldonline.com/109/story/14992.html

Here are just a sample of the items that will be available for raffle/silent auction at the spaghetti dinner this weekend.
Theme Baskets: (Spa, Movies, Games, Baby Boy & Girl, Starbucks, Microsoft software...and more)
Other items: Air compressor, Week stay at Litchfield Beach, 1/2 off Orthodontic treatment (braces), Richard Petty & Jeff Gordon Driving Experiences, Belle Vive Gift Certificate, XBox360 Bundle.....and many many more.

______________________________________
March 27th......
Three years ago today we started the battle with Jenna's cancer....three months ago today the battle ended and Jenna won--she went to heaven. Each day is still remembered as if it was only yesterday. I don't think those memories will ever fade. It is unbelievable how drastically our lives have changed in 3 years. The one thing that hasn't changed is God's grace....it is the only way we could have made it thru everything and still be standing today. God's love was always felt--even when we hurt the most and didn't/don't understand why all this happened...the love was there.

We all miss Jenna terribly. Things we miss: her smile, the "looks" she would give, hearing her try to "boss" Morgan and the arguments that always happened, taking her to school, having her change the radio station 5 times in a minute....watching her "jam" in the car, hearing her call Bunko "fat cat", watching her talk to Wilson. There are so many many things we miss but mostly it's just her presence and sweet spirit. And we know we aren't alone--so many others miss her--especially her friends at school. We think of them often--knowing that they have an empty place inside just like us.

Days like today are hard but knowing that Jenna is not in pain, she isn't on steroids, she's cancer free and back to her old self in heaven helps make things better. We also know that in her 12 years on this earth, Jenna has touched many people....more than some people ever do in a full life of 80 yrs.

As always, thank you for your continued thoughts and prayers. We do feel them and appreciate each of you who visits here. I'll update later in the week with the info on the spaghetti dinner....it's going to be great! How blessed we are to have such wonderful friends who want to continue "Jenna's Legacy of Smiles".

Love,
Tricia, Michael & Morgan

Tuesday, March 20, 2007 8:40 AM CDT

We're still here....not much to write about. I did get a call last week that Jenna's grave marker is ready. Now the cemetery staff at Forest Hills has to do their thing to prepare the site and then it can be installed. That will probably be in the next week or so. It still feels so "not right" that we're doing this for our child....it should be the other way around....a child doing it for a parent.

While we still have some very tough days, we continue to feel very blessed by the outpouring of love and support that our entire family continues to receive. Morgan's school has planted a beautiful Magnolia tree in Jenna's memory. It's right at the front entrance so I smile and remember Jenna's happy days with her friends at FMES every time I see it.

Morgan enjoyed her trip to Barrier Island. She was exhausted but ready to go back because "they didn't get to stay long enough". I think it was a little hard for her to come home from such a great trip and back to the reality of her life. She still misses Jenna so much. She's now back into soccer practices and practice for an upcoming school play. She didn't have any soccer games last weekend but has 2 on Sat. this week in Columbia.

Don't forget about the spaghetti dinner on March 31st. They've gotten some really neat donations for the raffles and silent auction. I'll try and list some next week.
You can email the dream team at forjenna@comporium.net if you want to help or need tickets.

Have a good week. And don't forget to keep praying for those people battling cancer--young and old. Take the time to send them some encouragement--either on Caringbridge, a phone call or a note.....your encouragement may be just what they need for that day at the moment you reach out.

Ellie is having her bone marrow tested on Friday--be sure and say an extra prayer that all goes smoothly and they continue to get good results.

Love,
Tricia, Michael, Morgan

Monday, March 12, 2007 7:45 PM CDT

It's VERY quiet at our house. Morgan left this morning at 6am for the 4th grade trip to Barrier Island (off the coast near Charleston, SC). She'll be gone until late afternoon on Wednesday. She was very exctied and had everything packed and ready to go on Friday. I know they will have a great time. I can remember Jenna going on the same trip when she was in 4th grade and what a great time she had. Do any of her friends have any good Barrier Island stories??

Michael and I went out to dinner tonight. It's been a while since the two of us went out alone so it was nice. We're both still doing our best to adjust to our "normal" these days. We both agreed that missing Jenna seems to be worse these days. The slightest little thing can trigger the hurt and missing her. It's just plain and simple...our hearts hurt. Please keep us in your prayers as we navigate this road we're now on.

Thanks for checking on us.
Love,
Tricia, Michael & Morgan

PS: I'm still working on Thank You notes....if you haven't gotten one I'm sorry. I write them until it just zaps me and I can't do any more then I take a break for a few days.

Friday, March 9, 2007 6:03 AM CST

Thought I would pass along info from the "dream team" that is raising funds for Jenna's room.
_____________________________________

Jenna’s Legacy of Smiles
Jenna Witherspoon was one of the most amazing kids we have ever known. She taught us all the meaning of faith, hope, courage and strength and her family continues to teach us this each and every day. Her legacy to us is her spirit that was always present in her never-ending smile. It was literally a smile that could light up a room and everyone’s hearts too. She has been such an inspiration in our lives and we feel led to do something to continue her legacy.
Knowing how much the family appreciated everything that the doctors, nurses and staff did for them at The Children’s Hospital at Carolinas Medical Center, we felt that Jenna should have her name permanently attached to its replacement, the new Levine Children’s Hospital. This new facility is scheduled to open in October of this year. We have decided to establish a patient room on the oncology floor overlooking the front grounds of the hospital. These rooms have been designed to provide as much comfort and support as possible for the patient and family at a time when their lives have been turned upside down. Jenna participated in several of the hospital’s fundraising efforts so I’m sure she would be pleased to see us continue to support Levine Children’s Hospital. To fund this room, we must raise $50,000. Fundraising is underway.

Our first major event:
Spaghetti Dinner

St. John’s United Methodist Church
130 Tom Hall Street
Fort Mill, SC

Date: Saturday, March 31
Time: 5pm – 8pm

Tickets: $10 adult, $5 child (10 and under)

Food provided by Mama Mia’s

A Silent Auction will be held throughout the evening. We have received some fabulous donations and each day we continue to receive more! You don’t want to miss this!

We will also be selling raffle tickets for some huge prizes!

Face painting and balloons will be available for the kids for a small donation!

For more info, to make a donation or to purchase tickets,
Email: forjenna@comporium.net

Monday, March 5, 2007 8:07 PM CST

I know everyone is waiting for me to update....but there isn't much to tell. I feel like I just say the same thing again and again....just going thru the motions. Things are not getting easier. I can't put my finger on any one event...each day is painful in it's own way. We still have hearts that hurt and a big hole in each of our lives. Jenna's absence from our daily lives causes a hurt that just can't be described. But we do find a peace knowing that she is in heaven, cancer free and smiling her sweet smile at Jesus. That keeps us going.

Morgan has had a touch of bronchitis and is beginning to feel much better after a trip to the doctor and some antibiotics. She and I have been having some girls only time since Michael has been doing some traveling with work. (that translated means the kitchen is closed and we get to eat out!) She will play soccer this weekend...last weekend's games were postponed because of a field/location problem. She's anxious to actually have a game.
Her nights are about the same--some good and some not so good. She just read a short little book called "Am I Still a Sister?" It was a book of letters written by a girl who lost her younger brother to a cancer--brain tumor actually. I think it was good for her to see someone elses perspective--someone who has lived what she has lived. It's still hard-- 10 year olds shouldn't have to deal with this sort of thing. (we "old" grown ups don't like having to deal with it either) But she is doing remarkably well--it's only been 2 months. It is evident that lots of people are praying for her.

Thank you for staying with us on this part of our journey. Your thoughts and prayers are greatly appreciated.

Love,
Tricia, Michael & Morgan

Sunday, February 25, 2007 4:39 PM CST

There's not really much to report. Things are still the same with us.....just continuing to adjust to our "new" normal and not liking it at all but we have no choice so we do it. It's still hard to believe it's right at 2 months that she's been gone. Some days it seems like it just happened and then others it seems like forever since we had her with us. Please keep us all in your prayers....that's really what we need the most right now.

Morgan's soccer game was cancelled today due to the rain. She was sort of glad and sort of bummed--she's never been able to play in the pouring down rain. I think it would have gotten old really quick.

There will be some news coming thru this site soon about a really neat thing. A group of friends has created a team to raise money so that a patient room on the oncology floor at the new Levine Children's Hospital will be named for Jenna. They wanted her legacy to continue and we were so honored that they would do this for Jenna. So, keep checking back and there will be more info.

Thank you, as always, for your unending love and support. We are blessed to have each of you travel these roads with us.

Almost forgot--be sure to wish Miss Ellie a happy birthday on Wed, the 28th. She'll be 4....so hard to believe. It seems like just yesterday she was only 1 and hanging out in the hospital with Jenna....sharing her smiles with everyone but especially Jenna.

Love,
Tricia, Michael, & Morgan

Thursday, February 15, 2007 9:58 AM CST

Hello.
This week has been a pretty good week. I thought yesterday would be harder but it was ok. There are no easy days --every day we all miss her so much. I've found on the days that I think "it's going to be tough"-it usually isn't as bad as I expect. And then there are the days where I'm just going along and "Bam" it just hits you and almost knocks you down. I've been thinking alot about last year at this time. Jenna was at CMC the week of Valentine's....she had one surgery on Feb 13 and the other on Feb 17....two in one week. It is still amazing how strong she was. I added a couple photos from that week. I can still remember the doctor after the 2nd surgery--telling us how big the tumor had gotten and how far it had gone and that had we not done the surgery it would have been a "lethal event" for Jenna. Looking back now I realize that those surgeries gave us the extra months with Jenna. The doctors knew they'd never get all of the tumor but they did the best they could and allowed us to have 10 more months with her. Jenna's cancer made us appreciate every minute with her from the very beginning but especially so after those surgeries....knowing our options were getting more limited.

So, back to yesterday- Valentine's Day. I did visit Jenna's grave--it's hard to do but it warmed my heart to see there had been other visitors who had left flowers. I know that there are so many people who loved Jenna besides us. Thinking about how much love Jenna must be feeling now in heaven helped with yesterday. She's feeling a love that we "can only imagine".

"And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him" 1 John 4:16

Morgan is doing well. I think her body has gotten used to waking up at night and that's what's happening now. There are still some bad dreams but not as often. Please continue to pray for peaceful, restful nights for her.
She will be starting soccer games the weekend of the 24th. She's looking forward to them and already enjoys the practices. She's also participating in "Girls on the Run" this year. By the end she'll be able to run in a 5k race....you go girl. I've never been a runner --Mama believes the only time to run is when something is chasing her! :-)

Thank you for still posting, still supporting, still praying and most of all for loving us and our Jenna.

Love,
Tricia, Michael & Morgan

Tuesday, February 6, 2007 10:05 AM CST

Thank you all for the birthday wishes for Morgan. She had a really nice birthday weekend. There was lots of fun, cake & presents--Morgan was a happy camper. I did add a picture of her wearing Jenna's crown. She was the Birthday Queen.

We've had some tough days without Jenna. Everything you read always says it will get easier, blah blah blah. There are days that I don't think it will ever happen. First, there was a little snow here on Thursday. It was so hard to see Morgan out there playing by herself. I missed the giggles from two sisters having fun together. And then of course all the birthday festivities--we all missed Jenna and her sweet presence. Not having her with us during these times is rough. We've had her for 12 years and it hurts like crazy to do things without her.

And more and more, we're running into people who just don't know what to say or do when they encounter us. Let me just tell you, there are no magic words that will make it better. Just let us know you care, you're thinking of us and even better share a good Jenna story or thought with us. So many people are afraid to bring up her name. It's ok to do it, we do it all the time.

Thank you for continueing to be with us during this part of our journey. We do appreciate all the prayers and support. I can't imagine what "basket cases" we'd be without them.

Love,
Tricia, Michael, & Morgan

Tuesday, January 30, 2007 7:19 PM CST

The days and nights continue to go by here at the Witherspoon house. And as I've said before and will definitely say again. Some days are good and some days are not. The 27th came and we made it thru the day...neither Michael or I woke and said "it's been a month" but we felt it to our cores. It's just something that's there and will be for a while. A month without Jenna sure seems a lot longer than it's been. The best way we say it these days is that our hearts hurt....it's just that simple. We have been blessed several times with this verse and thought we'd share--it makes us think of Jenna and oh how true it is.

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith"
2 Timothy 4:7

Things will be a little more busy here as the weekend arrives. Morgan has a birthday on Sunday. I can't believe she's reaching the double digits --10 years old. She is having an ice skating party on Sat with lots of her friends and then later we'll celebrate with the grandparents.
She has been having some good nights where she sleeps all night or until about 5:30-6am. Sometimes it's a dream that wakes her up or sometimes she just wakes up and can't get back to sleep. We have been assured that this is not uncommon and it is part of the grieving process that she is going thru.
She did ask me if we could go through Jenna's closet the other day and see if we could find some clothes she could wear. So, that's what we did--we went thru Jenna's closet...and it really wasn't too bad--Morgan helped make it better. We didn't empty it or anything just sorted and cleaned a little and left it mostly in tact. She obviously wanted to do it and that was a good sign--she isn't avoiding the room or anything. She was the ever efficient helper/organizer and was happy with some of the treasures we found and quickly moved them to her room. She was really pleased with the real beauty pagent tiara that she found--Jenna got it a while back at a "Queen for a Day" celebration at the hospital. I think Jenna wore it the day she got it and never again. But now Morgan--- I can see her wearing it a little bit more often and with a little more drama. I can just see Jenna smiling and shaking her head as Morgan prances around in it (long white gloves were included too).

Thank you for the outpouring of love and support. We truly appreciate it.

Love,
Tricia, Michael & Morgan

Wednesday, January 24, 2007 7:33 AM CST

Things are going ok here. We are doing our best at finding a new routine. Thankfully we have Morgan who has to get up every morning and go to school and then she has her homework and soccer practices with a few play dates thrown in there. She keeps us busy --which is a good thing for all of us. It's still hard to believe that it has been 4 weeks since Jenna left us. At our weakest times, we think how wonderful it would be just to have her back for one more hug, one more "I love you" and even one more of her "looks" that told us we were crazy. But we know she is in such a better place and wouldn't want to come back even for a minute. I Can Only Imagine...how happy and wonderful she really is.

Morgan enjoyed her soccer tournament. They didn't win any games but played very well and had a lot of fun....which is really what matters to us right now. It was hard coming back home after being in Savannah....back to the reality of our lives. It hit all of us--Morgan too--but she was able to talk about it with me which is a good thing. She is still having trouble sleeping thru the night. Please pray for her mind to rest and that she gets a good nights rest.

We're just taking life one day at time, sometimes one hour at a time....knowing that God is holding us in the palm of his hand during these difficult days. That's all we can do.

Please say an extra prayer for Ellie today. She's having tubes put back in her ears and she's having some work done on her sinuses. Also, please keep praying for our other friends battling cancer--like precious Riley.

Love,
Tricia, Michael, & Morgan

Friday, January 19, 2007 7:30 AM CST

I sit down at the computer so many times and I think "I need to type an update"....but then I just don't do it. It just doesn't feel right....updating was something from the old normal we had. Now we're adjusting to the new normal--the world without Jenna in it. I know she's better off, I know she's cancer free, I know she's back to the Jenna before steroids, I know she's smiling at Jesus....but that doesn't take away the pain and emptiness we all feel. I remind myself that I'm thankful that she didn't suffer....that was always one of my biggest prayers "Lord, please don't let her suffer". Part of it was selfish because I couldn't bear the thought of it. But God heard and answered my prayers....she didn't suffer, she just went to sleep and peacefully took her last breath and went to heaven. And we know it could have ended so much worse--the doctors tell you every possibility...there could have been pain and suffering. But not with our Jenna, she went peacefully...just the way she lived her life.

Thank you for continuing to check on us, continuing to pray and continuing to shower us with love and support.
It does help keep us going each day.

Morgan is doing pretty well. She had a bad case of strep throat earlier this week but is feeling better now and will be ready to play soccer tomorrow. Night time is still the hardest part of the day for her...please say extra prayers for her. When all this started with Jenna we had the helpless feeling of not being able to "fix it" and now we have that same helpless feeling with Morgan. We can't take away her pain and it breaks our hearts to hear her say "I miss Sissy". She's had to deal with a pain some adults have never faced.

Love,
Tricia, Michael & Morgan

Saturday, January 13, 2007 8:43 AM CST

We've made it through another week. There were ok days, good days and plain old rotten days. The plain truth is that we all miss Jenna so very much. Oh, how we miss that sweet smile. We know that she is in heaven and totally well now....but that doesn't make the hurt any better right now.

Morgan is doing ok--she's continuing with her soccer and that helps keep her busy. Nights continue to be a challenge--but we'll work thru it and know that it will get better with time. We're actually going to Savannah, GA next weekend for a soccer tournament. It should be a nice get away for all of us.

The outpouring of love and support has helped us so much since Jenna's death. We've gotten such comfort from all of you--finding out how many people Jenna has touched has been unbelievable. Thank you all for sharing your stories, your love and especially your many prayers.

I've added a picture of a "modified" Jenna t-shirt. It was a precious idea from a 6th grader at Jenna's school.

Love,
Tricia, Michael & Morgan

Sunday, January 7, 2007 6:09 PM CST

Hello everyone.
I know everyone is wondering "how are they doing?" so I thought I would post. Although I don't know that I have a good answer to the question. I guess you could say we're doing "Ok". We're getting up every day and going thru the motions of our life....or whatever it is these days. We're just trying to figure out how to "be". Doing normal routine things even feels weird...it's just hard to describe. There's just a big hole in our lives.

Morgan is doing well. Going back to school was really good for her. She went for a sleepover and a playdate with several friends this weekend and really had a good time. Her biggest challenge is being alone upstairs at night...she's always had the security of knowing Jenna's room was right next door and she could easily climb in the bed with Jenna when there was a bad storm or a bad dream. Please pray for her as she makes this adjustment.

We continue to feel overwelmed at the love that is being poured out to our family. The mailbox is full of cards every day--and the things that people are writing about Jenna are so nice and we find comfort in them....sometimes reading them multiple times. I got a phone call last week after the Fort Mill Times ran a story about Jenna and a gentleman who owns a monument company wants to donate the marker for Jenna's grave. He'd never met Jenna or our family but just said he wanted to do something nice for our family. I just couldn't believe it. As I said, we feel so loved and supported....but we know it's not about us--it's about a special girl with the brightest smile who is shining up in heaven. I can only imagine......

Thank you for all of your prayers....we really need them now.

Love,
Tricia, Michael & Morgan

Wednesday, January 3, 2007 3:46PM CST

****
Morgan went back to school today. It was her choice but one that we definitely thought was best. She is a creature of habit and getting back into the routine will help her the most. She said she had a good day. Thank you for your prayers for her and our family. Also, please remember Jenna's friends from school--I'm sure it was hard for them to go back to school and Jenna not be there in the classroom. (kinda like us at home)
*****

I have to start this by saying "thank you" to everyone for your outpouring of love and support. We have felt so wrapped in love and prayers since Jenna's passing. I have to especially thank our wonderful neighbors who took up a collection and bought a plane ticket for Kate. I can't tell you what that meant to us but mainly to Morgan. It was so good to have Morgan's first Child Life friend here with her. (the others were fabulous too and a huge help right after Jenna died) We appreciate everyone who came to the visitation and the memorial service. It made us feel so good to see how many lives our Jenna had touched.

The memorial service theme was based on the song "I Can Only Imagine" by Mercy Me. It was absoultely perfect. I can only imagine our sweet Jenna running, dancing, and laughing in heaven now. She received heavenly healing and is finally cancer free. That's the thing that is keeping us going right now.

Now comes the hard part.....trying to figure out how to live our lives without Jenna. I really don't know how we're going to do it......with God's grace and lots of prayers is the only way I can figure. Everything just feels so "off"--even writing this journal.

Please keep praying for our family. We're going to need prayers so much---- especially Morgan. She is lost without her "sissy" and this adjustment is going to be especially hard for her.

