Sharon, thank you so much for your kind words and inspiration that you always gave me when I was doubting myself about the bar exam. I know you and Jacquie always BELIEVED in me! Well, this Tuesday (same day that Ang and TJ started their amazing climb), was the first day of the exam; and Wednesday was the last day. I was totally calm the whole time. Thank you so much for believing in me! You have so much love and support and kind words to spread. You helped me so much. The emails and texts you sent, I swear they could have been from Jacquie; you provided me with the exact same confidence and love that she did so well. Today is Saturday; Ang and TJ are on their last leg!! They are sooo amazing, look at how far they have come. Sheryl was completely right, they never left Jacquie, and Jacquie will never leave them. They are in our thoughts all of the time! Thank you for all of your support and love!! <3 <3 Alicia <3 <3
I’ve been thinking about you and the wonderful influence you’ve had and continue to have on so many. I know you’re up in heaven smiling and watching over everyone… Keep sending down those rays of love. xoxox
Sharon and Torey, Just wanted to check in and let you know I was thinking about you as always. I know TJ and Angela left today and I am sure that makes you nervous. I just wanted you to know that we’re all thinking of them and wishing them safe travels. They are in very good hands over there. Rick, Yuseph, and Muhammed are the best people to climb Kili with. They will have such an amazing time and they are going to feel so proud when they are on that mountain. They’re going to come back and try and convince you guys to go I’m sure of it!! If you ever get nervous and want to know exactly what they are doing feel free to call me. I’ll be following their adventure and leaving them messages! I think of you guys every day. I hope I get to see you soon. We’ll have to have a party when TJ and Angela get back and celebrate the amazing thing they are doing for Jax. I so wish that she could be hiking it with them. It’s just not fair. I know that she’ll be watching over them and giving them the strength they need to make it to the top. Love you guys. Always believing…Love, Sadie
Believing in TJ and Angela. Just have to say TJ continues to be an incredible inspiration with his words and his determination. The Hirsch family 4 are doing amazing things through the foundation. Jacquie we miss you always.
Dear Angel Jax: Today Angela & TJ left to climb the mountain in your honor. I cannot be any prouder of them. Just the way I was always so proud of you & how hard you had to fight to climb your “mountain”. I wanted to give each of them something special to take on their journey. So, I went to the Angel Store, but couldn’t find just the right thing. As I was leaving I saw these silver necklaces of an Angel’s Feather – they had different words inscribed on the back – & just then I saw two that said-“I will carry you”. I believe with all my heart that you will be with them, but when I saw these feathers, it became so clear that you wanted me to get them, so that if they think they can’t go any further,& the journey seems too hard, they can count on you to carry them. It was the perfect gift –thank you for helping me find them & thank you for letting all of us know that you really will be there with them. Please keep them safe & continue watching over your family & friends. And know that in your honor we will continue to do everything we can to raise awareness, & work towards finding a cure, for this awful disease. You will always be my hero… I will never know anyone as strong or brave as you. I love you, & miss you every day, my Angel Jax. We will never stop BELIEVING!
I love you very very much and there is a hole in my heart that can never be filled in this lifetime. I miss you more than words can express and I love you with all of my heart and soul. please be happy and safe ..
To My Forever Valentine, hope you saw the flowers. I love and miss you so very much my little Jacquie Hirsch !!! ps I know you have always known it, that your big brother is incredable.
Jax,I just wanted you to know I’m still thinking about you and your family and all the wonderful things that your foundation has been able to do. I can’t believe how long its been already since you became our angel. I’m still believing!
