Happy Birthday, Jane

On Jane's Birthday, we celebrate the gift of Jane's life. Jane's message to all of us as she accepted there would be no cure for DIPG (brain cancer) and heaven would be her miracle: "Live and love fearlessly" no matter your circumstances because the world needs you. Jane's younger sister Piper captures it well: 

Every day I miss you Janie,  but especially on your birthday. The month of August is hardest, and when life hurts too much to breathe, I remember your advice: "Keep Living!" Of course, you added a twist: "Finish strong!"

You will never know how grateful I am to be your little sister.  Your nugget of advice "to keep going" as you suffered so badly from brain cancer not only helped me wake up and go to every day of 10th grade (and tennis, track, and lacrosse practices) while the world moved on as if my life wasn't turned upside down, but your words still play on repeat in my head, shouting loudest on the impossible days. 

In college, there were so many days I almost threw in the towel on lacrosse with organic chemistry and physics and long bus rides to juggle. But I didn't, because of you and your wisdom. I know you wouldn't give up, nor would you let me if you were here. 

The same way God helped you is the same way God is with me. You keep helping Him mold and shape who I'm growing up to be. 

I recently took care of a patient with stage 4 colon cancer. She reminded me so much of you, a college athlete who lived fearless, never complaining despite unimaginable suffering.  I helped cheer her on and gave her sister the same wisdom you gave me, "Keep living, you've got this." 

I spent the past two weeks on a medical trip in Honduras knowing August would be hard, a choice you would make. It pushed me beyond my comfort zone when life seemed too much.  Scorpions, vomit, a needle stick—all things that would usually break me just made me want to love the children and their families BIGGER, just like you did for me. 

Thank you for continuing to show up in every season of my life, Janie. I am applying to medical school and of course it hasn't gone as planned —does life ever? I won't quit and know God has a perfect path for me. Thank you for giving me this perspective. 

 I need the reminder to "KEEP LIVING" every day, but especially on your birthday. I'm doing my best to not simply live but to "Finish Strong".  

I Love You,

Piper