Again, thank you for your love and support,
Tricia, Michael & Morgan

Sunday, December 31, 2006

For those who have asked--Jenna is buried at Forest Hills Cemetery in Rock Hill (Hwy 161)


Sat am update
WSOCtv came out and did a story about our Jenna. You can see the video at this link:
http://www.wsoctv.com/news/10631934/detail.html



*** Funeral Arrangements ***
Visitation - Friday 12/29, 6-8pm
Greene Funeral Home Northwest, Rock Hill, SC

Funeral Service - Saturday 12/30, 2pm
Westminster Presbyterian Church, Rock Hill, SC

The family will have a private graveside service prior to the memorial service.


Many have requested a list of Jenna's favorite charities for donations:

Children's Miracle Network (Levine Children's Hospital)
www.givecmn.org

Caringbridge
www.caringbridge.org

Children's Wish International
www.childrenswish.org

Thank you for donating in Jenna's name - she was proud to be associated with these wonderful organizations who do so much for the community.

**********

God needed another angel in heaven today. Our sweet Jenna left this world to be with Him at 4:30pm this afternoon. Mom, dad, sister and grandparents were all there holding her hands as she passed away. In answer to prayers, she did not suffer and her death was peaceful, just like her much too short life.

Many of you will be surprised to see that Michael is writing this entry instead of Tricia, but I wrote the first ones over 2 and a half years ago, so I think it’s appropriate that I write this one. Jenna was, after all, a Daddy’s Girl from day one. I attended the funeral of a friend and co-worker a little over a week ago, and during the service Marc’s mom & dad got up and spoke about their son. I know I don’t have the courage to do that at Jenna’s service, but I’m happy to write out my feelings for you all to read.

All parents think their kids are special…Jenna was special from day one; always one of the smartest, cutest, thoughtful kids you’d ever want to know. She was loyal to her friends and was blessed with so many of them. But Jenna truly showed how special she was over the last 2 and a half years. She touched thousands of lives - sometimes on purpose, but most of the time reluctantly. Jenna just wanted to be normal, she didn’t like being in the spotlight, but she gave back abundantly by being courageous, never complaining and just being the model person that we all strive to be. She never once asked, “why me?”. I found it poignant that her room overlooked the crane building the new Levine Children’s Hospital – we don’t usually stay on that side of the hospital. But today, she passed away in the shadow of the new building that she did a lot for, and that she just wanted to tour when it was done. Things happen for a reason.

This website is a testament to how many people Jenna has touched. Over 500,000 hits – I always joked that there were many company websites during the dot com era that didn’t get that much traffic. Through the site, we’ve met many wonderful people and stayed connected with family and friends from around the world. We thank you for your unending support, offers of help, notes of encouragement, etc. This long journey was made more bearable by all of you.

I must also thank all of the doctors, nurses, and everyone at the hospital. It was obvious how big Jenna’s impact was when a steady stream of people who work at the hospital that we’ve met along the way came by today to see us and to cry with us today. We will never question the level of care that Jenna received or the choices we made. These folks treated all of us like family, and that’s exactly how we’ll continue to think of them.

So today we say goodbye to Jenna for now; we’ll all be reunited in Heaven someday. We want to be sure to celebrate Jenna's life, not mourn her passing.

All our Love,
Michael, Tricia, Morgan & Jenna (from Heaven)

Funeral arrangements are pending, we’ll post tomorrow afternoon with details.

PS - the family needs a little rest time, so please post to the website or send us an email to help cut down on the phone calls.

Wednesday, December 27, 2006 10:28 AM CST

Things are the same here. Jenna is still sleeping and resting comfortably. She has not been awake or responsive since we arrived at the hospital. I don't know what else to write --- cancer is a terrible thing and it can change your life so quickly. Please keep Jenna and our entire family in your prayers. We need them now more than ever.

Love,
Tricia, Michael, Jenna & Morgan

Tuesday, December 26, 2006 8:26 PM CST

Jenna woke up very groggy and unresponsive this morning. We brought her to the clinic and they admitted her. She has been sleeping since we arrived. She's receiving fluids and they are keeping her comfortable .

We'll keep you posted. Please pray for Jenna and our family as we go thru this difficult time .

Love ,
Tricia, Michael, Jenna & Morgan

Sunday, December 24, 2006 2:20 PM CST

We wish all of our caringbridge family a very Merry Christmas! We continue to be amazed at the love that has been poured out thru this site to our family. We are very blessed and want to extend a special thanks to each and every one of you for traveling this journey with us.

God Bless,
Tricia, Michael, Jenna & Morgan

Thursday, December 21, 2006 10:32 AM CST

Everything went well with Jenna's appointment yesterday except her port was still uncooperative. So they did a traditional vein stick to get the blood. Jenna didn't complain--Miss La La is the bomb when it comes to drawing blood. Jenna's counts were good. The only side effect we're seeing from the new chemo is that Jenna is a little more tired than she had been. Dr. G wants to see her again next week just to make sure everything is going ok.

We ran into Miss Riley at the clinic yesterday. She looks great. We enjoyed our visit with her--she's so precious and another one of God's little miracles.

The girls are out of school today after lunch. They had a half day. Morgan is headed to a playdate (after she helps get Mrs. Wolf organized) and then to soccer practice. Jenna has physical therapy--so the wheels on mom's car will be rolling today. Oh, and let's not forget Dad--he's playing golf!

For anyone waiting for t-shirts, it will be after Christmas before we get another batch. Debra's going to get me a total number sold soon and I'll pass it along. I've had so many people tell that when they wear their shirts, people will stop and ask "who's Jenna" or they'll say "I know her". And people frequently walk away saying they'll pray for Jenna. That is so awesome. It's just another one of those "unexpected blessings" we receive so very often.

Enjoy all the last minute craziness before Christmas and please keep all our little friends battling cancer in your prayers.

Love,
Tricia, Michael, Jenna & Morgan

Sunday, December 17, 2006 7:49 PM CST

It's been a pretty good weekend. We had dinner with friends, Morgan went to 2 different birthday parties, Mike & I went to a party and today the whole family went to the Camp Care Christmas party. After typing all that maybe I should have said we had a pretty busy weekend.
Jenna is feeling good. She hasn't had any side effects from the new chemo. You can't tell there's been a change...we'll go on Wed to get her blood work checked. Jenna's only difficulities right now are the physical limitations. Her right side weakness is worse and things take longer to do. Getting from point A to point B is not as easy as it once was. She has to have help when climbing the stairs each night and when coming down in the morning. But in typical Jenna fashion, she never once complains about it. She just does what she has to do. We are so proud to be her parents.

I've been thinking about this posting from a long while back. It was a devotion that someone forwarded to me. I'm not really sure why it came to mind...other than to remind me to be thankful even on days when my heart hurts and I don't feel very thankful. I thought I'd post it again today.

Giving Thanks in Everything
Ephesians 5:15-21
Why would God command us to thank Him regardless of the circumstances? The idea defies human logic. But then, the Lord rarely binds Himself to man-made rules. Scriptural principles serve specific purposes in the Christian's life. Gratitude keeps us aware of God's presence, which builds our trust and ultimately strengthens our witness.

We must realize that thankfulness is not based on emotions or a situation's outcome. We can be grateful, even during trials, because the Lord has promised to work everything for our good (Romans 8:28). That means He has a purpose for every experience, pleasant or difficult. A big problem stacked against our small resources sends us running to Him, thankful He has committed to work it to our benefit.

The believer's part is to trust God will bring good from trials and to discover His plan, which gives further reason for thanking Him. Understanding His intentions renews our strength for facing difficult trials. Expressing gratefulness changes our attitude about God, ourselves, and our situations. Most people allow hurt and stress to form a pessimistic mindset, which negatively impacts every facet of their life. But believers have God's Spirit working within to provide courage and a flow of thanksgiving.

When we demonstrate thankfulness in harsh circumstances, other people pay attention. Our coworkers, family, and friends will want for themselves the peace and energy we derive from a grateful relationship with the Lord. So whatever you experience today, go ahead and defy logic -- praise God.

Have a good week
Tricia, Michael, Jenna & Morgan

Wednesday, December 13, 2006 7:19 PM CST

Jenna had a good visit with Dr. G today. Of course, her port did not cooperate this week but if it follows its normal pattern, it will work perfectly the next time. They just stick her finger and get her counts and they were fine. Dr. G has decided that he wants to switch Jenna's chemo. She will begin taking Temador tomorrow (or as soon as the pharmacy gets it--not something that just sits on the shelf). She will take it for 42 days--once a day in a pill format. Luckily we've got a source of information about this chemo--our little friend Riley is on the same thing. Please pray for none of the normal side effects (low counts, nausea) to be present when Jenna takes this and that it will keep everything stable.

I've added some of the "out takes" from the annual Witherspoon holiday card photo shoot. The girls grumble, grumble, grumble about doing it and threaten to boycott but it always ends up being a lot of fun with lots of laughs. Most of the laughter comes when we try and add Wilson into the mix. I think Morgan got a lick on the eyeball this year.

We don't have a lot going on the rest of the week and weekend. The girls are just counting the days until Christmas break and I'm trying to finish up my shopping.

Thanks for checking on us and for all your prayers.

"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer" Romans 12:12


Love,
Tricia, Michael, Jenna & Morgan

Monday, December 11, 2006 5:02 PM CST

What a long day!!!!
Just talked to Dr. G and the news was pretty good. There was NO growth in the back tumor area (brain stem) but there was some SLIGHT growth in the front area. Overall, we're very pleased. God is good and prayers have been answered!! We'll discuss next steps, etc when Jenna has her appointment on Wednesday.

Thank you, thank you, thank you for all your prayers!!

We're headed out to grab a bite for dinner--mama wasn't in the mood to cook tonight....Jenna and Morgan have requested Five Guys Burgers.....nothing like a good old greasy hamburger after a stressful day!!

Love,
Tricia, Michael, Jenna & Morgan

Monday, December 11, 2006 2:11 PM CST

No news yet............
Dr. G and I have been playing phone tag today. Darn cell phone put his last call right into voicemail without ever ringing so I didn't even have a chance to talk to him.....but the day isn't over yet!!

Tricia

Friday, December 8, 2006 9:20 AM CST

Hello.
I called the clinic to "remind" Dr. G to look for Jenna's MRI results and found out that he is out of the office and won't be back until Monday. So, we won't get any results until Monday.

Everything went well with the MRI--Jenna said she actually fell asleep during it. We were glad to have our frined Donna do the MRI--can't tell you how good it makes us feel to have her there (even though we know it's extremely hard for her :-).

Thanks to everyone for your prayers--they have definitely been felt. Please keep praying for peace as we have to wait for the results over the weekend.

Love,
Tricia, Michael, Jenna & Morgan

Tuesday, December 5, 2006 6:45 AM CST

Hello everyone.
Where did the weekend go? And is it really already Tuesday? I guess it's a good thing this week is going by so quickly--that means the MRI will be here soon and the results too. The waiting before and after is absolutely the worst part. As I was thinking about the MRI yesterday, my mind was racing in lots of directions and wondering about the "what if's", etc. And all of a sudden I had this thought.....God has been with us this far and he's not going to leave us now. There have been a lot more stressful situations like surgeries. We can handle whatever happens and we'll keep moving forward. Please continue to pray for Jenna's MRI on Thursday (the 7th). Pray for good results, peace for all of us, and wisdom for the doctors as they read the results.

Our family had a great time at the "Our Kids Come First Radiothon". It was great to see all our friends from the Children's Miracle Network and Tony and Jen from Lite 102.9. A big thank you to everyone who called in and donated!! And for those wondering--yes, Morgan did participate. She was typical Morgan--very honest in her answers to questions. She was asked if she minded helping out her sister and she said "yes". And it is true--all of this is hard on Morgan and she's asked to do a lot to help her sister and there are days when she just plain doesn't want to do it. And that's ok---why? because that's "normal" sister behavior. You know how much we love "normal"

Thank you for your continued prayers and posts thru this site. We are constantly humbled and amazed at the love we receive from this site.

Have a good week and we'll update results from MRI as soon as we receive.

Love,
Tricia, Michael, Jenna & Morgan

Wednesday, November 29, 2006 3:42 PM CST

Jenna had a good visit with Dr. Golembe today. Her port cooperated and they were able to draw blood this time....we didn't have to "fire" anybody. (Nurse Jennifer always threatens to "fire" anyone who can't get blood from Jenna's port). Dr. Golembe wants to do another MRI next week and see how things look. He is considering a different chemo for Jenna and will make his decision based on how the MRI looks. The chemo is similar to what she's taking now--it will be done orally and at home. He thought it might be good to change since she's been on the etoposide for 6 months. (where does the time go?) Jenna's MRI will be Dec 7th. Please be praying for the MRI next week. (and as usual peace for all of us as we await the MRI and results)

"The LORD gives strength to his people;
the LORD blesses his people with peace" Psalm 29:11


I've notified most people about the t-shirts that I have. Another order should be coming in soon. If you ordered a shirt and haven't heard from me at all, please email me. I had a couple emails from people that never made it to me so I don't want to miss anyone. (email: triciawit@hotmail.com)

It's time for the Lite 102.9 Our Kids Come First Radiothon. Jenna, Morgan and I will be there for an interview at 2pm on Friday - Dec 1st. (Morgan isn't 100% sure she's going to participate--we'll have to see) You can listen via the computer by going to www.wlyt.com
This is such a worthy cause. All the funds go back to the Levine Children's Hospital to help buy life saving equipment and provide services for the kids while they're in the hospital.

Thank you for all your love and prayers. We continue to move through each day because of your support.


Love,
Tricia, Michael, Jenna & Morgan

Sunday, November 26, 2006 6:48 PM CST

Hello
It's back to the routine tomorrow....so much for the down time and enjoying the holiday. Jenna has a couple appointments this week--orthodontist, Dr. Golembe and physical therapy. She's still feeling good and doesn't have a single complaint.

I ended up taking Morgan to the doctor on Wednesday because she still had a fever...and boy am I glad I took her. I thought they were going to tell us it was just a fever virus (she didn't feel bad and argued when I told her I was taking her to the doctor). She ended up testing positive for the flu. I was so surprised--the flu never crossed my mind. It was obviously a very mild case because she hasn't really slowed down...just the fever and now a pretty bad cough/cold. The doctor put the rest of us on Tamiflu as a preventative so that is a good thing.
Never a dull moment with us.

Thanks for checking on us and for all your prayers. Please continue to pray for our young friends battling cancer....there are so many fighting really hard right now (especially those wth brain tumors). God knows who they are and what they need.

Love,
Tricia, Michael, Jenna & Morgan

Tuesday, November 21, 2006 5:46 PM CST

Jenna is doing well. She's having a good time with Uncle Ron, Aunt Linda & Nicole. We've been hanging around the house mostly but did get out for a little shopping excursion today....in the rain of course. Nicole spent the night with us last night and Morgan really enjoyed that.

Speaking of Morgan, she has started running a fever...we think it's a cold or respiratory type thing but we may end up in the doctor's office tomorrow....can't let anything get out of control and we have to be careful not to "share" anything with Jenna. Please say a prayer for Morgan to get better quickly.

I have a house full of t-shirts! We have sold over 350 "Pray for Jenna" shirts. That is so awesome--to know so many people want to pray for our Jenna and help support pediatric cancer research thru CureSearch. Thank you all!!! As soon as Thanksgiving is over I hope to get all the deliveries taken care of.

As Thanksgiving day approaches, we have so MANY things to be thankful for this year. I could just go on and on and on. I mainly want to let all of you who check this website daily or weekly, know how very thankful we are for each of you. We know that the prayers and the love and support we've received have helped get us to the point we are at today. The encouragement we receive from you is such a blessing--I often wonder how people ever survived emotionally before Caringbridge! It may be a "down" day but then we come here and find encouragement and words to brighten our days. Thank you for being part of our praying family and helping us navigate this journey with Jenna

With love,
Tricia, Michael, Jenna & Morgan

Wednesday, November 15, 2006 2:29 PM CST

Time.....where does it go? Seems like I just updated the site but it's been a week. Jenna had her routine appointment with Dr. Golembe today and he said she looked good. Her counts were good as well--her port didn't cooperate today for any of the nurses (3 tried/verfied) and wouldn't give any blood so Jenna opted to have her finger pricked for the bloodwork.
We also saw Dr. McLanahan in the hall on the way to the clinic today...it's been a long time since Jenna has seen him--I think he almost didn't recognize her....she still got a big hug from him.

We're looking forward to the weekend. Uncle Ron, Aunt Linda and Nicole are flying in from Arizona on Friday to spend Thanksgiving with us (and my parents). The girls are very excited. And as usual, Morgan is making plans and getting us all organized. It's going to be a lot of fun.

The first order of t-shirts should be ready by the end of the week. You'll be notified via email(or some way) if your order was in the first batch. So, if you haven't sent your money--now would be a good time :-) I'll get the total numbers sold some time this week. I know it's over 175 but not sure the exact number.

Enjoy the rest of the week and enjoy time with loved ones....time goes so fast and we get so busy that we forget to enjoy the little everyday moments with the people who are most special to us. It's not the "things" in life that are important--it's the people and the memories you make with one another.

Almost forgot--Ellie is having her bone marrow/spinal fluid test on Friday. Please say prayers that everything goes smoothly and the results are good. Speaking of time....Ellie has been off treatment for 2 years!!! What a little miracle she is.

Love,
Tricia, Michael, Jenna & Morgan

Wednesday, November 8, 2006 8:06 AM CST

Good morning,
We had a good weekend and the girls enjoyed being out of school yesterday for Election day. It was hard to get them moving this morning....didn't help that it's another rainy/dreary day here. It's a good day though for the girls cousin Nicole--it's her birthday!! Happy Birthday Nicole.

Jenna had PT yesterday and they worked a lot on her right side weakness issues. She was pretty tired when she finished. Please continue to pray for physical strength for Jenna's right side. That is currently our biggest challenge. She's off her chemo this week and will start again on Sat and be on for 3 weeks. I think her body has adjusted to the chemo and we're starting to see some new hair growth....not a lot but a little.

Thank you for checking on Jenna. We are so thankful for your support. Don't forget all of our other little friends battling cancer too. We all need lots of prayers and encouragement to keep fighting the fight. It can make you so weary and tired.

Have a great week
Love,
Tricia, Michael, Jenna & Morgan

Friday, November 3, 2006 8:08 AM CST

Jenna had a good visit with Dr. Golembe this week. All of her counts were very good. He asked if everything was "normal and boring" and when she answered "yes", he said "good, that's the way we like it!". He told her to just keep doing what she's doing--it's all going well. We'll go back in a couple weeks.

We've been floored by the t-shirt orders! I don't have an exact count this morning but I have had orders myself for about 60 shirts and Debra has had a lot more than that. Youcan still email either of us to get the shirts (just specify size and long or short sleeve). Speaking of the shirts--we had to make an "executive decision"....they couldn't get the long sleeve shirt in periwinkle so they are going to use white long sleeve shirts with periwinkle writing. Hope that will be ok for everyone. Thank you to everyone who has ordered shirts!!!

Morgan has her last soccer game on Saturday morning...and it looks like it's going to be a cool one. The cold doesn't bother her--not the rest of us. Jenna and I may stay home for this one. I added a picture of her pirate costume. (thanks to Ms. Gretchen for sharing with us!!)

Here's something I read this week and it hit home for me --so I've been reading it a lot...

"When you trust in your ability, in your strength to overcome or deal with problems more than you trust God with the situation, you won't experience peace or God's blessing."

"You will keep in perfect peace
him whose mind is steadfast,
because he trusts in you" Isaiah 26:3

Have a great weekend
Love,
Tricia, Michael, Jenna and Morgan

Monday, October 30, 2006 9:28 AM CST

*********************
added a couple photos---still looking for the ladybug pictures. Don't eat too much candy tonight!!!
************************************

Have I mentioned lately how much I despise what the steroids do to Jenna's body? It seems like every time we turn around we're having to get new pants to fit her....and it's not like she's eating like a maniac or anything. It's just the bloating in the stomach area that causes the problem. It's so frustrating--I just wish she didn't have to deal with all this--nobody wants to get up one morning and find they can't fit in their clothes.