To the Hirsch Four: Jax did it again. For the past month, I have been going through the long interview process at my hometown school. For each of the three steps of my interview process, I would always shoot up a little prayer to Jax before it started. And on each of those days, I wore my Jacquie necklace just for an extra pinch of good luck. Needless to say, it worked! As of this past Tuesday, I am the new elementary reading teacher at Sodus Central School. I go through my days teaching for Jax and trying to help my students and hoping that Jax would be proud of me. Thanks for the loads of tink dust you’ve been sending my way these past few weeks Jacquie! God bless, Casey
Jax-I have been thinking about you a lot lately. My boyfriend is in Italy right now, and he’s absolutely miserable. He misses his mom and his dad, his brothers, all of his friends, and he’s all alone in a big city he’s never been to. I’m telling you this because right now, he needs you. Or he needs someone. He needs someone to watch over him, to take care of him, to help him realize that he IS in fact, strong enough to do this. You give me strength every single day, and when I think that I can’t keep going, you help to remind me that I can. I miss you a lot, and my love and respect for you grows every single day. You’ve helped me on so many occasions already…so if it means you give up watching over me for a little to watch over him, please do it. Sprinkle a little bit of your pixie dust onto his little apartment, and help him to gain the courage to be the outgoing man i know he is. thank you. i miss you, i love you. and i will always BELIEVE. <3
I never knew Jacquie, her family or friends and found out about this through the website where I work at Roswell Park and my heart goes out to all of you. I have read the messages Jacquie’s mom, Jacquie, her brother and dad had posted from just about the beginning of the battle for Jacquie’s cure to just recently and I feel for all of you so much. And have such admiration at how brave and strong all of you were through the entire ordeal and afterwards. And as a mom of a 21 yr old, I wish I could take away the pain from Jacquie’s mom somehow. I can feel her pain so deeply and it was definately hard to read it, also because I couldn’t see through my tears very well. What I want to say to her is, I can tell by Jacquie’s smile and personality that she was very proud and happy with all her mom has done for her and with her. What all of you have done in Jacquie’s memory is really amazing. I hope all of you are doing well.
Miss you and thinking of you all the time. My heart hurts so bad because your not here with us anymore and in heaven instead. Please help us down here & give us strength to go another day without you. I can’t even express how grateful I am to have had a friend like you Jax. Love you so much.
Dear Jacquies family and friends, My heart goes out to all of you for your loss. i never new jacquie or any of her friends or family. i got her story from a friend. I can tell that she was an amazing woman. I feel your pain. last month i lost my wife to ALL she had the battled of her life for 11months she was 36yrs old. She and was stripped of her dreams and everything she loved to do because of this disease. But like your daughther she never complained treasured everyday and lived her live with class, and dignity. cancer was not going to change her postive attitude and her drive that she was born with. She never got the opportunity at the transplant because the doc thought they could cure it with chemo. and until she relasped did they ever consider a transplant.By that time things were to out of control to bring her back to remission. My opinion we missed the opportunity when she was in remission the 1st time. So from my experience although its a rough rd from day one patients push for the transplt and dont wait till its to late. god bless and stay strong.
Jacquie still lives…there are an entire group of followers who keep her alive each and every day. But it all begins with the Hirsch 4…without you, we wouldn’t be able to BELIEVE like we all do. Physically, Jax is not with us, but she is everywhere! I was driving home from visiting my sister in Philly yesterday and I was SO tired. With about 10 minutes left of my 5.5 hour drive left, These Are The Days came on the radio. I turned it up and sang it at the top of my lungs, so glad to have Jax with me for that moment. I’d say there is no way she isn’t here with us:) And Alicia, that was a beautiful post:) God bless my Hirsch 4. Casey
Not a moment goes by without you in my thoughts. I miss you so very much Jax. Your Buffalo Challenge is this weekend. Watch over us through another successful foundation event. Forever your Dad.
i bet you’re still sneaking all of the meatloaf from the cafeteria up in heaven!!!!!! 😉 😉 😉 😉 even when i feel so lost without you and so confused and without a way, the silliest most seemingly inconsequential memory of you will pop into my mind, and all of a sudden i realize i’m laughing with a huge smile plastered to my face. every memory of you makes our hearts break and simultaneously makes us light up with life. that is the legacy you have left behind and the feelings we are always dealing with. we cannot remember you, think of you, without wanting to cry and laugh at the same time. do you have any idea how lucky we all are that you came into our lives? i wish that everyone in the world could have their own Jacquie. But, you truly are 1 in a billion, 1 of a kind. And that is why we mourn your loss so much and why the hole is still gaping. But that is also why we cannot cry without laughing whenever we think of you. In my heart and on my mind, every single day. <3 delish <3 xoxoxoxox i miss you beautiful angel~!!!!!
Dear Jacquie: A new angel is coming to heaven, his name is Dale and he was 42. He leaves behind a wife, daughter & two sons. I had the opportunity to talk to him about your courageous battle and showed him your website and all the wonderful things your foundation is accomplishing. Please look after him and all the others that are fighting this horrible disease.
