Friday, January 4, 2008

Originally Posted 12/24/07

Jenessa Nicole Byers was born on May 20th, 1999 to Rob and Rachel Byers. She has two wild but wonderful older brothers Chris(13) and Joe(12). Jenessa is not only beautiful on the inside and out, but she is smart, funny, creative, spunky, fashion conscious, and has a zest for life that is contagious when you are with her.

That's from her website www.jenessabyers.com

At age 6, Jenessa was diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare form of cancer. For the past 2 years, she's been in almost constant treatment with radiation and chemotherapy. In that time, she's beaten it back twice at heavy cost.

While literally fighting for her life, Jenessa has found the strength to think of others. She has raised money to buy stuffed animals for other child cancer patients. She has contacted celebrities and worked to raise awareness nationwide. She's contacted senators to push legislation toward curing childhood cancer. She's even worked to support her parents while they were looking for the strength to keep supporting her.

Tonight, we're again at Doernbecher Children's Hospital and getting some bad news. I'm in the hall journalling because I want to make sure I don't miss the chance to list Jenessa among my ten living heroes.

Jenessa, your courage through this can teach a lesson or two to warriors with many times your years. I love you and I'm proud of you. We all are.

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