I'm inserting something really neat today that the youth choir from our church are doing in honor of Jenna. I've inserted a proof on the pictures page--haven't gotten any pictures with "live" models yet. If you're interested you can email me(triciawit@hotmail.com) or Debra Bryant (dbryant@comporium.net)

"As most of you know, one of our former choir children, Jenna Witherspoon, has struggled with cancer for several years now. She and her family have been in our thoughts and prayers constantly. We want to continue that prayer support along with the medical treatment she is getting. Some of our parents and choir workers had an idea which would remind all us to keep Jenna and her family in our prayers. They have designed a t-shirt and are selling them to anyone who chooses to buy or wear one. The cost would cover the purchase of the shirts. All overage would be donated to 'CureSearch' (www.curesearch.org) which helps fund pediatric cancer research and supports the Children’s Oncology Group –Jenna’s doctors and Carolinas Medical Center are part of the Children’s Oncology Group.

The shirt is in Jenna's favorite color (periwinkle) and has one of her favorite bible verses (Hebrews 12:12)printed on a cross (back of shirt). The front of the shirt says, "Pray for Jenna".
Short sleeved T-shirts will be $10, long sleeved t-shirts will be $15.
Please do not feel obligated to purchase a shirt. We just want to make you aware of yet another opportunity to show our love and support of the Witherspoon’s and do something to assist in her treatment as well. You may choose to donate directly to 'CureSearch' in honor of Jenna rather than purchase a shirt. But most importantly, continue to pray for Jenna's healing, comfort, testimony and peace for she and her family."

We continue to be amazed at the love that is poured out to our family and are humbled by it daily. I can't begin to tell you about all the expressions of love--it would take days. But for those of you who send the notes, the little treats for the girls, and ask how you can help us, please know we are truly thankful and appreciate each of you!! (I'm not as good with thank you notes these days-sorry!!)

Jenna will have PT this week and will also be seeing Dr. Golembe. That's it for the medical side. On the academic side--Jenna has been invited to join the Jr. Beta club at school and will be inducted this week (with lots of her friends). We're very proud of her--and her friends too.

Have a good week.
Love,
Tricia, Michael, Jenna & Morgan

Friday, October 27, 2006 1:47 PM CDT

Happy Friday!
It's a rainy day here--good day to stay inside...if you can. Jenna has had a good week and is looking forward to the weekend--just like everyone else. It's girls only around here since Michael has gone on a golf outing with some friends. We (as usual) have lots of things to keep us busy this weekend. I'm actually going out to dinner with friends tonight to celebrate their September birthdays--it takes a while to get three peoples schedules to connect!! It may take a while but it will be fun and worth the wait.

Morgan is excited about Halloween next week--she's going to be a pirate. Jenna has retired this year and has decided she's going to help me pass out candy. I was just thinking about her first Halloween costume--she was a Lady Bug....it was so cute. The years really have gone by so fast.

Please continue to pray for Jenna's strength and stamina. Her spirit is so strong but her body gets weak. It's harder for her to climb the stairs each night. But she does it and doesn't want anyone helping her. (it's ok if I hover a few steps below though) We know your prayers are helping her every step of the way!

Have a good weekend.
Tricia, Michael, Jenna & Morgan

Sunday, October 22, 2006 8:29 PM CDT

We had a great weekend in Charleston for Morgan's soccer tournament. Her team won 1 game and lost 2.....the best part was that Morgan scored one of the goals in the winning game. We were all very excited and happy for her and her team. They have come so far.

Jenna enjoyed the change of scenery and had a good time as well. Her right side weakness continues to be a problem. She seems to be getting weaker--she is having difficulty using her right hand to do any writing and her right leg is weaker so walking is challenging too. She never says a word about it or complains--it's just something we have noticed. Jenna continues to smile and keep on going. Please pray for strength in these areas on her right side.

We had a good vist with Dr. G last week --everything in Jenna's bloodwork looked good and he thought she was doing well. We'll see him again in a couple weeks.

Both girls brought home straight A's on their report cards last week! We are VERY proud of both of them. We feel very blessed to have girls who do so well in school.

I hope to add some pictures tomorrow--I'm too tired and ready for bed to even start with them tonight.

Have a great week!
Love,
Tricia, Michael, Jenna & Morgan

Tuesday, October 17, 2006 10:23 AM CDT

We've recovered from the busy weekend and are now back in the routine. Jenna will see Dr. G for her routine check up this week and she will have PT. She continues to feel well and is going to school every day for a little over 5 hrs. It is becoming cold and flu season so please say an extra prayer for Jenna's health during this time--her immune system is weakened not only by the chemo but also by the steroids. If she gets a fever of 101 or higher, it is an automatic trip to the hospital for a couple days ---and we really don't want to have to do that. Of course, I should also ask for the same for Morgan--we don't want her getting sick and bringing it home to share with Jenna or any of us. She does have a little bit of a cold right now but it isn't really slowing her down.

The girls get report cards on Wed and then they are out of school on Friday. It works out well since we're headed out of town for a soccer tournament this weekend--we'll get a head start and have some "family" time before everything starts. Morgan is really enjoying soccer and her skills have greatly improved....unfortunately they aren't winning any games. But so far, all the girls are still having fun and enjoying it....which is all we want for Morgan.

Thank you for your continued prayers and support. We are able to survive each day and be more normal because of them. (there's no other way to explain how we're functioning without the prayers)

Love,
Tricia, Michael, Jenna & Morgan

Thursday, October 12, 2006 9:34 AM CDT

Nothing much to report from here. Jenna is still doing well and continues to follow her daily routine. She's headed to physical therapy this afternoon--that's the only appointment of the week. We can't thank you enough for all of your prayers for Jenna. She is living proof of the power of prayer.

Morgan is doing ok too--2 soccer games this weekend. One on Sat and one on Sun. Fall Festival is this Sat at Morgan's school (FMES) so she's very excited about it. I've been extremely busy with it myself....there's a lot of pre-work that has to be done but it's been a lot of fun too.

Thank you for checking on Jenna and the rest of the gang. Please keep Jenna and all of our young friends battling cancer in your prayers.
Have a great weekend.

Love,
Tricia, Michael, Jenna & Morgan

Monday, October 9, 2006 1:58 PM CDT

Hello.
I spoke with Dr. Golembe and there was a small amount of growth in the tumor areas. There was one area that looked smaller also. Of course, we would have preferred no growth but we were pleased that there was not massive growth and no new tumor areas were found. The news could have been a lot worse. The chemo is obviously working--and that's good since we don't have other options at this time. We will continue on with the current regimen and "keep on keeping on" for now.

Thank you all for your prayers and supportive posts. We truly felt the prayers.

"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer" Romans 12:12

Love,
Tricia, Michael, Jenna & Morgan

Saturday, October 7, 2006 12:30 AM CDT

Ok, just ignore everything I just wrote....10 minutes after I updated a technologist called and said they had a cancellation this afternoon and for us to come on this afternoon.

A slight change of plans for today.....
We got a call this morning that one of the MRI machines is down at the hospital so they were recheduling/shuffling the appointments. They were able to reschedule us for tomorrow morning (Sun Oct 8th). We're thankful that we don't have to wait a week and that we're able to get in tomorrow.

So, please keep praying that all goes smoothly tomorrow and that everything is stable.

Thanks
Tricia, Michael, Jenna & Morgan

Wednesday, October 4, 2006 7:40 PM CDT

Hello.
We've been busy the past couple days. Yesterday we went to Michael's office for the Microsoft Giving Campaign Kick-Off. A couple Panthers Players (Mike Minter & Drew Carter), a couple Top Cats and Sir Purr were all there. I have some great photos to load as soon as our new computer arrives...don't get me started on the rag tag machine I'm having to use to type this update....it doesn't have the software I need to edit photos so they aren't too big. The girls got a really special gift from the Panthers--each girl got a team autographed football. (Thank you "Auntie Michelle" for arranging that for the girls). Both girls felt very loved and special after all that. We were also privileged to be able to meet Stuart & Shelby Stout. They are the parents of Hope Stout, a young girl who was diagnosed with cancer and when asked what she wanted by Make A Wish, she told them that she wanted everyone waiting(155 children) for wishes to receive their wish. Hope lost her battle with cancer in 2004 before Jenna was diagnosed but I remember hearing so much about her and her family. It was such a treat to meet them and hear about the wonderful things they're doing in Hope's honor. (check out www.marchforthwithhope.org) They were so wonderful and supportive to Jenna(& the rest of us)as well during our short visit.

Today was our visit with Dr. Golembe....although we just saw him briefly. Kathy Martin did Jenna's examination today and thought that she looked great. We ran into Riley during our clinic trip today. She is such a sweetie and looks so cute with her new steroid induced weight gain. (I am a little partial to steroid girls these days :-)

It's girls only around here for a day or so. We've sent Michael off on his birthday present/trip. He's gone to Pinehurst to play golf....that's what 40 year olds get to do. His actual birthday is Friday so there will be more celebrating around here....the cake is already in progress.

Jenna's MRI is on Sat Oct 7th so please keep praying for the results and for peace for all of us as we await the results. Jenna doesn't seem to be the least bit concerned about it--or not that she will admit to. This has all become such a part of her life. How I wish it wasn't the case.

Have a great rest of the week.
Love,
Tricia, Michael, Jenna & Morgan

Monday, October 2, 2006 9:38 AM CDT

Happy Monday.
We had a beautiful weekend here in the Carolinas. Everyone enjoyed relaxing this weekend--we didn't have to go anywhere....that's always a welcome change. Jenna worked on her math project on Sat.--it included planning and preparing dinner (it even included the clean up) for the rest of us. She did a great job--especially with dessert! She did have a little slip off the back step and hurt her right foot--just bruised but makes it uncomfortable to walk. Please say a prayer that the bruising and pain go away quickly. Other than that, she's doing just fine and continues right along with a smile.

I get a weekly email from Dave Dravecky's Outreach of Hope. Last week's has stayed with me and keeps popping up in my mind at different times. It was called "Endurance for the Long Haul" The scripture was Hebrews 12: 1-3 and I'm "cutting and pasting" some of the things he wrote below:

"....Once I chose to face life's challenges head on and believe that God was with me on the journey, there were two key things that helped me endure. First, I realized that as much as I would like to, I could not endure on my own. Second, I discovered that God's grace is an incredible fuel for endurance.

The journey becomes extremely lonely and difficult when we try to do it alone. It's a tremendous encouragement when somebody comes alongside and says, "Gosh, I know you're tired and exhausted, let me pray for you." .........

Second, God's grace is an incredible source of fuel for endurance. C.S. Lewis says, "If we have only the will to walk, then God is pleased with our stumbles." This means that even though I mess up, even though I don't know how to deal with pain and suffering, and even though I struggle with all the issues life throws at me, God still can be pleased with me. Sometimes we are so sick and tired of stumbling that we don't want to walk anymore. What a blessing it is to realize that all we need to have is the will to walk with Him, and God is pleased with us-even when we stumble. That's an incredible expression of grace. That is a tremendous motivation to endure.

When we run smack into the hardships of life, we either run away or take our stand. We either choose to go to God in anger or go to God for help. When we choose to fix our eyes on Him and trust Him for the strength to move forward, we are able to endure."

Jenna is such an example of God's grace and shows us all what it means to have endurance for the long haul.

Have a good week and please keep praying for the upcoming MRI and all our little friends battling cancer.

Love,
Tricia, Michael, Jenna & Morgan

Thursday, September 28, 2006 7:55 AM CDT

Hello
Just a quick note today. It has been three months since Jenna's last MRI so Dr. Golembe and I talked and have decided to have another MRI done. It will be done on Oct 7th (yes they do MRI's on Sat at CMC Radiology). This will "let us know where we are" and how things are going. We are asking for prayers for everything to be stable or for tumors to shrink. As always, it's a very anxious time as we await the MRI and the results so we would also appreciate prayers for peace for all of us.

Jenna is having a good week and doing great. She's got a couple projects for school that she'll be working on this weekend but that's about all for now.

Thanks for checking on us, posting and especially for your prayers.

Love,
Tricia, Michael, Jenna & Morgan

Monday, September 25, 2006 7:21 PM CDT

A good time was had by all at Chili's tonight. I've added some pictures so take a look. We saw lots of familiar faces and we appreciate everyone who went to Chili's tonight to help raise funds for St. Jude's.

It's a pretty slow week for Jenna (except for school and homework). Her only appointment is for Physical Therapy tomorrow. Other than that it will be strictly routine around here. We don't even have soccer games this weekend--we won't know what to do with ourselves!!

Please keep praying for strength and stamina for Jenna. We would also ask that you pray for our other friends who are battling pediatric cancers....the list just seems to keep growing but God knows each of them and what their needs are--even when we don't.

Have a great week!
Love,
Tricia, Michael, Jenna & Morgan

Wednesday, September 20, 2006 8:28 PM CDT

*********Sunday, Sept 24
Don't forget to have lunch or dinner at a Chili's Restaurant in your area tomorrow (9/25/06). Chili's will donate 100 percent of profits to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Here's the public service announcement part:
The funds raised help ensure that the life-saving research and care provided by St. Jude can continue. For more than 40 years, St. Jude has been dedicated to finding cures and saving children with cancer ad other childhood catastrophic diseases. Its research breakthroughs have helped push overall childhood cancer survival rates from less than 20 percent in 1962 to more than 70 percent today.

Something that I think is worth sharing----Approximately 12,400 children are diagnosed with cancer each year--and out of that number somewhere between 170 and 200 are diagnosed with ependymoma brain tumors like Jenna. I know we never focused on numbers but that's pretty rare in the big scheme of things. St. Jude's is leading the way and we need to support the research they are doing. So, please grab your friends and family and head to Chili's tomorrow night.
Thanks
Tricia

***************************************

Jenna went for her routine visit with Dr. G today. Everything continues to check out ok--blood work included. We'll go back and see him again in 2 weeks. Jenna's been busy this week with some fun things outside of school--she had a field trip on Monday to Camp Thunderbird and then on Tuesday she went to see her friends on the FMMS 7th grade volleyball team play a game.
Tomorrow she has an "ok" thing to do (not bad but not a lot of fun either)--she has physical therapy. Jenna's balance continues to be the biggest challenge right now. Let's just say she would never pass a test that required her to walk in a straight line. She's using her walker at home for moving around the house and of course she's still in the wheelchair at school.

Thank you all for your continued prayers for Jenna and our family. We are blessed daily by them. We never cease to be amazed and humbled by the outpouring of love and support we receive thru this site and from our many friends and loved ones near and far.

"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows" James 1:17

Love,
Tricia, Michael, Jenna & Morgan

Friday, September 15, 2006 12:16 AM CDT

It's been another good week for Jenna. She looks and feels good. Her balance is the only thing that "slows" her down on a daily basis. Her dad found her a laptop to take to school and she is really enjoying it. She's able to do more things at school (before she brought written work home because of the weakness in her right hand) and I think it makes her feel even more normal. Her friends did a great job taking notes for her but she also likes be self sufficient....normal Jenna. She's headed to my parents to spend the night tonight....she thought she needed a change of scenary.

Morgan and Michael are headed back to Lexington this weekend for more soccer games. I'm not going this time because I've got a couple things I have to do on Saturday.
Jenna and I will hang out once she gets home tomorrow.

It's been a hard week for friends and online acquaintances. Another child from the ependymoma group died this week and we have other friends who have lost loved ones to cancer as well. Please pray for these families--God knows who they are. And please pray for families battling cancer--it's such a hard road to be on.

We continue to be thankful for all the good days and for the little things that most people take for granted daily. God is good and continues to hold all of us in the palm of his hand.

Have a wonderful weekend.
Love,
Tricia, Michael, Jenna & Morgan

Sunday, September 10, 2006 7:13 PM CDT

It's the end of another busy weekend. And the beginning of another busy week. Jenna has a routine check up with the opthalmologist tomorrow morning and then she'll have physical therapy at some point. That's all for her appointments this week--not too bad actually.

Of course, Morgan's schedule will be more hectic....she has two soccer practices and then we have Open House at her school on Tuesday evening. I'll be a little more busy myself this week. Have I mentioned I'm one of the "Co" Vice Presidents for the PTO at Morgan's school? We have a meeting this week as well as getting some things ready for Open House and our Fall Festival in October. Never a dull moment with us that's for sure.

I think I've mentioned I belong to a web group for Ependymoma parents only. I've met some really nice people and it's great to be able to share your experiences and seek input from others who are fighting similar battles with chemo, radiation, drugs, side effects, etc. Today I received word that one of the children, Christal(8 yrs old) lost her battle and is now free from cancer in heaven. Her mom was so good about sharing her experiences and was always encouraging to other parents--especially those who were newly diagnosed. This kind of news is always hard for us cancer parents....especially when it's a child who has the same type tumor and some similar struggles as your child. It just brings the reality of cancer back to the forefront of your mind. It also brings the reality that we are not in control and that God is and we have to fully rely on him. It's not easy--some days are harder than others. I'm thankful for God's grace to get me thru the hard days. Please keep Christal's family in your prayers--I barely know them but God knows them and that's all that matters.

The LORD is my light and my salvation—
whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the stronghold of my life—
of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1


Thank you for your love and prayers.....they really do help us thru the good days and the bad days

Love,
Tricia, Michael, Jenna & Morgan

Wednesday, September 6, 2006 3:34 PM CDT

Hello everyone,
Jenna had her check up with Dr. Golembe today. Everything continues to be OK. We're actually going to change the chemo plan. Jenna will take the etopocide every day for 3 weeks and then have 1 week off. She was very excited about this. She will actually come off the chemo starting this Saturday. The steroids will be staying the same. The steroids have a very definite purpose and they are working.....but I really hate what they physically do to Jenna. The weight gain and bloating especially in her face is tough. I have a much harder time with it than Jenna of course. It's just that visual reminder that all is not right in Jenna's world. We've just gone so long with minimal outward signs of the cancer. It's not like we ever forget it is there.....it's just nice to have an outward appearance that things are a little tiny itsy bit normal even if it's appearance only. Jenna really strives to be normal.

We had a good relaxing weekend. We had some friends over for a swim and cookout on Sunday night. It was a lot of fun for all of us. Jenna always enjoys hanging out with people besides us for a change.

Morgan's soccer officially kicks off this weekend with 2 games in the Columbia, SC area. She is really enjoying it and her confidence has increased so much in just a short time. We're so glad so has "her own thing" to focus on.

We ran into Riley on the 7th floor at CMC this morning. She's still in the hospital trying to get everything regulated. Please keep her and her family in her prayers. Being in the hospital for 2 weeks is no fun for any of them.

Thank you for checking on Jenna and for all your continued prayers. Please keep praying for Jenna's strength and stamina--she's doing so well and we want it to continue.

Have a great week.
Tricia, Michael, Jenna & Morgan

PS: September is National Childhood Cancer Awareness month. Chili's Restaurant will once again be donating profits from Sept 25th to St. Jude's Children's Hospital. This is where so much research is being done (and especially for brain tumors). Please support them if you can. (www.chilis.com)

Thursday, August 31, 2006 8:13 PM CDT

ok, ok, ok......I have changed the pictures. Took a break from the wedding and added some that capture "A day with Jenna". She wouldn't let me take too many so don't get too excited. She has mastered the look that says "Mom, you are so uncool!"

Jenna is still doing well. She continues to go to school and seems to be keeping up with everything. Her grades still seem to be the same as always. I'm on a web group with parents of other ependy parents and so many talk about problems their kids have with school work, social issues, etc after surgeries/chemo/radiation....we are definitely one of the few who do not have that sort of problems to deal with. It is just one of the blessings that we have been given. God is good and it is so evident in this area of Jenna's life. I sometimes think how hard it would have been for Jenna to have gone from a straight A student to having to adjust to having a brain that didn't function the way it once did and have no control over it. I know she would have handled it with the usual Jenna grace and a smile....but it just reminds me of ONE of the daily blessings we have.

We're looking forward to the long weekend around here. No big plans---except to try and stay dry. Looks like Ernesto will be giving us some rain for part of the weekend.

I'm adding this verse in honor of Miss Anne....I heard it again tonight and it came at a time when I really needed to hear it. Sometimes we don't know what we need to hear but God does.

"14But as for me, I trust in You, O LORD,
I say, "You are my God."
15My times are in Your hand;
Deliver me from the hand of my enemies and from those who persecute me.
16Make Your face to shine upon Your servant;
Save me in Your lovingkindness. "
Psalm 31: 14-16

Love,
Tricia, Michael, Jenna & Morgan

Monday, August 28, 2006 3:43 PM CDT

Wow--it's already Monday. Where did the weekend go? Jenna and the rest of us had a good relaxing weekend. We hung around the house most of the time but we did venture out to a neighborhood progressive pool party. We all enjoyed it--even though Morgan was the only one to swim.
Jenna continues to take her daily chemo and steroids.....she's getting a little tired of it --she asked this weekend when she could stop. I told her I didn't think it would be any time soon. So, we continue on.