Sharon, I look every day for a new update. I think there are more of us out there than you could even imagine who look forward to hearning from you, who need to hear from you, please try not to forget that. I am starting a long term tomorrow in Sodus. Its all new to me, I have not been in that school in years. I know that Jax will be with me, just like she is with you each and every second. God bless, Casey
I heard about your daughter from a friend, and I have been reading the posts. I cannot imagine the loss. I have a beautiful daughter and I cannot imagine life without her. I read what you write, and my heart breaks for you. Even though we never met, you are all in my prayers, and I pray that the Lord gives you the strength to get through each day. God Bless
Always thinking and remembering. It is hard I will admit to check this site. I always have that initial instinct to hear a Jacquie update or to write to her. Tears, smiles, happiness, sadness, anger, disbelief, and believing….always. Sending continue strength to the Hirsch 4 and beyond and always an extra breath for when you need one. Love, Sara
Though you’re gone, you’re still here…In my heart, in my tears. Yeah you sure left your mark and we were just getting started… I miss you so much Jax. I feel so blessed to have known you and I am so thankful for you. It just makes me so angry that you can’t be here with us. As hard as it is, I know you were meant to do bigger and better things… and girlfriend you sure are doing bigger and better things!! So many peoples’ lives have been touched & changed because of you. Since the first day I met you I looked up to you and I still look up to you today Jax. I miss going to wings with you, big & pbig, and our folly family fun nights. Those were my best memories of college. Dancing like crazy at the IB & we could have cared less what everyone else thought about us. haha You lived life to the fullest and every day I try to live it up just like you. Thinking of you, missing you so much, & always BELIEVING.. love always, Cz
merry christmas our beautiful angel. i know that heaven is so lucky because they have the most beautiful happy bright angel to spend christmas with. us down here aren’t so lucky, because we are all especially feeling the big void that was left when you went to heaven. have a wonderful christmas, still believing. all the time!!! in my heart and on my mind always. i love you. <3 delisha <3 xoxo
Merry Christmas, Jax. Keep shining down on us and letting us know that you’re up there.Times keeps moving on, but my feelings of missing you and hoping to see you again are still soo strong and vivid…Loving, missing, hoping, and believing ALWAYS…Merry Christmas to the Hirsch 4.
Dear Sharon, Torey and TJ: We just wanted to let you know that you continue to be in our thoughts and prayers. We can only imagine how difficult the upcoming holidays will be for you. We think of you so often. We even started buying tinkerbell ornaments for the girls to remember Jacquie. They proudly hang on our tree! You have touched the lives of so many families with the courageous work you do to help put an end to A.L.L. Someday when there is a cure, you will have had a huge part in making it happen and you will feel proud that you helped save another life. We wish you a healthy and peaceful new year. Love, Alan, Athena, Adriana and Stephanie
I know as the holidays loom before you it is extra difficult to get through each day. Just know that so many people are thinking of you and care about you. I love you guys, Lauren
Not a day goes by that I dont think of you, miss you, love you or need you. It feels like so long ago but memories make it seem like yesterday. I know the world will be different becuase you’re gone but I wish the world was the with you here. I love you with all of my heart & I would have given my life to save yours.
I just happened upon this on facebook and recognized Jacquie’s name. I was the coach at Oswego for many years and left the area about 4 years ago. I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Reading Jacquie’s courageous story brought me to tears and made me feel proud to have watched her compete. Again, I am so sorry and will keep her and your family in my prayers.
Dear Sharon & Torey; Happy Anniversary and may there be many more. We spent Thanksgiving again down in Orlando & I felt Jacquie all around me with all the “Tinkerbells” and the sunshine! It helped. Always in my heart & thoughts.