The only appointment Jenna has this week is for physical therapy. We started back last week. It was obvious (to even Jenna who said she thought she needed PT) that going to school and sitting so much was weakening her legs. She continues to have "wobbly" days and it is a struggle for her to climb the stairs each night.....but she does it without any help and never complains.

The girls are going out for pizza with Nana Brenda tonight. (while I go exercise--what's wrong with this picture??) It's a girls week around our house for a couple days while Michael does some quick trips for work.

Please continue to pray for strength and stamina for Jenna. These are the things she needs most on a daily basis. Also, please keep sweet Riley in your prayers. She's in the hospital with sodium level problems.

Thanks for your prayers, love, and support.

Love,
Tricia, Michael, Jenna & Morgan

I'll try and change pictures this week.

Wednesday, August 23, 2006 12:49 AM CDT

Jenna had a good visit at the clinic today. We saw Dr. G briefly--he was headed to see patiens on the hospital floor and to a meeting. So Jenna got checked out by Lauren, one of the Nurse Practioners at the clinic. Lauren was actually one of the first nurses we had when Jenna was admitted originally for her tumor so it was a good thing for us to catch up (obviously she's been busy since she's now a NP). Jenna's blood work is still good and everything else checked out OK too. So, we're lowering the steroids a little (.5mg) and continuing on as we are--staying on the same path which is a good thing. We'll go back in a couple weeks for another check up.

Not much left to report--it's just the same routine around here which pretty much revolves around school, homework and soccer practices. Jenna and I are meeting the McGinley girls for dinner tonight--can't remember the last time we were able to catch up with them. Jenna is looking forward to seeing her buddy Ellie.

We continue to be thankful for every one of you who visits this site regularly and for the prayers that you offer up for Jenna and our family. Being with Jenna each day and watching her go about her day as if there wasn't a thing wrong with her, is truly an answer to prayer. Anyone who doubts the power of prayers needs to come stay with us for a while! Jenna is such a blessing and a special gift from God and we are so proud to be her parents.

Love,
Tricia, Michael, Jenna & morgan

Saturday, August 19, 2006 5:42 PM CDT

Jenna had another good week at school. She continues to look and feel good. So far she is keeping up with all her school work--she even did some work today. That is one thing that hasn't changed--she's always been a good student and diligent with her school work.

Since Morgan has a soccer tournament this weekend, Jenna spent the night with Nana Betty last night. That kept her from having to be at the soccer field with the rest of us melting from the heat. Morgan's team played two games today--they lost one and won one. It was a great effort for a team that has barely played together and Morgan's team is so much smaller than a lot of the other teams too. (her team is mostly 9-10 yr olds playing in a U11 division). So at some time tomorrow morning (TBD) her team will have another game. Hopefully it will be early before it gets too hot!

I saw this on another caringbridge site and like it so I'm "borrowing it" and posting here.

Happy moments, praise God.
Difficult moments, seek God.
Quiet moments, worship God.
Painful moments, trust God.
Every moment, thank God.

We are thankful for every moment! Please continue to lift Jenna up in your prayers. We can never have too many prayers for her or for the other children battling this awful disease.

Love,
Tricia, Michael, Jenna & Morgan

Tuesday, August 15, 2006 7:37 PM CDT

Thursday Update:
Notice anything different about Jenna's smile??? She got her braces off yesterday!! This will be one less thing she has to take care of right now....she's very happy and her teeth look great.
____________________________________
Hello.
There's not really much to report. Things are still going well and everyone is adjusting to being back in school. Jenna is still going for about 5 hrs a day and then she comes home and does her homework. So, the days are pretty busy for her. She does get tired and I think she's maybe a little bit more wobbly than she has been....probably because she is tired and is doing more than she had been. I think it has been emotionally good for Jenna to be back in school. I could tell her spirits were up after being back with her friends on a daily basis. We have been very very blessed with a great group of friends for Jenna.
No appointment with Dr. Golembe this week but she does have an orthodontist appointment tomorrow. She said it would be nice to have one week with no appointments--not this week I guess.

Morgan is back in full swing as well with school, soccer practice twice a week and Girl Scouts every other week. She has ber first socccer tournament this weekend. She's excited and a little nervous I think.

Thanks for checking in with us and for all your prayers.

Love,
Tricia, Michael, Jenna & Morgan

PS Changed a couple pictures too.

Saturday, August 12, 2006 9:45 AM CDT

Hello.
Everyone survived the first few days of school. The girls were really happy to be able to sleep in this morning--getting up earlier was the hardest part (for all of us). Jenna was able to go every day and really enjoyed being at school with all her friends. They all did a great job of helping her when she needed it and most importantly they made her feel like one of them. Next week will be longer but we'll just take it one day at a time and see how things go. Please continue to pray for Jenna's strength, stamina and her balance--those are the biggest challenges she has each day.

It's raining here today so it will be a good day to stay inside and catch up on some things.....I may even do some scrapbooking (which will mean Morgan will want to the same thing and I probably won't get a thing done)


We continue to be amazed at the response to this website. We are so thankful to be able to share Jenna's story with all of you. You're posts and support (even those who don't post--we know you're out there) mean more than we can ever say.

Forgot to mention--I added a couple new pictures today.

Please keep praying for all the chidren battling cancer. God knows each one of them and their needs.

Love,
Tricia, Michael, Jenna & Morgan

Wednesday, August 9, 2006 1:17 PM CDT

Our trip to New York started as quite an adventure. Somehow--I got the flight times confused in my brain. I told everyone we were leaving at 6:08pm and up until 2:55pm on Friday that was our plan. Our flight was actually for 4:20pm with a 6:08pm arrival!!! Luckily I went online to make sure everything was on time and found my mistake or we would have never made the flight to NY....and we barely made it anyway. Things were a little hectic for a while....Michael didn't enjoy our adventure at all!!
The weather in NY was beautiful--much cooler than here in SC and there was no humidity! The girls enjoyed everything--Morgan had trouble with the fact that we weren't in a big city in NY. Even though we told her we wouldn't be in a big city she still said "we're in the middle of nowhere" and "are we lost?" It was funny. We enjoyed meeting Kate's family and friends and we immediately felt like we were part of the family--everyone made us feel right at home and told us how much it meant to Kate for Jenna & Morgan to be at the wedding. As you can see from the pictures, the girls both looked beautiful. Morgan loved have her hair pinned up and as you can also see Miss Jenna has a fabulous wig to wear whenever she wants. We were very thankful that Jenna was well enough to make the trip and enjoy all the festivities.

Jenna had her check up with Dr. G yesterday and everything still looks good. He even said she could come back in 2 weeks instead of 1. One less trip to Charlotte is always a good thing in our book!

Both girls started school today. Morgan was prepared and ready to roll bright and early. She is relatively easy to get out the door in the mornings--she's usually rushing me along and telling me to get up earlier :-). Jenna went in a little late to avoid some of the chaos but she stayed thru her 4 "core" classes & lunch(math, science, language arts & social studies) I picked her up around 1:45pm and she said it was a good day but she was definitely tired. Right now we're going to keep doing it this way until we need to change for any reason.

We have seen many answered prayers this week and we are so thankful to have all of you who are our prayer warriors with us on this journey. God hears our prayers and is in control.

I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust."
Psalm 91:2

Love,
Tricia, Michael, Jenna & Morgan

Monday, August 7, 2006 9:46 PM CDT

Hello everyone.

We're home from NY and this is going to be short because I'm tired and ready to sleep in my own bed. But I promise more later.

We had a wonderful time at Kate & Chad's wedding. The girls had a great time being part of the wedding and spending time with Kate. It was a great trip and a good time was had by all!

Tomorrow is a busy day with back to school preparations and Jenna is having her regular check up with Dr. G (since school starts Wed.)

More later......thanks for all your prayers!!

Love,
Tricia, Michael, Jenna & Morgan

Wednesday, August 2, 2006 5:28 PM CDT

Wow--it's been a busy couple of days. The American Idol concert was a lot of fun. Both girls had a really good time. They liked all the performers but we all agreed that Chris, Kellie Lisa, and Katherine were our favorites last night. Although Paris really entertained the girls with her dancing--Morgan has been practicing a few of her moves. It was a great time and we especially enjoyed seeing the smiles on both girls faces.....it's priceless.

Today we headed to the clinic for Jenna's regular appointment and we were greeted with a party! There was cake and everyone sang "Happy Birthday"--it was really neat and Jenna thought it was great. Everything checked out ok and we were told to go to NY and have a great trip! After the clinic we went out for lunch and then did a little shopping with Jenna's gift cards. It was a great day for a 12 year old --cake and shopping--what more could a girl want?

As you can tell I added a couple pictures from when Jenna was a baby.....where does the time go? She has the same cheeks that she had as a baby!

We head to NY (Rochester area) on Friday evening and we will return on Monday evening. Please pray that all goes smoothly with the flights and during our visit. I will be taking tons of pictures and I'm sure there will be lots to report. The girls are both SOOOOO excited about seeing Kate and the wedding.

Ellie is having a bone marrow test tomorrow so please pray that all goes smoothly and that they get good results. Her website is listed below.

Thanks for all the birthday wishes for Jenna today--she really appreciated them. Thanks also for your prayers--they are keeping us going on a daily basis.

Love,
Tricia, Michael, Jenna & Morgan

Sunday, July 30, 2006 8:17 PM CDT

Wed Aug 2nd
HAPPY BIRTHDAY JENNA!!
(and Happy Birthday Nana Betty!)

_____________________________________
Hello.
It was a busy afternoon here. The grandparents came over for a little early birthday celebtration for Miss Jenna. That's right she has a birthday very soon--she'll be 12 on August 2. She had a very good time and got some neat gifts and gift cards--she's ready to do some shopping. I think she really likes the present from Mom and Dad (and Morgan too). We got her tickets for the American Idol concert that will be in Charlotte on Tuesday, Aug. 1. She got a really big smile on her face when she opened them--the four of us are all going.

So, as you can tell, we're going to have a busy week....lots of celebrating this week. We have SO much to celebrate and be thankful for.

I'll update more after the concert, etc.

Thanks for your love, support and especially the prayers!!

Love,
Tricia, Michael, Jenna & Morgan

Wednesday, July 26, 2006 6:54 PM CDT

There's not much new to report here. Jenna continues to do well. We saw Dr. G today and everything checked out ok. Her bloodwork was good too--it's been very consistent thanks to the steroids. It's now very obvious that Jenna is on steroids--she has got some really big cheeks. (a very common side effect of taking steroids over a long period of time). It's definitely a different look--but one thing is the same and that's her smile--she still has it.

We don't have anything big going on until we leave for the wedding next week. We're just resting and saving our energy for that! Both girls are getting very excited. Dr. G even said we could take a break from the chemo while we're gone. Yea! (one less thing to pack!)

Morgan is busy with soccer camp every night this week and on Sat. too. So far she's really enjoying it--it's definitely wearing her out.

Please continue to lift Jenna up in your prayers. We specifically need prayers for wisdom for her school situation. They have started the paperwork for another homebound teacher but we hope her schedule will allow for her to attend for a couple periods a day. She is more anxious about going to school this time. She has a very hard time using her right hand and that is causing some of the anxiety since that is the hand she writes with. Please pray that we will be able to work out everything and she will have a peace about it all. We think being around her friends will be so good for her.

"Cast your cares on the LORD
and he will sustain you;
he will never let the righteous fall" Psalm 55:22

Have a great week
Love,
Tricia, Michael, Jenna & Morgan

Wednesday, July 19, 2006 4:24 PM CDT

Jenna had a good visit at the clinic today. Kathy Martin did her exam and then Dr. G popped in to say hello. Everything continues to look good and be stable. Miss Riley was at the clinic today so we were able to visit with her for a few minutes--she looked great.

It has been terribly hot here so we aren't venturing out too much. Jenna and I did go to lunch at Macaroni Grill today after her appointment. We treated ourselves since Morgan was off on a play date. Jenna has been filling her time reading the last few days. She has finished her required summer reading for rising 7th graders and she's moved on to some other books now. She can read about 20-30 minutes before her eyes start to bother her.

Morgan has soccer practice tonight....it is so hot but we've pumped her full of Gatorade and hopefully it will cool down quickly. She looks so grown up with her soccer clothes and her hair pulled back....and of course she acts more grown up with each day. She's excited about playing with the Tega Cay soccer club. This is definitely a step up from recreation soccer and we're excited that she is going to be doing it.

Thank you for checking in to see what Miss Jenna is doing to keep herself busy. We mostly appreciate your prayers. They are so evident to each of us every day. God is good!!

Love,
Tricia, Michael, Jenna & Morgan

Friday, July 14, 2006 11:53 AM CDT

All continues to be good with Jenna. We did get her hair cut really short and it looks so cute but not sure how long the cut will last because her hair is still coming out. It still isn't bothering her in the least. She's restless today and wants to get out and do something.....although she can't come up with anything specific to do. So I guess Morgan and I will have to come up with a plan. (that's one of Morgan's specialties)

Speaking of Morgan, she was home for a couple nights and took off to spend a couple nights with Nana Betty & "Pop". She's got to be on the go. She's getting excited about getting her teacher assignment soon. I can't believe school starts Aug 9th. Where did the summer go?

Read this today and it definitely was God's timing.

"Search me, O God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.

See if there is any offensive way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting" Psalm 139:23-24

The devotional said this:
What a relief it is to be able to pour out your heart to God and know that he will listen to your prayer - no matter how composed or irrational, giddy, or angry, direct or confused--he hears the cry of one of his best-loved children. (I really liked the "irrational" and "confused" reference)

It's just so amazing to find the words you need to hear at the right time. God is good and we know he is holding Jenna in the palm of his hand. Please continue to keep Jenna and our family in your prayers. We see them and feel them at work daily.

Have a good weekend.
Love,
Tricia, Michael, Jenna & Morgan

Tuesday, July 11, 2006 7:11 PM CDT

Things continue to be good here with Jenna. Physically she's ok....can't say great but can't say bad either. She seems to be a little weaker when she's walking--having to be more careful with the balance, etc. She's doing her normal things this week- EAT, physical therapy, and check up with Dr. Golembe. The biggest change has been the hair thing--it is coming out by the handful.....the child has a ton of hair so it's not really obvious to an outsider yet. I feel like all I've done today is vacuum and pick up hair. We have an appointment tomorrow to get it cut. All of this isn't phasing Jenna--she's been thru this before and she's handling it in her usual manner-with a smile. It's tough on mom though--just another visual reminder of what we're dealing with on a daily basis.

I do have a big prayer request. Our friend Kate (former Child Life Specialist who moved back to NY a while back) is getting married the first weekend in August. And she has asked both Jenna and Morgan to be in her wedding. The girls both formed very special bonds with Kate--we couldn't have survived those first weeks back in March 2004 without her. So, we have plane tickets and are heading to NY for the wedding------as long as Jenna continues as she is now and as long as the doctors give the OK. We need big prayers for Jenna's health, strength and stamina to maintain so she and Morgan can make this trip. I can't tell you what it is going to mean to all of us. So, please start praying and ask others to pray too!

That's about it for now. As always thank you ALL for continuing to be with us on this journey. We are so thankful to have your prayers and support. I feel like this is so repetitive and I say it over and over but it is true and I don't think it can ever be said enough. God has given us many unexpected blessings throughout this journey.

Love,
Tricia, Michael, Jenna & Morgan

Hooray! Riley is at home...please keep her in your prayers too.

Friday, July 7, 2006 11:15 AM CDT

It's been a quiet, low-key week here. Jenna continues to do well. Her check up with Dr. G went well and her counts were good so he has left her on the daily oral chemo. (and of course the steroids too) We are seeing a little bit of hair loss--not massive but enough to be noticeable. It's not unexpected after 3 weeks on chemo. Jenna says if it keeps coming out she wants a hair cut to make it shorter. So we'll just wait and see on that.

Morgan has had a good time at the beach. She's called to check in several times. She says it's been really really hot. She'll be back home on Sunday so the pace will definitely pick up around here.

Thanks for the birthday wishes. I had a very nice birthday--and of course it had to revolve around going out to eat (thanks to Jenna & her steroids).

No big plans so it will be the routine around here....which of course we all love. Routine is good. Please continue to pray for Jenna--she is doing really well. She continues to keep her smile and be our wonderful Jenna--you'd never know she was fighting this awful battle with cancer. Unfortunately there are so many young ones fighting this battle--please remember them in your prayers as well. God knows who they are.

Have a great weekend.
Love,
Tricia, Michael, Jenna & Morgan

Monday, July 3, 2006 6:45 AM CDT

Wow--it's Monday again. The weeks are just flying by. We had a good weekend and Jenna continues to look and feel good. We get lots of laughs about her eating--thanks to the steroids she is like a bottomless pit. And it probably doesn't help that we watch a lot of the cooking shows on Food Network.

We slacked off last week and Jenna didn't go to PT but we're going to get back on track this week. It is really good for Jenna to be challenged physically--we can see it in her energy level. She will go back to see Dr. G on Wednesday for her weekly appointment.

Morgan is having fun at the beach. It's VERY quiet around our house. We may have to liven it up before the end of the week. We have no big plans for the 4th--just going to hang around the house/pool and go to the neighborhood fireworks in the evening.

We continue to feel blessed by the love and support we receive thru this site and from friends near and far. We never take it for granted. There are days when it's hard to be thankful for anything but coming here to this site can always change that.

Please keep praying for Jenna--she's doing well right now and we pray that it continues.

Also, please keep Riley in your prayers. She's recovering from her surgery and doing well--just ready to be home I'm sure.

"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus" 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Love,
Tricia, Michael, Jenna & Morgan

Thursday, June 29, 2006 7:32 AM CDT

Jenna had a routine visit at the clinic yesterday. All of her blood counts were good and Dr. G thought she looked good too. She gained 1.5 lbs. so that's a good thing too. (must be all the milkshakes she's drinking!) Since she's doing so well with the milkshakes and drinking, we get to come off of the fluids at night. Jenna promised she would drink a lot--so please pray that she is able to stay hydrated on her own.

Dad is traveling with work so it is strictly the girls here. We have some wonderful company right now that came all the way from Wisconsin--our friends Linda & Paige Kruse. So it's really a house full of girls--lots of fun and laughter that's for sure.

Morgan is heading to the beach on Sat. for the week with Nana Brenda. She's already packed and ready to roll. Jenna thinks it will nice to have to some peace and quiet without Morgan around :-) I'm sure Jenna will find things to do--but they will probably involve eating.

Please continue to pray for Jenna and our family--it really does keep us all going.

(added some pictures today)

Love,
Tricia, Michael, Jenna & Morgan

Tuesday, June 27, 2006 10:49 AM CDT

Jenna is doing great! She is looking and feeling so much better than she was two weeks ago. The steroids and chemo seem to be helping. The steroids continue to make her eat (a lot) which in turn has given her more strength and energy to do things. It's obvious to us that prayers are being answered. Thank you for all the prayers!!

We had a fun weekend. On Friday night, the McGinley girls (Karen, Lily & Ellie) came over and kicked Michael and I out of the house while they had a fun girls night at our house. Michael and I enjoyed a nice dinner out. On Saturday, we rented a convertible and headed to the mountains for a day trip. We had a little rain but most of the day we were able to keep the top down. Jenna thought it was ok while Morgan loved it. On Sunday we were at Nana Betty's for a wedding shower and both girls decided to spend the night. They had fun as usual.

This week Jenna will see Dr. Golembe on Wednesday for her routine appointment and that's all we have booked right now.

Thank you for all your love, support and encouraging posts. We are so blessed and thankful to have each of you in our lives as we make this journey. We continue to move forward one day at a time--that's all we can do. I found this verse which confirms that we should all take things one day at a time --each morning brings a new day of God's faithfulness.

"Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail.

They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness." Lamentations 3:22-23

Love,
Tricia, Michael, Jenna & Morgan

Thursday, June 22, 2006 8:24 PM CDT

I received this from a mom whose son also has an ependymoma tumor (she isn't the author but just relates to it like we do) Thought it was worth sharing.....

The Chosen Ones By Jeanie Kane, St. Jude mother

Not just any child
Could walk this uphill road.
These children walk it every day.
Carrying a load.

They show us heights of courage
That we may never reach.
They show us what it is to fight
a fight you cannot teach.

We stand beside them knowing
There is no guarantee.
Except the one we started with
to love them endlessly.

They are the special chosen ones
God knew it from the start.
He picked each child for cancer
by measuring their heart.

The ones that measured biggest
Would someday face a test.
The challenge is to understand.
God loves them more not less.

He’s using them to move our hearts
Closer to his own.
Teaching us to trust his plan
and fear not the unknown.

For God can move a mountain.
And part the raging sea.
He wants our struggles offered up
and given forth to Thee.

He smiles upon the chosen ones
Before they’re even born
And blesses them with courage
To walk through any storm.

His love for them surpasses ours
And cannot be denied.
For in the dark of suffering
His light will not subside.

No matter what the outcome
There is the greatest peace
In knowing deep inside their hearts
His love will never cease.


Jenna is doing well this week. She had a good check up with Dr. G. He thought she looked good. He lowered her steroid dosage to 2 times a day instead of 3 so that's easier to do. She's definitely got her appetite back--she starts thinking about lunch as soon as breakfast is over :-)
Morgan has been in "Garden Art" camp this week and really enjoyed it. We went to see "Cars" yesterday--it was really cute--and you gotta love "Larry the Cable Guy".

Hope everyone has a good weekend. Please keep praying for Jenna and our family.
Love,
Tricia, Michael, Jenna & Morgan

Keep praying for Riley!

Monday, June 19, 2006 9:00 AM CDT

Jenna is headed to physical therapy this morning. She isn't very excited about it but it's good for her and Dr. G said to keep it up. So, off we go. She has her regular appointment with Dr. G on Wed morning and then another PT session later in the week. That's about it for our appointments this week.

I'm having a hard time writing here on the website these days. It's always been easy to do but lately it's just not been that way. I think it's because we're just so tired of talking about everything--we just need a break. A friend said we need room to breathe and it made me think.....right now all we're doing is trying to breathe. Hard to explain but it's pretty much how we feel right now. I'm sure it will pass but for now my postings will probably be pretty short and sporadic.

Thanks for all your many prayers....we really do appreciate them and continue to need them. They keep us going!

Love,
Tricia, Michael, Jenna & Morgan

PS: Please keep Riley & family in your prayers--her surgery is today.

Saturday, June 17, 2006 6:22 AM CDT

Jenna is doing well with the oral chemo so far. Usually it's given in a pill form but with Jenna's swallowing issues, we decided to go for a liquid form. It's a small amount so we mix it with apple sauce and she's able to get it down--with lots of coaxing. (it doesn't taste that great) The steroids also seem to be working because Jenna's appetite has been better. The cookies and cream milkshakes are still her favorites right now--we even make them ourselves at home. (Morgan is always happy to have one too). We got out for a little while yesterday and did some shopping....had to get ready for Father's Day :-). It was fun--it's amazing, the older they get, the more they like to shop! Morgan likes being in charge of pushing Jenna in the wheelchair. I think Jenna fired her a couple times for reckless driving. The rest of the weekend is going to be low key--just hanging around the house and the pool.

Thank you all for checking on us and for your posts and especially for your prayers. We are blessed to have such an outpouring of love and support.

Please keep Riley and her family in your prayers as her surgery will be on Monday. It's an anxious time and they need all the prayers they can get. (her link is listed below)

Love,
Tricia, Michael, Jenna & Morgan

Wednesday, June 14, 2006 8:29 AM CDT

Our meeting with Dr. Golembe went as expected. He agrees with the assessment we were given by Dr. Sanders. There are no great medical answers out there for us. Jenna will be starting an oral chemo that will be taken at home once a day that will hopefully slow the progression of the tumors. She's also starting steroids today. This will increase her appetite and keep down any possible swelling from the tumors. For now, we are just taking everythng one day at a time--continuing to trust that God is in control and knows what's best.

This is one of those days where the words aren't coming so I'll close by just asking that you continue to pray for Jenna and our family. So many people say "what can we do?"--right now we just need prayers.

Love,
Tricia, Michael, Jenna & Morgan

Sunday, June 11, 2006 6:52 PM CDT

We've had a good weekend. We spent most of the time at home. Jenna hung out getting fluids yesterday while Michael and I spread two loads of mulch in the back yard. Morgan passed thru and helped briefly before she "retired"
And as you can see from the pictures, Jenna got a new float from some of our friends. It is fabulous--we all love it and we will get a lot of enjoyment out of it.

Jenna will continue with physical therapy this week. She is struggling with her balance and walking more the last week or so. Please pray for her strength and stamina as she faces this challenge. She has her check up with Dr. Golembe on Tuesday. We will be able to talk to him and discuss the recent MRI as well.

This week I came across the following verse at two different times. Once was in devotional book called "365 Days of Hope" by Joni Eareckson Tada and Dave & Jan Dravecky and the second time was today at church during our pastors sermon. I think it means I should really pay attention to it. :-)
"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD.

"As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts" Isaiah 55:8-9

The book said "God wants us to understand that he alone is our source of help and hope." And then today our pastor emphasized the same thing saying that our brains will try and figure things out and get things turned around so that we aren't focused on God. Once again we are reminded that we don't understand why this has happened to Jenna and it would be easy to wallow in pity and feel sorry for ourselves...but thru it all there has been one constant thing--God has been with us, holding us all close to him. There is no doubt in my mind of that fact. Jenna wouldn't be here with us now if it wasn't true....they didn't even know if she would even survive the very first surgery 2 years ago. But God knew and had plans for Jenna--he is in control.

Please keep Riley in your prayers--she will have brain surgery on June 19th. Her website is listed below and I know any encouragement you can give to her family will be appreciated.

We continue to ask for prayers for Jenna and for our family. We have felt a peace this week that we know is a direct result of your prayers. Your prayers and support really do keep us going.

Love,
Tricia, Michael, Jenna & Morgan

Thursday, June 8, 2006 7:10 PM CDT

Home sweet home. There's nothing like spending the night in a hospital to make you really really appreciate your own bed. Jenna got her fluids and is feeling much better. Her platelets (and other counts) are coming up so no transfusion was needed. Because it is so challenging for Jenna to drink thin liquids and her lack of desire to drink a lot, we will be giving her fluids at home using IV pump during the night. It will be attached to her port and will run while she sleeps. We're waiting on home health to come and give us all of our "training".

No plans for the weekend---just hanging out and doing routine things. (sometimes it is so great to do the routine/normal things)

Thank you so much for all of your posts and encouraging words. It was such a blessing to us over the past several days. We are continueing to trust God to lead us (and our medical team) in the right direction for Jenna. Please keep praying!!

Love,
Tricia, Michael, Jenna & Morgan

Tuesday, June 6, 2006 1:17 PM CDT

Wednesday Evening Update:
Jenna is dehydrated - the swallowing problems make it tough to drink enough - so the doctors advised us to admit her to the hospital for fluids. They may also give her some platelets while she's there. Both of those should make her feel better and give her some more energy. Tricia and Jenna are at the hospital now taking care of that. If all goes well, they'll send her home tomorrow.

...................................

We got a call about Jenna's MRI and we did not receive the news we had hoped for. The tumor areas that they had been watching had all gotten larger. The chemo did not work--so we will not continue it. Right now we will be exploring other options and we'll be honest--they are limited at this point. Dr. Golembe is on vacation and will be back next week. We will meet with him and carefully discuss every option available.

For now we ask more than ever for your prayers for our family--and especially for wisdom for all involved in Jenna's care as we move forward.

We know that Jenna has been in the palm of God's hand and will remain there! God is good.

Love,
Tricia, Michael, Jenna & Morgan

Sunday, June 4, 2006 6:46 PM CDT

We survived the weekend.....it was pretty busy with rehearsal, Children's Miracle Network, birthday parties and 2 days of recital. I think we need another weekend to recover from our weekend!!

Jenna is doing well. She's still not eating a lot. She just can't seem to find anything that really interests her so she kind of picks at things (with lots of encouragement) She has found that she really likes the new Cookies N Cream milkshakes at Chic-Fil-a. They have been one of her favorite things this weekend.

Tomorrow morning is Jenna's MRI. Please pray for clear pictures and good results. We've really tried not to dwell on it but it's still part of the reality we deal with on a daily basis....and it's not easy. Please keep all of us in your prayers as we wait for the results.

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." John 14:27


Love,
Tricia, Michael, Jenna & Morgan

Tuesday, May 30, 2006 8:06 PM CDT

Thurs. June 1 update.
Just a quick update. Most of Jenna's counts came up today. The only number that fell slightly was her platelet count. It's still not low enough for a transfusion so that was good. We're praying that this count will start rebounding by Monday.

We're going to be busy with activities surrounding Morgan's dance recital this weekend. We'll finally get to see her jazz and hip hop moves. It's also the Children's Miracle Network Celebration weekend. You might see someone you recognize if you're watching Channel 6 WCNC on Friday (June 2) around 9pm and Sat (June 3) around 8am. This is such a great cause and we're always glad to participate in their activities. The funds they raise go towards so many things that have affected Jenna's life--including purchasing machines that helped keep her alive when she was first diagnosed two years ago.

Enjoy your weekend and we'll touch base later.
**********************************
Hello.
Jenna is feeling pretty sluggish today. Her counts are pretty low (not rock bottom but lower than they've been since this started). She did make it to PT today but it made her really tired afterwards. We will go back to the clinic on Thursday to re-check her blood work and hopefully things will have started going up. We would appreciate prayers for Jenna's counts to improve. (she won't eat any of the good "home remedies"--but I'll keep trying)

Please remember Ellie in your prayers. She will have her tonsils taken out and tubes put in her ears tomorrow. She'll be spending the night in the hospital too. (so the whole family will need prayers!)

Thanks for checking on Jenna and for continuing to post on this site....it is so uplifting to all of us. We just can't explain how much it means to us to know you're all praying for Jenna & our family. We are very humbled by the support and love we've been given by you all.

Love,
Tricia, Michael, Jenna & Morgan

Sunday, May 28, 2006 12:46 AM CDT

Jenna is doing pretty well after her latest round of chemo. She feels ucky for about 3 days and then starts feeling a little better each day after that. Her appetite also starts to pick up about 3 days after chemo (before that she doesn't want to eat anything--she says things taste funny/bad) Once her appetite picks up she pretty much gets anything she wants--anything to keep the weight on her! Jello seems to be one of her favorite things right now. She did have some ribs the other night--which is unusual because that isn't something she would normally want to eat.

We head to the clinic tomorrow for blood work and our weekly check up. Jenna will also get a 1 hr antibiotic infusion while we're there--it's a once a month preventative to fight off infections that could be harmful to chemo patients. We took it orally last time she was on chemo but with the swallowing concerns the wonderful Nurse Jennifer suggested we do it this way. The rest of the week we'll do the routine--physical therapy and E-stim.

Morgan was able to go to the world premiere of "Cars" on Friday night at the speedway. She had a blast and came home telling us about all the stars she saw on the red carpet. Morgan will be busy this week too--she has her dance recital next weekend so lots of practice and rehearsals for her. Never a dull moment that's for sure.

Jenna's next MRI will be June 5th. This will determine if the chemo is working and keeping the tumors stable or shrinking them. Please pray that the chemo is working and that we'll get good results from the MRI. It's a little nerve wrecking knowing that this is coming up so we'd also appreciate prayers for peace for all of us.

Hope everyone enjoys the long weekend!
Love,
Tricia, Michael, Jenna & Morgan

Wednesday, May 24, 2006 7:59 AM CDT

Jenna's chemo went much better yesterday. They gave her Benadryl and Reglan before she started and she only had one little bout of nausea. Right after she was nauseaous they gave her some Zofran and that seemed to do the trick. Thanks to the Benadryl, Jenna was actually able to sleep a little during the chemo. Last night she was pretty wiped out and her legs started hurting but she was able to sleep thru the night. Thank you for all your prayers!!!

We had a great time at the ski show on Monday. It was just what we all needed to lighten our moods/spirits before Jenna took her second round of chemo. It was so great to see everyone out supporting the hospital and Jenna. We came away feeling very loved! Jenna did decide (after much encouragement) to take a ride in a sea plane. Michael, Morgan and Jenna all went for a quick ride around the lake. They said it was great and Jenna was glad she did it. Jenna also enjoyed a limo ride to the show with her friends....she said it was great to ride in the limo but it was more fun with her friends. Her friends have all been so supportive and we're very thankful for each one of them. God has put some special people in Jenna's life.

Today is the last day of school here. Jenna didn't go but Morgan did--she wouldn't miss that last day ice cream party. Both girls have had great school years. The teachers we've had this year have been fantastic. They have all been so supportive of both girls and our family. Once again we are truly blessed to have such a great "school family". Thank you Mrs. Brown, Mrs. Finley, Ms. Miller, Mrs. Hamlin, Mrs. Crawford and Coach White!!! (and there are lots more too--but too many to mention--thanks to everyone at FMES & FMMS)

Jenna is going to try to go to E-stem today....the more we do it the better it is for her swallowing. The rest of the week should be the same and pretty low key.

Please say an extra prayer for our little friend Riley. She is having her MRI tomorrow and we're praying for no change!! (her website is listed below)

Thanks again for continuing to check on us and for all your support and prayers.

"Know that the LORD is God.
It is he who made us, and we are his;
we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.

Enter his gates with thanksgiving
and his courts with praise;
give thanks to him and praise his name.

For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations:"
Psalm 100:3-5

Love,
Tricia, Michael, Jenna & Morgan

Monday, May 22, 2006 8:50 AM CDT

Good morning.
Just a quick update before I head out for our hectic day. Jenna is doing well--she's definitely a little sluggish and tired but it is to be expected when you're on chemo. She had fun at Relay on Friday night--I think it was harder for her this year since last year she was feeling great and able to run around more with her friends. What a difference a year can make. We saw lots of friends and had a lot of success in our fund raising efforts. Thanks so much to all who came out and supported us and to those who have made donations online.

Jenna will be starting E-stem today. We're hoping it will help with her swallowing--it worked before so please pray that it helps again. The official name is VitalStim and you can check out www.vitalstim.com for info on how it all works if you're interested (and I won't have to type it all :-) Jenna also has physical therapy today. And tonight the Carolina Show Ski Team is putting on a water ski benefit show to raise funds for the Children's Hospital at CMC in Jenna's honor. So, you can see we have a very busy day.

Please continue to pray for the upcoming chemo, for Jenna's strength and stamina over the next few days and for all of us as we adjust to the girls being out of school and having a different routine (especially Morgan as she may have to "tag" along to a lot of Jenna's appointments) We are surviving daily on prayers to keep us all going--this is such a tiring journey both physically and mentally.

Love,
Tricia, Michael, Jenna & Morgan

Friday, May 19, 2006 11:14 AM CDT

Hello.
It's been a pretty good week for Jenna. Only one little incident--she fell down a couple steps that come into our house from the garage. She's ok but landed on her tailbone and it is pretty sore. (she doesn't have any extra padding for protection!) It hurts to walk for more than a short distance. So tonight at Relay she'll be hanging in the wheelchair most of the night. She has lots of people who are willing to push her around the track.

Our wonderful Relay team captains/helpers are busy getting ready for the big night. The food is going to be great. Our site will be serving BBQ and chicken salad crossiants from The Market on Herlong. I'll be sure to take lots of pictures to share.

Jenna will have chemo on Tuesday the 23rd--please pray that she tolerates this round better than the last and that there will be no nausea. Thank you so much for your continued prayers--we need them everyday!!

Have a great weekend
Love,
Tricia, Michael, Jenna & Morgan

PS: You can still donate to American Cancer Socitey online....
www.acsevents.org/relay/yorksc

Monday, May 15, 2006 2:06 PM CDT

Hello everyone.
I tried to get Jenna to update today but she wasn't very cooperative. Oh well, you're stuck with me I guess--but I'll keep working on her. She's still feeling good--just gets tired easily. Everything checked out good this week with Dr. Golembe. Her blood counts were lower than last week but again nothing so low that a transfusion was needed. We go back next Tuesday for her next round of chemo.

Jenna has physical therapy on Tues & Thurs this week and she's going to try and fit some school time in there too. Relay for Life is Friday night so as you can tell we have a pretty busy week coming up.

We had a good weekend and I had a great Mother's Day. I am blessed to have two very special girls!

Our prayer requests remain the same--please keep praying for Jenna's swallowing and for the chemo to work. The power of prayer is so obvious in Jenna's life each day. We are so thankful for all our praying family and friends....we couldn't do this without you!

God is Good.
Love,
Tricia, Michael, Jenna & Morgan

Wednesday, May 10, 2006 7:21 PM CDT

Jenna is doing well this week. We had a routine visit with Dr. G on Monday and her blood work was good.... some lower numbers but not terrible. She says her appetite has come back and she actually wants to eat. Her swallowing seems to be a little bit better too. She went to school today for a couple periods. Dr. G has written Jenna an exemption letter so that she doesn't have to take the PACT tests this year. It was a big relief to her--she was worried about not being at 100nd the writing required--her right hand gets tired quickly. Her first appointment at the new physical therapist went well today. It was a get acquainted/"what can Jenna do" type session. She'll go back twice next week for the real workouts.

That's about it for us so far this week. Thank you for your continued support and prayers. We never take them for granted and we know we couldn't be functioning if it weren't for them!

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13

Love,
Tricia, Michael,Jenna & Morgan

Sunday, May 7, 2006 5:35 PM CDT

Jenna had a pretty good weekend. She was able to go to school for a couple hours on Friday. She enjoyed it but it was also tiring. We (and she definitely agreed) decided that walking long distances was taking away too much of Jenna's energy so we arranged for her to have a wheelchair for longer excursions. It was perfect for our outings on Saturday. We went to Michael's company picnic at Carowinds for a couple hours and then we headed to Fest-i-Fun in downtown Fort Mill. Jenna enjoyed being out and especially seeing all her friends (including Ellie).....but of course she was very tired when she got home. Today has been a PJ day for her--just hanging out on the couch and watching a little tv (and staying out of the rain we've had).

Jenna's swallowing is going ok--I guess for now it is manageable.....she's able to get some things down with no problems--she's just very careful with what she will and will not try to eat. Her whole right side is very weak now. (which is part of her walking problem). She has difficulty using her right hand for long periods of time....she's even switched to using her left hand for eating sometimes. There are just so many physical side effects that come along with a brain tumor.....the brain operated everyting we do. Please continue to pray for these two areas. They are the biggest challenges at the moment. (for her and for the rest of the family--it's hard seeing her so weak and struggling)

On Monday we head back for a check up and bloodwork with Dr. Golembe. It shouldn't be a very long visit unless she'll need blood or platelets. On Wednesday, she's going to go back to physical therapy (if Dr. G says it's ok). We've been able to find a place in Fort Mill for the PT so we are very excited. We'll miss our PT/OT friends at CMC but not having to drive so far will be great for us.

Thanks to all our friends who stopped by our Relay for Life booth this weekend. They raised a lot of money for the American Cancer Society. We thought that was fanatastic and really appreciate all the hard work that went into getting it all together.

Have a great week--we'll keep you posted on how everything is going.

Love,
Tricia, Michael, Jenna & Morgan

Thursday, May 4, 2006 1:29 PM CDT

Jenna continues to feel a little better each day. Her biggest challenges right now are the physical limitations/problems--her balance and her swallowing. She actually felt well enough to go to school today but she was worried about her balance and falling so she didn't go. This is hard for her--she's not used to having these problems....it keeps her from acting and feeling like a normal kid. I think we may be doing mostly homebound work for a little while. The swallowing is becoming a problem not only with thin liquids but with some solid foods. So today she's been eating jello and vanilla pudding....not the greatest things in the world but a whole lot better than nothing! Dr. G told Jenna that if things got really bad with the swallowing it would probably mean a feeding tube and possibly a trach. Not something any of us wants but we will do what has to be done if it comes down to it. Our biggest prayer requests for today are for Jenna's balance/strength and for her swallowing.