Sharon and Torey, Happy anniversary. 30 years is a wonderful thing. I’m sure you never expected your marriage to contain such heart ache – no marriage should have to. I hope that you both know how special you were to Jacquie and how much she loved you. I’m sure she’s smiling on this big day for you. Thinking of you guys always <3Sharon I keep getting hope too late to call you - I’m sorry. I think I’m working from home on Wednesday so I will be able to call you then! Sending you both love <3Love, Sadie
Today is our 30th anniversary Jax. Mom and I had a chilhood love that grew from our middle schools days. We knew we had something special and we certainly realized that when you and TJ were born into our lives and we all became a family. You once said how very important we were to the person you had become and the special times we shared meant the world to you. On this special day I think how you continue to inspire me and how our times together meant the world to me. The house is filled with roses and their beauty reminds me of you and the love we share for each other as a family. I miss you today and every day. Love you forever, Dad
To the Hirsch Four: Even though you all continue to struggle through your own daily battles, fighting through the pain and the loss and the countless questions, you still manage to provide endless love, support, and tenderness to others around you. I know that this time of year is exceedingly difficult, with September rolling quickly into Thanksgiving, followed, immediately by Christmas. But despite your own tribulations, you were still able to selflessly give me so much love and send me meaningful messages and cards. On Thanksgiving, the day when such an important part of my life was suddenly taken from me, a day when I usually feel anything but thankful, you, the Hirsch Four, make it so I can’t help but feel thankful. Thankful for so many things, but mainly, for knowing that there are always certain people who will be there, no matter what, ready to squeeze your hand, whenever you may need it. Jacquie, I know you are still all around, giving us signs, to let us know you’re still here. When you visited me in my dream, that couldn’t have come at a better time. Right before the let down with the bar, and before my dad’s anniversary. I still remember it all so vividly, and honestly, when I was really down and feeling pretty lost and bereft these last few days, I would think about the dream and know that you are still here, and so is my dad. I love you all. Thank you so much for everything you do. In my heart and on my mind, ALWAYS xoxo <3 alicia <3
Can’t wait to see all of you next Friday for the Vera party…the Stiokas family should have some new atendings in tow:) Sharon, I wish I took a picture of scary fairy, he would have made you laugh:)
Saw this today and thought of you…”Missing someone– it’s not about how long it has been since you have seen them or the amount of time since you’ve talked. It’s about that very moment when you’re doing something and you wish that they were right there with you….”Forever missing, loving, and believingMaryanne Heiman
Hello Hirsch 4, I know its been a while since I have writte, too long in fact. When we were out in Rochester this past weekend for Halloween, I saw a man (a rather large man) wearing a Tinkerbell costume. We ended up calling him scary fairy by the end of the night because he was quite terrifying. I was very upset with the man for disgracing Tink like that and I had everything I could do to not tell him that he not only looked like a moron but that only one person is worthy of wearing the costume and it certainly wasn’t him! I know Jax would have lauged at the man, and I’m sure she was laughing at me for being so mad at him. I miss her every day. God bless Hirsch’s. Casey
Dear Sharon: As I treated the trickers I couldn’t help but smile & give extra candy to the “tinkerbells” that came to my door. I think that was my sign from Jacquie. Always & Forever!
Thinking of you today – especially Jax’s – as we celebrate All Saints Day, knowing she is in heaven and watching down on us. Prayers and continued strength to all – xoxox
Oh beautiful Jac, where do I start? Thank you SOOOO much for your visit in my dream the other night, when I woke up, I felt happier than I have in ages. It was by far the best dream I have ever EVER had, and I BELIEVE it will be the best dream I’ll ever have (until you visit me next that is!) And I have to say, that after waking up from this last dream, you convinced me that they are not just dreams… that you (and my dad, when I dream of him) are truly visiting all of us when we dream of you. I KNOW and BELIEVE that you are just stopping by to spend a little time with those you love, to let us know you are still thinking of us all just as much as we think of you. Sharon, this now perfectly explains to me why all of us feel like we wish Jacquie would visit us each more often; because she truly is visiting each of us in our dreams, and because there are so many people that love her so dearly, she has quite the large amount of rounds to make. I find that times when I am feeling uncertain or unsure about the way things are going in life, even though I haven’t even realized it yet, are the times when Jac visits me. So she is working her magic in the non-obvious times of when I need guidance and love, when I’m not even fully aware of it at the time that it is what I need. I would like to share with all of you my dream. And let me start by saying that this dream happened in the morning so when I woke up in the morning I had the memory of just spending time with Jacquie fresh in my mind, it was the greatest feeling ever. In my dream, we were laying in Jacquie’s bed, with her Tink blanket. she had her long beautiful blonde hair, it was straight, and up in a bun type thing. she was wearing a yellow and blue long-sleeve tye-dyed shirt. And I remember we were planning (don’t make fun of me) a party called “Mr. Diva Party 2009!” And we were making the guest list, and we were talking about how lucky she is to have soo many different groups of great friends to fill the list. And we were talking about the Ciao Bellas and her other friends from home, and Blue Wave, and SDT, and of course, her very best friend, TJ. And she was saying how special she felt to have so many great friends. And then I started making fun of her for how she sounds when she answers the phone when someone wakes her up, and I imitated her saying “huh? hi delish” and talking in her sleepy voice; then she imitated herself by saying it too. and then we started laughing so hard we were crying and we were doubled over and couldn’t breathe we were laughing so hard. and that is how i woke up, we were laughing so hard that it woke me right up! and while i was soo sad that the dream and that our visit was over with, (i never wanted the dream to end), it was the best start to my day! i wanted to remember every minute of that dream so clearly that right when i woke up i ran out of bed and found a pad of paper and a pen and wrote down notes from the dream. i literally feel like we just hung out. i still remember how your room smelled, how beautiful you looked, your voice imitating your sleepy self. thank you so much for still spreading so much love and laughter. i haven’t laughed as hard as i did in my dream, in such a long time. you are still just as special to us as you were 1 year ago, 2 years ago, 4 years ago, 10 years, etc. i love you to the moon beautiful angel, and i miss you so much, but feel a little better knowing that i will get to hang out with you again, next time, when i least expect it and don’t know that i need to be uplifted. xoxo <3 delish <3 xoxo
I think of the four of you every day, and I believe in what the four of you do for so many-miracles that you have contribution to here in every day life, and miracles that Jacquie contributes to from the heavens shining down. I believe in what you do, and I am amazed by your efforts. God Bless
Another wonderful clinic for a cure at BR this weekend. We love being part of this event, thank you to all the coaches and to the Foundation to allow us to participate every year.So proud to be a part of Jacquie’s legacy.Sincerely, parent of a gymnast!
Just wanted to let you know how I think of you guys everyday and are often talked about at swimming hope all is well and you are always in my thoughts and prayers.
Hi! I have to be honest it’s been a while since I have read the updates…not that I don’t think about Jax all the time or talk about her more (my desk is covered in Jax and tink items)…but today a coworker was telling me how her son is doing a dancing fundraiser this weekend…dancer’s give back!!! I was so excited to hear about it!! Such a small world! So I sent her the link to the website and decided to read todays post…I’m still wiping the tears back from my eyes after reading “the little ship” what a beautiful way to look at it…I know Jacquie was greeted in Heaven by a group of wonderful people and lots of clapping and hugs… Thank you for posting that Sharon. I love you so much. xoxo Ashley
Alicia says:
February 27, 2011 at 1:45 pm -
Sharon, thank you so much for your kind words and inspiration that you always gave me when I was doubting myself about the bar exam. I know you and Jacquie always BELIEVED in me! Well, this Tuesday (same day that Ang and TJ started their amazing climb), was the first day of the exam; and Wednesday was the last day. I was totally calm the whole time. Thank you so much for believing in me! You have so much love and support and kind words to spread. You helped me so much. The emails and texts you sent, I swear they could have been from Jacquie; you provided me with the exact same confidence and love that she did so well. Today is Saturday; Ang and TJ are on their last leg!! They are sooo amazing, look at how far they have come. Sheryl was completely right, they never left Jacquie, and Jacquie will never leave them. They are in our thoughts all of the time! Thank you for all of your support and love!! <3 <3 Alicia <3 <3
Krystal says:
February 24, 2011 at 8:17 am -
I’ve been thinking about you and the wonderful influence you’ve had and continue to have on so many. I know you’re up in heaven smiling and watching over everyone… Keep sending down those rays of love. xoxox
Anonymous says:
February 22, 2011 at 11:31 am -
Dear Sharon: I too have many wishes but mainly that Jacquie knew how much I truly loved her & that I was always there for her!