This weekend is Fest-i-Fun here in Fort Mill. Be sure and look for our Relay for Life team on Main Street. The wonderful ladies who have been running our team's efforts will be there with lots of cool stuff. I even think some of Jenna's friends will be working at the booth too. (and I know we'll probably be there too--probably not the whole time though) I can't believe Relay is only 2 weeks away. Jenna is looking forward to being there (another quick prayer request--please pray her counts are good enough for her to be out in public at that time)

As always I have to repeat myself--thank you so much for your prayers and support. We are very blessed to have each of you with us on this journey.

Love,
Tricia, Michael, Jenna & Morgan

Tuesday, May 2, 2006 6:49 PM CDT

Wednesday morning:
There's a really great article in our local paper about Jenna today. You can check it out at www.fortmilltimes.com
*************************************
Jenna had a better day today. She had no nausea--didn't even have to take any nausea medication. But we did move onto another chemo side effect--leg pain. Her legs have hurt all day and especially when she walks on them. So, put this together with her balance issues and you've got one really wobbly girl. She's not sure how much walking she can do so she's a little nervous about going to school. (and a little nervous about getting behind on her school work--6th graders are pretty busy!!) We'll just take it one day at a time and let her decide what she does or does not do.

We were able to get out and meet Ellie and Karen for lunch today (any excuse to get Jenna to eat!). Jenna really enjoyed seeing her cute little friend. She always brings a smile to Jenna (and me too).

Thank you for all your prayers--we are definitely feeling them. We truly do have much to be thankful for

"I lift up my eyes to the hills—
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the LORD,
the Maker of heaven and earth." Psalm 121: 1-2

God is Good
Love,
Tricia, Michael, Jenna & Morgan

Monday, May 1, 2006 2:57 PM CDT

We're home. It was a pretty long day. Jenna got nauseous about 3/4 way thru the chemo. She threw up several times so they had to give her a different nausea medicine (they gave her something before they started the chemo too). The second drug did the trick. She's now sleeping on the couch---a really good side effect of the anti-nausea medicine.

She doesn't have any restrictions for the rest of the week--she can do whatever she feels up to. So, I'll report more as the week goes on. Please pray for the nausea to go away and for the chemo to do its job.

Thanks for your prayer support and all your encouraging words. Today was one of those days where we just felt so helpless--it's no fun and so unfair watching your child be sick from chemo.

Love,
Tricia, Michael, Jenna & Morgan

Friday, April 28, 2006 6:54 AM CDT

Friday evening update:
The chemo has arrived and everything will proceed as scheduled. Jenna will head to the clinic for her first round of chemo on Monday. She will come home after the chemo. We should be there about 3-4 hours total.

Jenna is headed back to school for a little while today. She's still a little sore but she said it's not as bad as yesterday. She has physical therapy today and then we have to head up to the clinic for blood work. The blood work is a requirement for the clinical trial --it has to be done before she can start chemo. Speaking of chemo--not sure if she'll be starting on Monday. The chemo has to be shipped from the National Cancer Institute and we're not sure if it will be here by Monday. I'll keep you posted. Please continue to pray that the chemo works and that Jenna is able to tolerate it well.

No news on the swallowing yet. I think we're waiting for Dr. Golembe to be able to talk to Dr. McLanahan and come up with a plan. It's so much fun having so many busy doctors!! I'll keep you posted on this too but please keep praying for Jenna's swallowing--especially for thin liquids.

It should be a low key weekend around here...but you never know what we may decide to do. Thank you all for being part of this journey with us--we are so thankful for you all.

"So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
Isaiah 41:10

Have a great weekend
Love,
Tricia, Michael, Jenna & Morgan

Wednesday, April 26, 2006 12:40 AM CDT

Hello everyone.
Jenna is home and doing very well. The port placement went smoothly--no problems. While Jenna was asleep they checked on her vocal cords to see if everything is working properly--she's had several instances where she's choking while drinking thin liquids. Unfortunately, the vocal cords aren't moving as well as they should (which is why there's the swallowing problem--things are going to the wrong places!)....so we're waiting to hear about our next steps. For now Jenna has to revert back to the days when she had to turn her head to the right side, lower her chin and take small sips using a straw. I'm sure there will be a "swallow study" in the near future. It's possible that the chemo may help the problem--if there is tumor pressing on a nerve it could be reduced with the chemo. So, we have another reason to pray that this chemo works. Please pray for Jenna's swallowing and for the upcoming chemo.

Thank you all for your posts and your prayers!

God is good!
Love,
Tricia, Michael, Jenna & Morgan

Sunday, April 23, 2006 5:28 PM CDT

Hello.
We hope everyone has had a good weekend. Ours has been relatively low key. Morgan and I braved the weather and went on a 2-3 mile hike on Saturday. It was part of the local Earth Day festivities and it was led by her teacher Mrs. Brown. Of course it started to rain the minute we started walking--and it really poured the closer we got to the end of the hike. We all had fun in spite of the weather and got bragging rights for being so tough!

We got a call on Friday afternoon to let us know that Jenna's port surgery had been changed. The anesthesia group at the one day surgery center thought that Jenna should have her surgery at the main hospital...so that's what is happening. They actually were able to move the surgery up to Wednesday the 26th. So, please be praying for Jenna's surgery on Wednesday. It is still outpatient and we should be home by early afternoon. This surgery is the biggest thing we've got this week--it's going to be a lot easier than last week that's for sure!

Thank you again for your posts and words of encouragement. They are so uplifting--it's so easy to become weary when fighting this cancer battle....your support and prayers are so helpful to us all. We continue to ask for prayers for Jenna's strength and stamina, for the upcoming surgery, for the chemo to work and for Jenna to be able to tolerate it well.

"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." Hebrews 11:1


Love,
Tricia, Michael, Jenna & Morgan

Thursday, April 20, 2006 11:26 AM CDT

Quick update -

Tricia & Jenna just left Dr. G's office - they'll be heading to Dr. McLanahan's for that appointment in an hour or so. The MRI shows that there has been some growth in both tumor areas - this was not unexpected since the tumor has been so agressive and we knew they didn't get it all in the surgery. The plan is to start chemo on May 1. Hopefully the chemo can stall or shrink the tumors and then we'll go from there.

Thanks for all the special thoughts & prayers as we awaited the results of the MRI.

Michael, Tricia, Jenna & Morgan

Monday, April 17, 2006 9:35 PM CDT

Today was the last day of the girls Spring Break. Tomorrow it is back to the books. Jenna told me she wanted to go back for a full day of school....and we would have done that except she has a pretty busy day. She will have Physical Therapy in the afternoon followed by her pre-chemo MRI. It's going to be a long day for all of us. Please pray for strength and stamina for Jenna as she stays at school for longer periods of time and for good results from her MRI. I guess the rest of the week proves that the vacation is really over. On Wednesday, Jenna and I will be heading to CMC to tape a segment about Jenna's story for the Children's Miracle Network --they will have their annual telethon in early June and this will be aired then. Then onto Thursday. She has an appointment with Dr. Golembe in the morning followed by an appointment with Dr. McLanahan in the afternoon. We will hear the results of the MRI from both of these doctors. (same info just different perspectives) And finally on Friday, Jenna will have another round of PT in the early afternoon. So that is our week--of course I didn't mention Morgan's activities which are equally as important. We really do our best to keep her schedule as "normal" as possible too--we don't want her to feel like her activities aren't important too!!

Thank you for all your prayers and posts--they really do mean so much to all of us. This website has been such a blessing to our family. Your prayers are so important to us--they keep us going day to day. There are so many families with children battling cancer--please say a prayer for them--we may not list them but God knows who they are and what they need. And then there are so many families dealing with the loss of a loved one....I just can't imagine their pain. Please pray for them as well.

God is Good!
Love,
Tricia, Michael, Jenna & Morgan

PS--Please say an extra prayer for our precious Ellie--she's been battling sinus & respiratory infections and a case of croup.

Friday, April 14, 2006 7:48 AM CDT

Hello everyone!
It's always good to go away for a while but it's also nice to be home. Now if we can just get adjusted to the time change. Both girls are still upstairs sleeping as I type this--gotta catch up on that beauty rest I guess.

We had a great visit with Ron, Linda & Nicole. This was a great time to be in Arizona--the weather was beautiful. We did learn something new about resorts in Arizona--we had a reservation at a resort in Scottsdale and when we arrived we found out they were "underdeparted" and had no room for us. We think that's a new way to say they overbooked the resort....but anyway before we got all bent out of shape they quickly informed us they would be sending us to another nearby resort and they would be paying for our stay! That was a very nice treat and the place we stayed was very nice--no complaints from us. The girls really enjoyed the pool. Jenna did really well the entire trip--she would just get tired if we made her walk too much. The girls were sad to come home--they really enjoy spending time with their only cousin Nicole.

Now that we're home it's sort of a "back to reality". Jenna has an MRI next week and that is always an anxious time for us. Please pray for no new growth to show and for peace for our family as we wait for the results.

"You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you." Isaiah 26:3

Have a wonderful Easter weekend.
Love,
Tricia, Michael, Jenna & Morgan

Monday, April 10, 2006 9:56 AM CDT

Hello-
We're having a great time in Arizona. The weather has been beautiful. It's just amazing how fast the days are passing. The girls have been having fun with Nicole. We have decided that Nicole can definitely talk more than Morgan! The girls went swimming yesterday and on Saturday they took a quick dip in Canyon Lake (it was very chilly).
Today we're headed up to Scottsdale for a couple days.

I'l try and get some photos added later this morning. Thanks for checking on Jenna. She's doing great. Please continue to pray for the upcoming MRI, port placement surgery and chemo.

God is Good!
Love,
Tricia, Michael, Jenna & Morgan

Tuesday, April 4, 2006 8:46 PM CDT

Quick Update April 5th.

***************Don't forget Relay for Life is coming soon--only 6 weeks away. We'd love to have anyone join us on May 19th. If you'd like to contribute to our team you can do so online this year. Just go to www.acsevents.org/relay/yorksc and on the right side of the page, look for ‘Team Jenna and Ellie’ under the ‘Team Rank’ list. To donate from the team page – click on the ‘General Team Donation’ tab just above the Welcome message OR to donate from a team member page – select the team member from the list on the Team Page. Of course we will still take checks and donations for luminaries. Just let me know if you're interested.
*************
I know it's been a while since I updated but it's been crazy trying to get ready for our trip. Lots of appointments, therapy, and school activities this week.
Jenna went for an eye exam on Monday and everything looked really good. They dilated her eyes and got a good look at the nerves and all was good there too. Jenna wasn't happy about the dilated eyes. It took forever for her eyes to get back to normal-which meant no school for her yesterday. She had her physical therapy today and then headed off to school for 4th and 5th periods.

All the activities are over and now it's time for some serious packing! I am a typical overpacker so I'm going to try and do better this trip--note the key word is "try".
We'll be gone about a week and we are all looking forward to some quality family time and being away for a change of scenery.

Thank you for continueing to pray for Jenna and our family. We are constantly reminded of the power of your prayers when we look at Jenna each day! We are thankful each day for the gifts he has given to our family.

"This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it" Psalm 118:24

Love,
Tricia, Michael, Jenna & Morgan

Saturday, April 1, 2006 10:20 AM CST

Jenna had a good week. She really enjoyed being back in school. She's even graduated from OT--so now she only has to do the physical therapy. That is good--it means less time at the hospital--still have to make the drive but overall a good thing. Jenna has gone to Charleston for the weekend with a friend She was very excited about getting away (and especially getting away from all of us). A change of scenery is good for everyone--especially Jenna. Morgan is on a Girl Scout outing but will be back later this evening. Everyone is busy and going in lots of directions--just the way we like it.

Hope you're all having a great weekend. Please keep praying for the upcoming MRI, the port placement surgery and then the beginning of chemo.

Love,
Tricia, Michael, Jenna & Morgan

Wednesday, March 29, 2006 4:12 PM CST

UPDATE Thursday evening....
We just got a call tonight asking for prayers for a 10 yr old boy named Brandon who has just been diagnosed with a brain tumor. We don't know them but we know all too well what they are experiencing. He underwent many hours of surgery today and they will be going back into surgery tomorrow. Please pray for Brandon and his family.


Jenna had a great first day back at school. She was excited about going back (and maybe just a little nervous). She was pretty tired when she got home but she's ready to go back tomorrow. Carrying the backpack was a lot of work! She has PT/OT early tomorrow and then she'll head to school.

We're all getting excited about spring break in Arizona. We leave a week from today! (yes, we're sneaking out of school a little early but we think everyone deserves a couple extra days off!) The girls can't wait to spend time with their only cousin Nicole.

We got a call from Dr.Bambini's office and Jenna will get her port on April 28th. It's nice to have it scheduled with plenty of time to go--not rushing to get it done.

Thanks for checking on Jenna and for all your prayers. They are felt each day. Please keep Riley in your prayers--she's at CMC with infection in her line. We were able to stop by for a visit earlier this week and she's so precious--Jenna really enjoyed seeing her.. Hopefully, she'll be home by the weekend.

Love,
Tricia, Michael, Jenna & Morgan

Monday, March 27, 2006 12:13 AM CST

Jenna had a good visit at the clinic today. Kathy checked her out with the routine physical stuff and then Dr. G popped in for a few minutes. Jenna will be getting a port inserted sometime after spring break (will know the specific date later in the week). This will be the method for adminstering the chemo and having blood work drawn, etc. This will be much easier from a maintenance stand point --especially compared to the Hickman (central line) that she had during her treatments. Jenna thinks it's a good plan. Nothing else new was discussed today. Jenna will have her MRI on April 18th and then we'll go back to see Dr. G on April 20th (we'll also be seeing Dr. McLanahan that day too).

Jenna will be going to school on Wednesday for a couple hours and will try to do the same for the rest of the week. She's really looking forward to getting back to the classroom and her friends. Please pray for her strength--2 hrs in a class will seem like a lot longer day for her.

It was 2 yrs ago today that we found out Jenna had a brain tumor. Our lives changed in an instant--the minute we heard the words "Jenna has a golf ball sized tumor on her brain". Nothing ever prepares you for that but we've all been able to do what had to be done--we can't explain how we've done it or how we'll do it in the future but all we can say is that it is truly the grace of God.....there is no earthly explanation for how we've done all we've had to do the last 2 yrs. Through it all we know that God is good....He has provided us with incredible doctors, a wonderful support system made up of family, friends, church family, and those of you who have joined us thru this website and He gave us a remarkable, strong and beautiful daughter who has taught us so very much over the last 2 years. We never cease to be amazed by Jenna--she rarely complains--even during the toughes trials ....she has such a quiet grace and peace that comes through to all of us and we do our best to be more like her. I could go on and on and on about the things we've learned and the blessings we've had during all this. But for now I'll just once again thank all of you for being our prayer warriors and for supporting all of us throughout this journey. We thank each and every one of you.

But now, this is what the LORD says—
he who created you, O Jacob,
he who formed you, O Israel:
"Fear not, for I have redeemed you;
I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
When you pass through the waters,
I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
you will not be burned;
the flames will not set you ablaze.
Isaiah 43: 1-2

Love,
Tricia, Michael, Jenna & Morgan

Friday, March 24, 2006 4:41 PM CST

Hello.
It's me again today....Jenna wasn't in the mood to post today--I think she spread enough sunshine yesterday. You can tell she's feeling better by that posting--just a little bit of spunk showed, don't you think??

Jenna's therapies went well today. They worked her really hard--her legs were shaking at the end of the physical therapy part. They are very proud of how hard she's working and how much she's improved over the last 3 weeks. She still has some balance issues--she'll kind of lean and veer off in a different direction every once in a while.

Jenna has a check up with Dr. Golembe on Monday morning and then she has therapy on Tues/Thurs next week. Amy from Child Life will be visiting with Jenna's classmates on Tues. She goes into the school and lets everyone know what's going on with Jenna, what to expect and gives them lots of good info about kids taking chemo, etc etc. We hope to have Jenna back in school for short periods of time by the middle to end of next week. I think it will do Jenna a world of good!

I read this quote in a magazine article dealing with a cancer patient waiting for a bone marrow transplant and thought I'd share it. "The difference between a good day and a bad day isn't about what changes in your day. It's about what changes in you." Cancer definitely changes your perspective on things.

Have a great weekend.
Love,
Tricia, Michael, Jenna & Morgan

PS: I'm "borrowing" this website from Riley's site. Check this out--you'll be touched for sure
www.thesurvivormovie.com

Thursday, March 23, 2006 1:00 PM CST

Hi!!!
This is Jenna.I am so bored. My teacher is coming at 4:00 this afternoon. I may be able to go to school for a couple hours at a time soon. My mom and I have been to Target and Kohls. I have therapy tomorrow at 10:00 (oh joy!). Morgan is yacking my ears off and she doesn't want me to go anywhere. When we go out she'll say "Why can't you stay home? You don't need to go." My response is always "I'm bored, I want to get out of this house." Well got to go.

Thank you for your prayers.

Love,
Jenna

Tuesday, March 21, 2006 1:11 PM CST

Quick update 3/21/06 4pm
Hello.
We've gotten back to the routine after the long weekend. Jenna has PT/OT this week on Wed and Fri. (so that means she had parental therapy yesterday--she actually didn't grumble about doing it since she knows it's making her stronger) She's also been working on her homebound assignments. That's about all there is to report. We're just doing things one day at a time, helping Jenna regain all her strength and enjoying each day.

Mark your calendars--this year's York County Relay for Life will be held on May 19th from 7pm -7am at Castle Heights Middle School. Our team has some great things in the works so you'll want to be there that night. There is a new way to make donations online this year and they can be applied to the fundraising efforts of Jenna & Ellie's team. More info to come on that in the next couple weeks.

Thanks for your continued prayers and support thru this website. We feel truly blessed and are very thankful.

Have a good week!
Tricia, Michael, Jenna & Morgan

Friday, March 17, 2006 7:25 AM CST

Happy Friday everyone!
There's no school here today and Monday so Morgan is home with us. She's already dressed in her green shirt and ready to go. Jenna is moving a little slower--she likes to sleep more than Morgan. We're headed out to do some shoe shopping for the girls this morning. Dad threatened us --he said 1 pair of shoes each--no more.....can't imagine why he would think the girls would end up with more than one pair ;-)--sometimes Daddy is in denial when it comes to raising daughters--one pair of shoes HA!
Ok, back to the posting. We're meeting Ellie for lunch today--we haven't seen her since she came for a visit at the hospital. If you haven't checked her site lately--go by and check out her new pictures. She's so cute and she's gotten so big--where did our little Ellie go??
Later this afternoon the girls are headed to Nana Betty's and PawPaw Pete's to spend the night. Who knows what they'll get into there. Since the girls are going to be gone Mike & I are having a date--haven't figure out what it's going to be yet but we will.

Jenna continues to gain strength every day. Her balance is much improved--it's just her legs that need the most work right now. I don't think I've mentioned this but her double vision is completely gone. That's a big praise--that can be so bothersome--especially when trying to do school work/reading. Jenna's been doing her school work each day. She's really enjoyed it--it gives her something "normal" to do....and she can do it at her own pace.

Have a great weekend and please keep praying for Jenna's recovery and upcoming treatments.

Love,
Tricia, Michael, Jenna & Morgan

Wednesday, March 15, 2006 9:02 AM CST

Not much to report--right now everything is status quo. Which is a really good thing--so I guess I'm reporting good news. Dad took Jenna to physical therapy this morning while I took Morgan for her 9 yr old check up with Dr. Alexander. She's grown 3 inches since last year and is probably going to be taller than me! I can't believe how big my baby is getting. We talked a good bit about how Morgan is handling everything with Jenna. She's so strong on the outside but inside she's having to deal with some really tough stuff--she's had to deal with more than a lot of adults in the last 2 yrs. Please keep Morgan in your prayers along with Jenna.

Jenna can't say she's bored this week. She's got lots of school work to keep her busy. Yea! She enjoyed her session with Ms. Miller yesterday--she's all about doing "normal" things.

Jenna's next MRI has been scheduled for April 18th (right after we get home from AZ) This will be the "baseline" MRI. It will be used to measure the effectiveness of the chemo Jenna will be taking. Please pray that there will be no new growth shown on this MRI and continue to pray for the chemo to work once Jenna begins taking it.