Sadie says:
February 19, 2011 at 11:51 pm -
Sharon and Torey, Just wanted to check in and let you know I was thinking about you as always. I know TJ and Angela left today and I am sure that makes you nervous. I just wanted you to know that we’re all thinking of them and wishing them safe travels. They are in very good hands over there. Rick, Yuseph, and Muhammed are the best people to climb Kili with. They will have such an amazing time and they are going to feel so proud when they are on that mountain. They’re going to come back and try and convince you guys to go I’m sure of it!! If you ever get nervous and want to know exactly what they are doing feel free to call me. I’ll be following their adventure and leaving them messages! I think of you guys every day. I hope I get to see you soon. We’ll have to have a party when TJ and Angela get back and celebrate the amazing thing they are doing for Jax. I so wish that she could be hiking it with them. It’s just not fair. I know that she’ll be watching over them and giving them the strength they need to make it to the top. Love you guys. Always believing…Love, Sadie
Sara (albuquerque) says:
February 19, 2011 at 8:20 pm -
Believing in TJ and Angela. Just have to say TJ continues to be an incredible inspiration with his words and his determination. The Hirsch family 4 are doing amazing things through the foundation. Jacquie we miss you always.
Aunt Sheryl says:
February 19, 2011 at 6:00 pm -
Dear Angel Jax: Today Angela & TJ left to climb the mountain in your honor. I cannot be any prouder of them. Just the way I was always so proud of you & how hard you had to fight to climb your “mountain”. I wanted to give each of them something special to take on their journey. So, I went to the Angel Store, but couldn’t find just the right thing. As I was leaving I saw these silver necklaces of an Angel’s Feather – they had different words inscribed on the back – & just then I saw two that said-“I will carry you”. I believe with all my heart that you will be with them, but when I saw these feathers, it became so clear that you wanted me to get them, so that if they think they can’t go any further,& the journey seems too hard, they can count on you to carry them. It was the perfect gift –thank you for helping me find them & thank you for letting all of us know that you really will be there with them. Please keep them safe & continue watching over your family & friends. And know that in your honor we will continue to do everything we can to raise awareness, & work towards finding a cure, for this awful disease. You will always be my hero… I will never know anyone as strong or brave as you. I love you, & miss you every day, my Angel Jax. We will never stop BELIEVING!
Anonymous says:
February 17, 2011 at 12:09 am -
I love you very very much and there is a hole in my heart that can never be filled in this lifetime. I miss you more than words can express and I love you with all of my heart and soul. please be happy and safe ..
Dad says:
February 15, 2011 at 12:06 am -
To My Forever Valentine, hope you saw the flowers. I love and miss you so very much my little Jacquie Hirsch !!! ps I know you have always known it, that your big brother is incredable.
Dixon says:
February 10, 2011 at 9:26 pm -
Jax,I just wanted you to know I’m still thinking about you and your family and all the wonderful things that your foundation has been able to do. I can’t believe how long its been already since you became our angel. I’m still believing!
Casey Stiokas says:
February 7, 2011 at 6:17 pm -
To the Hirsch Four: Jax did it again. For the past month, I have been going through the long interview process at my hometown school. For each of the three steps of my interview process, I would always shoot up a little prayer to Jax before it started. And on each of those days, I wore my Jacquie necklace just for an extra pinch of good luck. Needless to say, it worked! As of this past Tuesday, I am the new elementary reading teacher at Sodus Central School. I go through my days teaching for Jax and trying to help my students and hoping that Jax would be proud of me. Thanks for the loads of tink dust you’ve been sending my way these past few weeks Jacquie! God bless, Casey
MD says:
February 2, 2011 at 5:33 pm -
Jax-I have been thinking about you a lot lately. My boyfriend is in Italy right now, and he’s absolutely miserable. He misses his mom and his dad, his brothers, all of his friends, and he’s all alone in a big city he’s never been to. I’m telling you this because right now, he needs you. Or he needs someone. He needs someone to watch over him, to take care of him, to help him realize that he IS in fact, strong enough to do this. You give me strength every single day, and when I think that I can’t keep going, you help to remind me that I can. I miss you a lot, and my love and respect for you grows every single day. You’ve helped me on so many occasions already…so if it means you give up watching over me for a little to watch over him, please do it. Sprinkle a little bit of your pixie dust onto his little apartment, and help him to gain the courage to be the outgoing man i know he is. thank you. i miss you, i love you. and i will always BELIEVE. <3
Lorie says:
January 27, 2011 at 2:12 pm -
I never knew Jacquie, her family or friends and found out about this through the website where I work at Roswell Park and my heart goes out to all of you. I have read the messages Jacquie’s mom, Jacquie, her brother and dad had posted from just about the beginning of the battle for Jacquie’s cure to just recently and I feel for all of you so much. And have such admiration at how brave and strong all of you were through the entire ordeal and afterwards. And as a mom of a 21 yr old, I wish I could take away the pain from Jacquie’s mom somehow. I can feel her pain so deeply and it was definately hard to read it, also because I couldn’t see through my tears very well. What I want to say to her is, I can tell by Jacquie’s smile and personality that she was very proud and happy with all her mom has done for her and with her. What all of you have done in Jacquie’s memory is really amazing. I hope all of you are doing well.