Have a good day!
Love,
Tricia, Michael, Jenna & Morgan

Monday, March 13, 2006 6:40 AM CST

It was a beautiful weekend here in SC. We were able to be outside and enjoy the 80 degree weather. Jenna had a good weekend and continues to gain strength each day. We went to Ft Mill High's production of "Joseph and the Technicolor Dream Coat" yesterday and it was fabulous. The girls really enjoyed it--it was a fun outing for all of us.

Jenna has her PT and OT today and Wednesday so we'll be heading to CMC later this morning. We've seen so much progress in just the last week so we know all of this is really helping Jenna. (along with lots of prayers!) Before Jenna can go back to school, Dr. McLanahan wants her to be strong and stable --he doesn't want her getting knocked around in a crowded hall at school. So, we keep working toward that goal. Jenna will have homebound studies twice this week--that should help keep her busy! Did I mention she's been telling me she's bored?

I forgot to mention what Jenna's classmates are doing--in addition to making her the scrapbook, they are collecting donations for the Children's Hospital at CMC (and I quote) "to honor Jenna and show our admiration for her courage". How special is that? They're collecting journals, notebooks, sketch books, coloring books, scrapbooks, crayons, ink pens, stickers, gently used books and videos and cash donations. These items are things that are so great for the kids when they're in the hospital. If you'd be interested in helping their efforts let me know.

As always, thank for continuing to be part of this journey with Jenna and our family. It's not a journey we would have ever chosen but have received so many blessings because of it. We've learned to live each day to the fullest, to take nothing for granted and not to worry about what tomorrow will bring. "Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?" Matthew 6:27

Love,
Tricia, Michael, Jenna & Morgan

Thursday, March 9, 2006 5:06 PM CST

Jenna had another busy day. She had PT and OT, a quick lunch and then on to an appointment with Dr.McLanahan.
The physical therapist wants Jenna to ride a stationary bike to keep her leg muscles loose--so that will be our adventure over the next couple days. Luckily we have some connections to a bike so that is very helpful.

Dr. McLanahan thought Jenna looked good. He said she is healing well and couldn't get over how much her hair has already grown. He even asked if he could go to Arizona with Jenna. He agreed that the phase II trial was a good way to go--he'll be staying in contact with Dr. Golembe and be "in the loop".

We are so thankful for Jenna's progress and how far she's actually come in just 3 weeks. God is good! There are so many evidences of God's hand on Jenna throughout all of this journey and especially during the recent surgeries and hospital stay.

Please continue to lift up Jenna and all our special friends who are battling cancer. The prayers of many are so comforting to all families dealing with this.

Love,
Tricia, Michael, Jenna & Morgan

Tuesday, March 7, 2006 5:59 PM CST

Added new pictures 3/8/06 PM

What a busy day! Jenna had a tough workout during physical therapy today. OT wasn't as hard since most of it could be done while sitting. She was pretty tired when she finished both. We had a quick lunch and then headed for the appointment with Dr. Golembe. We asked if it was ok to travel for spring break this year--Jenna (& Morgan) want to go to Arizona and spend some time with Uncle Ron, Aunt Linda & Nicole. He said to "GO and have a good time". We won't be starting any next steps until after that!! Once we get back he wants to put Jenna in a clinical trial using a type of chemotherapy called Oxaliplatin. There has been some success using this drug in children with brain tumors. It is only given every 3 weeks and he doesn't think she'll have to be admitted to the hospital--she can just come in to the clinic, get the chemo over a 2 hr time period, get some fluids and then go home. Jenna liked that idea. We'll know a lot more later but this is a general overview. Please be praying that this chemo will be effective in reducing remaining tumor area and preventing any future tumors.

Jenna had her first homebound school session today. Ms. Miller came out and spent a little over an hour going over some things for Jenna to work on. Jenna took a math test that covered the material she was studying before her surgeries and aced it!! Mrs. Hamlin came by too for a quick visit and brought Jenna a scrapbook that was made by Jenna's language arts classmates. Every student in the class made a page. Jenna loved it!! Thank you all for making it. She's looked at it several times already--and I know she'll keep enjoying it. The visits were a good ending to the day--Jenna is always cheered up by visitors.

Thanks for continuing to check on Jenna and for all your prayers.

Love,
Tricia, Michael, Jenna, & Morgan

Monday, March 6, 2006 8:44 AM CST

We had a good weekend. We even got Jenna out for a quick shopping trip. We finished off the weekend with one of Jenna's favorite things to eat--Outback macaroni and cheese. Gotta love curbside takeout. Jenna's walking is better--she still uses the walker for long walks but around the house she's not using it very much. As I type this she's in the kitchen mixing up blueberry muffins. She's starting to get more active and definitely starting to get a little bored with being home all the time. She will be starting to catch up on school work this week--her homebound teacher will be coming out for a visit. So, it's back to the books! I think that will do Jenna a lot of good.

Jenna will have OT and PT on Tues/Thurs this week plus some other appointments. We will meet with Dr. Golembe on Tuesday afternoon and with Dr. McLanahan on Thursday afternoon. So, it's a pretty busy week.

Mike got home from his trip and proceeded to hit the road again. He's gone now until Thursday with a business trip. We're really getting the hang of this "girls only" thing around here. :-)

Please continue to pray for Jenna's strength and balance as well as wisdom for all the doctors as they prepare the next steps in treatment for Jenna. We are somewhat anxious about it but know that God will provide the strength we all need to keep moving forward.

Take care,
Tricia, Michael, Jenna & Morgan

Friday, March 3, 2006 8:01 AM CST

Jenna continues to gain strength and improve each day. Her balance has really improved the last day or so. She's able to move a little by herself now. She had a good day at physical therapy yesterday--they worked her hard and she was tired when we got home. And guess what?--she gets to do it again today! We're headed back to CMC this morning for more physical therapy.

It's a girls weekend around here. Dad's gone to the beach for his 12th annual golf trip with friends/co-workers. So, no telling what we girls will find to do.

Thank you for your continued prayers for Jenna & our family--we feel them and blessed daily by all of you.

Have a great weekend.
Love,
Tricia, Michael, Jenna & Morgan

Tuesday, February 28, 2006 6:44 PM CST

Hello everyone.
Jenna had a very busy and tiring day. Her therapies went very well--it's definitely hard work but I think Jenna enjoyed it. It got her out of the house and gave her something to focus on. We'll be going back on Thursday for more PT--couldn't get the OT scheduled again this week. Jenna has exercises that she has to do during her "off" days--so more parental therapy Yippee!!

We have seen some slight improvement with her balance and know that more will come with time. It's still hard to believe she's functioning as well as she is considering she had 2 brain surgeries in the same week. We are so proud of her and all of her inner strength. We've said it before but we have been blessed with 2 very special daughters.

Morgan and Wilson seem to be giving Jenna the most joy right now--they're the ones who have gotten the most smiles out of her anyway. I've added a couple pictures--you can tell why Morgan got the laughs.

We continue to be thankful for Jenna's recovery so far and pray for the healing process to continue. We know God is good and is holding Jenna in the palm of his hand throughout this journey.

"Know that the Lord is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations." Psalm 100: 3-5

Love,
Tricia, Michael, Jenna & Morgan

Monday, February 27, 2006 9:21 AM CST

Jenna had a good weekend. Lots of good rest and eating home cooked food. Jenna has never been a big fan of hospital food--even though it isn't all that bad these days. We've been making her do some "parental" therapy--that's where we act like physical/occupational therapists and make her do exercises and activities. Most of the time she is very cooperative--but other times she just gives us "the look" that says you can forget that!

We hope to get her staples removed (from second surgery)tomorrow while we're in Charlotte for therapy. Her incisions are healing very well and her hair is already starting to grow back. So, that's all that we have going for now. I'm sure there will be more coming.

Please continue to pray for Jenna's recovery--vision, physical strength and mental strength. She still has a ways to go and will need lots more prayers. Every day is bringing some improvement.

Our little friend Riley is going for her routine MRI on Thursday. Please keep her and her family in your prayers. We know the power of prayer!! Her website is listed below and I know they would apppreciate any words of encouragement you could give them.

Love,
Tricia, Michael, Jenna & Morgan

Saturday, February 25, 2006 10:04 AM CST

There's no place like home!! Jenna is very happy to be home. She had a good night--slept til 9:15 this morning. You sure couldn't get away with that in the hospital. It was neat to drive in the neighborhood and see pink bows on lots of mailboxes to welcome Jenna home. We have such great neighbors--they've been feeding us and offering up lots of help. We can't thank them all enough!!

Jenna still has a ways to go in her recovery. Her balance is way off and that of course affects her walking. She can't walk by herself. They got her a walker to help with the balance but she still needs someone close by in case her legs just give out. We will go back to CMC on Tuesday for physical and occupational therapy. (1 hr each) Not sure how often we will have to do this--they'll evaluate and advise on Tues. Please continue to pray for Jenna's balance and strength....this can be frustrating for an 11 yr old who is used to doing everything by herself.

Hope everyone is enjoying the weekend as much as we plan to.

Love,
Tricia, Michael, Jenna & Morgan

Friday, February 24, 2006 9:33 AM CST

We're going home!!!!!!
Dr. McLanahan gave the ok this morning. He said Jenna would get more rest at home and we could do the physical therapy as outpatient. So they're getting everything all lined up and hopefully we'll be home by early afternoon.

We'll update more later.

Love,
Tricia, Michael, Jenna & Morgan

Thursday, February 23, 2006 6:17 PM CST

Jenna finally got into a regular room this afternoon. She's back in the tower and feeling less isolated. The PICU was great as usual, the doctors and nurses there are fantastic - we appreciate their hard work and compassion very much.

Jenna worked pretty hard today with PT, she knows that she has to get her balance back before they'll cut her loose, so she didn't argue too much about the work. She'll sleep well tonight, though. We were also able to hook her up with a pair of glasses with clear lenses, with a small piece of tape on one lense her double vision gets better. OT showed us that trick, and it's working well for her. Her eyes are already acting more normal, so hopefully the double vision will be short lived.

Everything else is pretty normal. She's got a good appetite and is eating and drinking enough that they've stopped giving her IV fluids.

Jenna's next goal is to get out of the hospital, so we'll just be working on that over the next few days. We're not sure when that'll be yet, but we'll keep you posted.

As always, thanks for the extra prayers and support.

-Michael, Tricia, Jenna & Morgan

Thursday, February 23, 2006 11:07 AM CST

Things are still status quo for now. We're still back in the PICU--there are a few beds starting to open up but not sure if we'll get one--there are lots of people waiting for beds and we have to "wait our turn". Jenna is not a happy camper today--she's being quiet and grumpy--nothing seems to interest or suit her. She's tired of being back in PICU--she thinks it's better being out on the regular floor. Being in the hospital does tend to make you grumpy--I get that way myself and I'm not the patient! And being in here keeps Jenna from her "normal" life--that's probably the biggest problem for her. So, please say a few extra prayers for Jenna's emotional well being in addition to her physical healing.

Speaking of emotional well being.....Morgan is doing pretty well. This is hard on her and she tends to bottle it all up inside. The change in routine at home with extra people seems to be the trigger point right now. She's doing great at school and has been spending time with friends--that all seems to be the best medicine for her right now. Please keep her in your prayers as well.

Michael and I are doing well too---you just get into "hospital mode" and do what you have to do and stay strong for Jenna. We'll probably collapse once we get home. (being able to go home every other night is so helpful to both of us--you need the break) We're so thankful for the answers to the many prayers for Jenna. God is good!!

Dr. G said our main goal right now is for Jenna to recover from her surgeries and we're in no hurry to start the next steps. So we'll just "keep on keepin' on" for now.

Thank you for keeping Jenna & our family in your prayers.

Love,
Tricia, Michael, Jenna & Morgan

Wednesday, February 22, 2006 10:46 AM CST

Jenna had a very restful night. She feel asleep around 9:30 and made it thru most of the night. We're still back in PICU because it's still a packed house around here. Today the fun stuff has started--physical therapy. Now we've got to get the muscles and the body to cooperate and do what they're supposed to do. She's very wobbly and tends to be off center when sitting or standing and she has very little strength. This happened the last time and it will take time for it tom correct itself. She also has double vision--it isn't as bad as before but it does bother her. The occupational therapist is fitting her with some glasses that will cover one eye and help eliminate the double vision. Please pray for strength and for the vision to correct itself.

We'll keep you posted on everything but for now it's just following the road thru recovery....

"With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God." Mark 10:27

Love,
Tricia, Michael, Jenna & Morgan

Tuesday, February 21, 2006 1:32 PM CST

Jenna & her dad had an interesting evening. (it was my night at home). Some of the medicine they gave Jenna to counteract the morphine and ativan has given her some fun hallucinations. She was wide awake from 7pm until about 5am this morning.....there were elephants waving at her, a dog named Sparky, she reached for things in the air and an evil looking man was in the room. Needless to say--Michael is exhausted. She's still having some today too--she asked me about the roller coaster and then told me that I left the ice cream out of the freezer. All of this should be wearing off. It is kind of fun to watch because it's so uncharacteristic for Jenna--she's the logical daughter. Michael said it's kind of like Morgan being in Jenna's body. We're so tired that the least little thing gives us a good laugh at this point.

We're waiting for a room out on the floor. It is very crowded here at CMC on the pediatric floor--hopefully we'll move later today. But for now Jenna doesn't even think she's still in the hospital so it's ok :-). Morgan is coming up for a visit this afternoon--this may be fun for her tosee Jenna acting "loopy".

No plans for next steps yet...we're just working on the recovery from the surgery and will wait until the doctors have the plan. Please continue to pray for Jenna's recovery and for the doctors as they plan the next steps.

As always, thank you for all your love and support over the past week. We can't tell you how much it has meant to all of us.

Love,
Tricia, Michael, Jenna & Morgan

Monday, February 20, 2006 6:16 PM CST

Great news!!! After a nerve-racking one and a half hours for mom and dad, they got the news from the doctor that everything looks good. The vocal cords are moving as they should and Jenna's swallowing does not seem to be impaired. They are going to monitor her closely for the next 24-48 hours, but it looks good! The first thing Jenna said once they let her speak was that she "wants to go out to eat" and that "she wants a brownie."

They are not certain when she will get to go to a regular room and she has to take it slow with eating and talking so don't bring any brownies yet!!! Tricia said that her voice sounded like Jenna's voice - just a little raspy.

This is such a relief to all of them to know that she will not have to have a trach. Again, just keep them in your prayers - that she remains infection-free and recovers quickly from these two major surgeries!

For Jenna, Morgan, Tricia, and Michael -

--Laura Reister

Monday, February 20, 2006 10:00 AM CST

Good Morning.
Here's the plan for today. Some time after 4:30-5pm they will take Jenna to the OR to check the status of her vocal cords. They will place a camera down her throat to see if everything is working like it should be. If everything is ok, they will extibate her and return her to the room If things are working like they should, they will do the tracheostomy right away. Dr. Puri from Charlotte ENT will be the doctor checking everything out. Please continue to pray that everything is working correctly in the 12th nerve area--as well as for all the peope involved in the procedure. We'll post later tonight with the results.

Jenna is still doing well. She's getting tired of the tube down her throat--definitely showing a little "sassiness"--which is a good thing in our opinion!! She's asked for pudding and her cross stitch today. It could be interesting to see the result if she tried cross stitching since she's still on morphine and ativan.

Thank you for all your prayers!!
Love,
Tricia, Michael, Jenna & Morgan

Saturday, February 18, 2006 4:13 PM CST

Sunday evening --

Jenna is still doing well. They're weaning her off of the sedatives and she's been much more awake today. She even tried to get out of the bed at one point...so they upped the meds a little again. She wants the breathing tube out and she's hungry. Both good signs. The plan is still to remove her from the ventilator tomorrow. She's had no pain so far and she continues to be an "easy" patient. The nurses in PICU still fight over who gets to take care of her.

More info as we get it.

Thanks as always for the prayers and support.

-Michael, Tricia, Jenna & Morgan


Sunday morning--I'm adding a devotional that was forwarded to me--it says it all.
Ephesians 5:15-21

Why would God command us to thank Him regardless of the circumstances? The idea defies human logic. But then, the Lord rarely binds Himself to man-made rules. Scriptural principles serve specific purposes in the Christian's life. Gratitude keeps us aware of God's presence, which builds our trust and ultimately strengthens our witness.

We must realize that thankfulness is not based on emotions or a situation's outcome. We can be grateful, even during trials, because the Lord has promised to work everything for our good (Romans 8:28). That means He has a purpose for every experience, pleasant or difficult. A big problem stacked against our small resources sends us running to Him, thankful He has committed to work it to our benefit.

The believer's part is to trust God will bring good from trials and to discover His plan, which gives further reason for thanking Him. Understanding His intentions renews our strength for facing difficult trials. Expressing gratefulness changes our attitude about God, ourselves, and our situations. Most people allow hurt and stress to form a pessimistic mindset, which negatively impacts every facet of their life. But believers have God's Spirit working within to provide courage and a flow of thanksgiving.

When we demonstrate thankfulness in harsh circumstances, other people pay attention. Our coworkers, family, and friends will want for themselves the peace and energy we derive from a grateful relationship with the Lord. So whatever you experience today, go ahead and defy logic -- praise God.

******
Jenna is doing well. She is sedated pretty well but will respond to you if you ask her questions. I asked her if she was ignoring me and she nodded her head yes! Dr. McLanahan came by today and said he was very pleased with everything so far. She'll just keep resting until Monday when they remove the ventilator and watch her vocal cords with a camera.

We talked to Dr. VanDerVeer yesterday evening and we found out that he while he was operating on the left side he went across to the right of the brain stem and was able to remove a good bit of the tumor on that side too. (that's the original site that has had some new growth). He was very pleased at how much he was able to remove. So of course we are very pleased as well. Now we will have to wait for the next steps for treatment after surgery. They will likely present Jenna's case at the hospital "tumor board" and send to St. Jude's as well (that will be my request if they don't do it anyway).

Please continue to pray for the 12th nerve, for wisdom for the doctors and for protection from any sort of infection. She has lots of lines and tubes going into her body now and that always creates an opportunity for infection.

We contine to be in awe of God's grace and His love and protection that has surrounded Jenna and this family. It is so humbling to all of us. There are no words to really express how truly blessed we feel. We know we still have a rough road ahead of us but with yesterdays good results we are rejuvenated and ready to move forward (with God's help).

Thank you all SO MUCH for your postings, prayers and support. It has been such a blessing to us this past week.

Love,
Tricia, Michael, Jenna & Morgan

Friday, February 17, 2006 2:30 PM CST

Jenna's surgery went well. The tumor was much more extensive than what they saw on the MRI. It had grown down into her spinal cord - to the C2 vertebrae. It had encompassed the two arterial ventricular arteries - these are the arteries that feed the blood to the brain. The doctor told Tricia and Michael that if they had not gotten this tumor out when they did, it would have killed her. When the surgeon began to decompress the tumor, it started to peel away from where it was attached. There is still a piece left on an area of one of her nerves - but they believe they got between 95-98% of this tumor out. The 9th, 10th, and 11th nerves all appear to be okay - the concern is for the 12th nerve. This controls her swallowing and her vocal cords. The plan is to leave Jenna intubated until Monday and in the PICU. On Monday, they will remove the intubation tube and an ENT will be present with a camera to help determine if there is damage or not. If that 12th nerve has been damaged, then they will perform a tracheotomy to help Jenna breathe.

Dr. VanDerVeer told Tricia and Michael that "there was a big angel sitting on Jenna's shoulder."

Please pray that there has not been any nerve damage and that Jenna will not need help in breathing on her own. Also, be in prayer for all of those involved in her care as they make the decisions on how to proceed from here. The original tumor site was not operated on today and they will still have to address it when Jenna gets over these surgeries.

God is good!

For Jenna, Morgan, Tricia, and Michael -

--Laura Reister

Thursday, February 16, 2006 12:41 AM CST

**Added new photos from the hospital.

Jenna is having a so-so morning. She's still having some head pain but she isn't miserable. She was just cheered up by a visit by her favorite little friend Miss Ellie. I'll be adding some pictures tonight when I get home.

Tomorrow's plan is now set. The surgery will happen as scheduled but the area of the surgery has changed. The initial surgery was supposed to be on the right side of the brain stem at the site of the original tumor. But after the post operative MRI done on Tuesday, they have found another area of concern on the left side of the brain stem. It's an area they had "noted" on previous MRI but it has shown growth and now it is more of a concern. So the surgery will be on this new area. The big concern on the left side are the 9th, 10th & 11th nevers--these are the nerves that affect the swallowing functions. There is a chance that Jenna could end up with a trach either temporarily or permanently. They do not think they will be able to remove all of this tumor--they are going to get as much as possible with minimal damage to Jenna. This of course has "thrown us for a loop" but we know that Jenna is in the best hands possible. Please pray for protection of these nerves during the surgery tomorrow. We also ask for prayers for peace for Jenna and the rest of the family, for steady hands and wisdom for the doctors and all involved in Jenna's care tomorrow.

The surgery is expected to last 4-5 hours and will start somewhere around 8am. We will update or have someone update as soon as we can. Thank you all for your many prayers and support--it's the only way we're surviving. It's been very hard to see Jenna not feeling well--especially since she's felt so good for so long. We know the grace of God is seeing us thru this time--there's no other explanation.

Love,
Tricia, Michael, Jenna & Morgan

Keep sending emails to the hospital--they cheer Jenna.

Wednesday, February 15, 2006 10:53 AM CST

Update - 8:40pm
Jenna started feeling much better late this afternoon. She was able to walk around the floor, and even took a trip to the cafeteria for a snack. The nurses did a great job with the pain meds and seem to have it under control at the moment. Thanks for all the extra prayers about her pain & recovery today.

---------

Jenna isn't feeling very well this morning. She is having a good bit of head pain. She's taken several different kinds of pain meds but nothing has knocked it out yet. Please say an extra prayer for the head pain to subside and for Jenna to be more comfortable.

Dr. McLanahan came by earlier (before the head pain of course) and told Jenna today was her day to lay around and rest--and maybe take a little walk. So that's what we'll try to do once she feels better. He also said he'd be back tomorrow with the plan for Friday. Please continue to pray for wisdom for the doctors as they plan the next steps for Jenna.

Thank you all for continuing to check on us and we appreciate your prayers and support.

Love,
Tricia, Michael, Jenna & Morgan

Tuesday, February 14, 2006 6:32 PM CST

Jenna has had a good day. Everyone continues to think she looks great. They let her out of the PICU around 2pm today and she is currently not hooked up to a single thing. They said as long as she's eating and drinking lots of fluids she can stay that way. Not being hooked up to any thing made Jenna feel even better today. She's only had to take medicine for head pain a couple times today. She did start taking steriods to aid in healing and to reduce swelling--they are great for all of that but they also tend to make a patient a little grumpy or short tempered. We're starting to see a little of that with Jenna today. This too shall pass...

She has also had a good Valentine's Day and is feeling lots of love from the many well wishes she's received thru the website, emails to the hospital and calls. She even had a few visits with friends today--from school, Child Life and other hospital friends. Thanks for stopping by to check on her. Almost forgot--Morgan came to visit to today too--with the huge Valentine card for her "Sissy". She definitely keeps us hopping when she's here.

We'll just be hanging out until Friday. The main goal is rest and recuperate. Jenna thinks she can handle that.

Thank you all for your many prayers. I see the results of them every time I look at Jenna. She is doing so well and we all know why!! Please continue to pray for Friday's surgery--it will be much longer and more complicated for all involved. We know that God will continue to be in control.

Love,
Tricia, Michael, Jenna & Morgan

Monday, February 13, 2006 2:59 PM CST

Update: Monday 2/13 9:20pm EST

I'm just home from the hospital, Tricia is staying tonight. Jenna was sitting up in bed drinking Ginger Ale when I left (and watching Skating with Celebrities). Her pain level was low, and she was definitely getting over the after effects of the anesthesia. Dr. McClanahan stopped by around 8:30pm and thought she looked great as well. She'll likely get out of the PICU early tomorrow.

The hospital staff has been wonderful as usual. Jenna got the Rock Star treatment from all her Doctor, Nurse & Child Life friends there. Special thanks to our friend Jane who arranged her schedule so she could be Jenna's Nurse Anesthetist today. It's always great to have someone you know in the operating room. And again, thanks to all of you for your extra prayers today.

Also, just a reminder that you can send email directly to Jenna at the hospital (they print and deliver). Just go to http://www.levinechildrenshospital.org and choose "email a child" on the right pane.

- Michael


Tricia just called and said that Jenna is out of surgery and is in recovery now. She did well with the surgery. It took a little longer than expected because the tumor was around an artery. Dr. McLanahan said the surgery went better than expected and that he got everything that he could see. He is going to talk to Dr. Golembe about maybe doing some localized radiation as a precaution. The plan is still to do the other surgery (on the original tumor) on Friday as long as he feels Jenna is up to it.

I know the Witherspoon's appreciate all of your love and prayers during this time. Keep lifting them up in your prayers as Jenna recovers from this surgery and as they prepare her for the surgery on Friday.

For Jenna, Morgan, Tricia, and Michael -

Laura Reister

Sunday, February 12, 2006 10:04 PM CST

We had a very good weekend. Jenna is doing really good. You would never know she is having surgery tomorrow. I asked her tonight if she was worried and she told me no. She is remarkable--so strong for such a young person. God has blessed us with a very special daughter (two of them actually!) Mike and I are trying to do as well as she does.

Jenna's surgery is scheduled to start around 10am. We will update as soon as we're able.

Thank you for all your postings and support. It means so much to us. All of your prayers are helping us through this difficult time. Please keep praying!!

Love,
Tricia, Michael,Jenna & Morgan

Friday, February 10, 2006 5:58 AM CST

It's been a busy week and it's going to be a busy weekend--we're going to see how much fun we can pack into the weekend before Jenna goes back into the hospital. This afternoon we have to head to CMC for Jenna's pre-op appointment. It's always interesting to see Jenna's hospital files waiting for us--the last time when they were stacked on top of each other they were about 12 inches high! That's a lot of paper. We were very excited to find out our friend Mrs. Jane who is a Nurse anesthetist, will be helping with both of Jenna's surgeries. It is very comforting to Jenna and our family to have someone who knows Jenna and cares for her in the operating room.

The girls both have Girl Scout cookie booths this afternoon/evening. And we have cookies that have to be delivered to friends and neighbors too. Why did it wait to get cold when we have all this to do??

I'll try and update again before we head to the hospital. It's time to head out to take Morgan to school so I better end. Please continue to pray for all those involved in Jenna's upcoming surgery, for Jenna to not be anxious and to have a peace about the surgery, and for our family as we prepare for Jenna's surgery (and please say a few extras prayers for Morgan as her world is about to be turned around again)

Happy Friday!
Love,
Tricia, Michael,Jenna & Morgan

Monday, February 6, 2006 8:47 AM CST

We had a busy "birthday weekend". Morgan's party went well and she had a lot of fun. Jenna was an excellent big sister/party assistant.

Jenna has a dentist appointment on Tuesday and her pre-op appointment at the hospital on Friday. Neither are a big deal--just time consuming. We're working on getting the paperwork for a homebound teacher for Jenna while she recovers from her surgery. And we've been talking with the school about communicating Jenna's surgery info to her classmates. Most of the kids who were at her school last year know all about it but there are others who came from different schools who have no idea Jenna has cancer. Jenna definitely doesn't go around telling people about it. Jenna continues to be positive and ready to move forward with the surgeries. Her strength is amazing and it inspires us all.

We continue to ask for prayers for all those involved in Jenna's surgeries on the 13th and 17th, for the tumor to be easily accessible and removeable, and for peace for our family. Thank you all for continuing to be with us on this journey.....you make it so much better.

Love,
Tricia, Michael, Jenna & Morgan

Wednesday, February 1, 2006 9:39 PM CST

We had a very good visit with Dr. VanDerVeer. He spoke mostly to Jenna and then secondly to mom and dad. He used "Herbie" the head to show Jenna exactly where the old tumor(with the new growth) was located and how he planned to operate on the 17th. He will be going in behind her right ear to access the tumor. He told Jenna she would probably be in the hospital for 4-5 days after the surgery and then at home 3-4 weeks before she can return to school. As we have mentioned before there are several risks involved in this type surgery--the biggest risks are around the 7th & 8th nerves (right facial nerves and swallowing). Dr VanDerVeer plans to remove as much of the old tumor as possible--we will not know how much that is until he actually completes the procedure--we pray for everything to come out. We ask specifically for prayers for Dr. VanDerVeer and Dr. McLanahan, for protection of the nerves surrounding the brain stem, for the tumor to be easily accesible and for the tumor to be easy to remove--all of it!!

We (all of us including Jenna) feel a great sense of peace after meeting Dr.VanDerVeer. We know that this isn't the path we would have ever chosen for Jenna but we believe that God continues to hold Jenna in the palm of his hand and has great things in store for her. Thank you all so much for your prayers and support--they were very evident as we went through our day today.

Jenna's hearing test went well also. Everything tested the same as her last test....there is still no hearing in the right ear but nothing else has changed. We are thankful for this news.

Please say an extra prayer for our precious little friend Ellie tomorrow as she has another bone marrow test. We pray that all goes smoothly and the McGinley family once again receives news that Ellie is in remission.

Love,
Tricia, Michael, Jenna & Morgan

Tuesday, January 31, 2006 4:59 PM CST

Tomorrow is going to be a busy day for Jenna. She has her hearing test early in the morning and then later in the afternoon we go for our meeting with Dr. VanDerVeer. (and I guess there will be a little school some where in the middle!) Please pray for peace for all of us as we meet the new doctor and for wisdom/guidance for him as we move forward.

We had a good weekend. I went to our team's first Relay for Life meeting--I'm kind of on the sidelines for this year since there are other things going on right now that require my attention. But it should still be a lot of fun and Jenna is looking forward to it.

Morgan got part of her birthday present this past weekend. She got her ears pierced!! She was very brave and did great. She's very proud of her new earrings--she had to get her birthstone since they were sold out of the plain gold balls. She "thought" it would be good to add a picture of her with her new earrings to this site :-) so you may want to check her out.

We'll let you know how the appointment goes tomorrow. Thanks for your support and prayers.

Love,
Tricia, Michael, Jenna & Morgan

Friday, January 27, 2006 1:25 PM CST

I spoke with Dr. McLanahan's office and we have a new date for surgery. The first surgery to remove the new tumor will be Monday, Feb 13th. The second surgery to remove the remaining portion of the original tumor is tentatively set for Friday, Feb 17th. We have an appointment to meet with Dr. VanDerVeer next Wednesday. We will be discussing the second surgery plans, etc. so we'll have more info on that after our appointment.

We have no big plans for the weekend....except of course working on some final plans for Morgan's upcoming birthday. Morgan wants us to be all ready--even if it's a week away! I can't believe my baby will be 9 next Saturday.

Thank you all for your many prayers. We do appreciate them.

Have a good weekend.
Love,
Tricia, Micheal, Jenna & Morgan

Tuesday, January 24, 2006 6:38 PM CST

Hello.
Things have changed since I last wrote. Jenna WILL NOT have surgery on Feb 7th. I got a call from Dr. McLanahan's office and I was told that the Feb 7th surgery is going to be rescheduled....and we've got a new plan. Dr. McLanahan wants to remove the new tumor and then 3-4 days later, go in with the assistance of Dr. VanDerVeer, and remove the remaining portion of tumor from the first surgeries. The issue now is getting both doctors schedules working together and making sure neither is out of town following the surgeries. So--you can imagine the whirlwind that has generated around here. We were all set for Plan A and then bam--now we've got Plan B which is a lot different than what we'd been mentally preparing for.
Please pray for peace and guidance as we adjust to this change.....I just keep saying "And we know that in ALL THINGS God works for the good of those who love him"

We won't know the new surgery date for a couple days. When I get the date, I'll pass it on and talk more about the surgeries then. My brain is too fried to do it now.

We had a routine visit with Dr. Golembe --he didn't know any more than we did about the change in the surgery plan (big disadvantage for having multiple doctors who are vey busy). He did think Jenna looked great as usual. Jenna did come away a little grumpy--she has to have an audiology test soon and they drew blood. Jenna hates having the hearing test done--and I can follow her reasoning when she says "I still can't hear out of my right ear, why bother with the test?" This has to be done as part of the follow up for the clinical trial she was originally involved in. I think all of the change/unknown surgery date has gotten to her---just like the rest of us.

That's the latest with us....never a dull moment that's for sure. Thank you for continuing to pray for Jenna and our family. We know God is in control......maybe that was our lesson for the day...to quit trying to follow our plans and let him be in charge.

Love,
Tricia, Michael, Jenna & Morgan

Monday, January 23, 2006 7:57 AM CST

Hello everyone.
Can you tell who got a new hair style? That was one thing that we did this weekend. Jenna was very excited about it--she even said she may keep her hair this way for a long time. She just looks so much older!!

Jenna will see Dr. Golembe for her monthly appointment tomorrow afternoon but that's all that we have on the schedule so far. We may learn more about what will happen after the surgery--will they do radiation?, etc during our visit. As always we will pass on info when we receive.

I feel like I am always writing this but it's so true and there's no other way to say it....thank you all for your prayers and words of encouragement. They really do keep us going and mean so much to all of us! We are very blessed to have this site and all of you.

Keep praying for the upcoming surgery on Feb 7th!

Thank you,
Tricia, Michael, Jenna & Morgan

Thursday, January 19, 2006 2:57 PM CST

We met with Dr. McLanahan today and have a better idea of what's going on. The new tumor is located in the frontal area of Jenna's brain. It is no where near the original tumor location. So the surgery will be done from the front area of Jenna's head--Dr. McLanahan told her she might get a little different hair cut for this. The surgery for this tumor will be done on Feb 7th. It should be a 2-3 hr surgery with minimal risks. (there are always risks in any surgery but no major concerns for this one) Once this surgery is completed and Jenna has recovered we will discuss the surgical options for the older area that we've been watching. Dr. McLanahan told Jenna she would be part of the process--not just us grown-ups.

So, we now have a plan. It's not what we want to have happen--who wants to see their child have to continue to go thru this sort of thing? I hate the thought of it--it makes me weary just thinking about it. But we were told from the beginning that this sort of thing could happen--it's not uncommon and we're prepared to do whatever is necessary. We know that God never promised everything would be easy but we know that He is with us. We're thankful that we have options and people who truly care about Jenna.

Please pray for the upcoming surgery--that all will go smoothly and Jenna will bounce back with no problems. We appreciate all your prayers and support.


Love,
Tricia, Michael, Jenna & Morgan
Isaiah 43

Tuesday, January 17, 2006 8:43 AM CST

Go Panthers! We had fun cheering on the Panthers this weekend with our neighbors at the Gray's house. The girls are back in school today--neither one was really excited about the idea either. We did have a good weekend and extra day off . Everyone was glad to have Michael back home. We were able to have lunch with the McGinely girls yesterday. We hadn't spent any quality time with Miss Ellie in a while and it was fun--she's getting so big.

We will be meeting with Dr. McLanahan on Thursday to discuss the latest MRI and what needs to be done. Please continue to pray for the doctors that have/will be reviewing Jenna's case and for Jenna and our family. The closer we get to the appointment the more anxious we become. We know God is in control and He'll continue to be with all of us thru the next steps. We'll pass on the info from Dr. McLanahan as soon as we can.

Have a good week.
Love,
Tricia, Michael, Jenna & Morgan

PS: Please say extra prayers for our pastor's wife Anne and their family. She is in the hospital battling leukemia.

Friday, January 13, 2006 3:07 PM CST

It's been a busy week so we're looking forward to the long weekend. Jenna's cold/sinus problems are much better. The antibiotics really helped---she's just having a hard time swallowing the pills. They really are big--even when you cut them in half. Other than a little bit of a runny nose, Jenna is in great shape. There isn't a single symptom present that would lead you to believe she has a brain tumor. Thank goodness for MRI's and catching things early--I don't ever want to relive the initial days from her diagnosis. For now she's just a normal 6th grade girl and we're striving to keep it that way for as long as possible. We know God has the perfect plan for Jenna.

We girls are still running the house--Mike won't be home from his trip until early Monday morning. He's flying home on the red eye. The work part of his trip has ended and now it's "recreation" time. His group went from Seattle over to Vancouver, Canada and they're skiing at Whistler this weekend. That's one of his favorite things to do so we're glad he's able to have some fun. And of course the 12" of snow that fell last night makes it even better. The girls were very surprised when they got home today and found a bouquet of flowers from daddy to all of us. It was very sweet and we all loved them. The timing was good for Morgan--she went to Brownies yesterday and guess what she learned?? Flower arranging. Some ladies from a local garden club came and helped all the girls make an arrangement so she was able to put what she learned to work.

The rest of the weekend is going to be low key (excuse me I believe the girls call it "boring"). Hope everyone has a good weekend. Thank you for continuing to pray and support our family with all your postings. We feel so surrounded by prayer and encouraged each time we check the days postings. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!!

Love,
Tricia, Jenna & Morgan
(& Michael from far away)

Monday, January 9, 2006 3:31 PM CST

We had a good weekend. Nothing too big-- sort of relaxing and enjoying the time together as a family. It seems even more precious these days. We did have a celebration dinner for the good report cards brought home by both girls. We went to the Melting Pot and stuffed ourselves!!

Jenna has had a stuffy nose, cough, and stopped up ears for the last 4 days so I took her to the doctor this morning and they put her on an antibiotic to knock it all out. It was weird to go to the pediatricians office. I don't think Jenna has been there but once since she was diagnosed.

We have an appointment next Thursday, the 19th, with Dr. McLanahan. We will be able to see the actual MRI pictures and discuss our next steps. Please pray for everyone involved in planning Jenna's next steps. Please continue to pray for Jenna and our family that the peace we feel at this time stays with us as we have this appointment. Your prayers are working. We feel them daily. So many people ask how we're doing and honestly, we're doing really well all things considered....and there is no reasonable explanation for it except for the prayers of many.

Love,
Tricia, Michael, Jenna & Morgan

Thursday, January 5, 2006 8:33 PM CST

We have gotten the results of Jenna's MRI. It was not what we had hoped for. There was slight growth on the original unresected tumor area and there is a new "area of concern" showing in a crevice between the hemispheres of Jenna's brain. I have talked to Dr. McLanahan about the new area and he told me that it will need to be removed. It will be easy to locate and remove and would only require a 2-3 hr surgery. We don't have any timing on it yet--Mike is out of town all next week on business and Dr. McLanahan told us to come in for an appointment once he gets back. So we will know much more the week of the 16th. This will include a discussion on what to do with the original tumor area. Dr. McLanahan will be consulting with other doctors about that.

So, that's what we know. Jenna handled everything remarkably well. Morgan got a little quiet and you could tell it bothered her but she bounced back quickly. As for me and Mike--we're doing the best we can under the circumstances. What parent ever wants to tell their child this kind of news??? (or have to deal with it yourself).
We ask for prayers for Jenna, our family, and wisdom for all the doctors involved in Jenna's future care.

"So, do no fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand" Isaiah 41:10

Love,
Tricia, Michael, Jenna & Morgan

Thursday, January 5, 2006 6:49 AM CST

Jenna did great (as usual) with her MRI yesterday. We'll post as soon as we have the results....which of course we're anxiously awaiting.

This morning Jenna is headed to the orthodontist for her first official appointment since she got the braces. Should be interesting.....

Thanks for your many prayers --we've definitely felt them and are surviving on them right now!

Have a good day!
Love
Tricia, Michael, Jenna & Morgan

PS: Thanks Mr. Bill for hanging out with us and Jenna really enjoyed the pretzels on the way home!

Monday, January 2, 2006 7:48 AM CST

Happy New Year!!

Hope everyone had a Happy New Year and is looking forward to 2006.

Jenna only has a couple more days before it's back to school. She goes back to school and has her MRI on Wed. this week. She's doesn't seem to be the least bit worried about the MRI--it's all become part of her life--just something she has to do. She's never once complained about it. Please pray for clear scans and no change!! We'll let you know the results as soon as we receive.

We took a quick road trip last Friday to the Grove Park Inn in Asheville, NC for the girls to see all gingerbread houses from the National Gingerbread competition. It was fun and the girls couldn't get over all the different styles of houses. I think they got some ideas for next year when they build their own--don't think they want to compete though.

Have a great week.
Love,
Tricia, Michael, Jenna & Morgan

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