Anonymous says:
January 25, 2011 at 12:22 am -
Miss you and thinking of you all the time. My heart hurts so bad because your not here with us anymore and in heaven instead. Please help us down here & give us strength to go another day without you. I can’t even express how grateful I am to have had a friend like you Jax. Love you so much.
jim v says:
January 21, 2011 at 11:16 pm -
Dear Jacquies family and friends, My heart goes out to all of you for your loss. i never new jacquie or any of her friends or family. i got her story from a friend. I can tell that she was an amazing woman. I feel your pain. last month i lost my wife to ALL she had the battled of her life for 11months she was 36yrs old. She and was stripped of her dreams and everything she loved to do because of this disease. But like your daughther she never complained treasured everyday and lived her live with class, and dignity. cancer was not going to change her postive attitude and her drive that she was born with. She never got the opportunity at the transplant because the doc thought they could cure it with chemo. and until she relasped did they ever consider a transplant.By that time things were to out of control to bring her back to remission. My opinion we missed the opportunity when she was in remission the 1st time. So from my experience although its a rough rd from day one patients push for the transplt and dont wait till its to late. god bless and stay strong.
Casey Stiokas says:
January 18, 2011 at 6:05 pm -
Jacquie still lives…there are an entire group of followers who keep her alive each and every day. But it all begins with the Hirsch 4…without you, we wouldn’t be able to BELIEVE like we all do. Physically, Jax is not with us, but she is everywhere! I was driving home from visiting my sister in Philly yesterday and I was SO tired. With about 10 minutes left of my 5.5 hour drive left, These Are The Days came on the radio. I turned it up and sang it at the top of my lungs, so glad to have Jax with me for that moment. I’d say there is no way she isn’t here with us:) And Alicia, that was a beautiful post:) God bless my Hirsch 4. Casey
Dad says:
January 16, 2011 at 11:37 pm -
Not a moment goes by without you in my thoughts. I miss you so very much Jax. Your Buffalo Challenge is this weekend. Watch over us through another successful foundation event. Forever your Dad.
alicia says:
January 13, 2011 at 10:38 am -
i bet you’re still sneaking all of the meatloaf from the cafeteria up in heaven!!!!!! 😉 😉 😉 😉 even when i feel so lost without you and so confused and without a way, the silliest most seemingly inconsequential memory of you will pop into my mind, and all of a sudden i realize i’m laughing with a huge smile plastered to my face. every memory of you makes our hearts break and simultaneously makes us light up with life. that is the legacy you have left behind and the feelings we are always dealing with. we cannot remember you, think of you, without wanting to cry and laugh at the same time. do you have any idea how lucky we all are that you came into our lives? i wish that everyone in the world could have their own Jacquie. But, you truly are 1 in a billion, 1 of a kind. And that is why we mourn your loss so much and why the hole is still gaping. But that is also why we cannot cry without laughing whenever we think of you. In my heart and on my mind, every single day. <3 delish <3 xoxoxoxox i miss you beautiful angel~!!!!!
Anonymous says:
January 7, 2011 at 4:17 pm -
Dear Jacquie: A new angel is coming to heaven, his name is Dale and he was 42. He leaves behind a wife, daughter & two sons. I had the opportunity to talk to him about your courageous battle and showed him your website and all the wonderful things your foundation is accomplishing. Please look after him and all the others that are fighting this horrible disease.
Casey Stiokas says:
January 3, 2011 at 10:13 pm -
Sharon, I look every day for a new update. I think there are more of us out there than you could even imagine who look forward to hearning from you, who need to hear from you, please try not to forget that. I am starting a long term tomorrow in Sodus. Its all new to me, I have not been in that school in years. I know that Jax will be with me, just like she is with you each and every second. God bless, Casey
Mary says:
January 3, 2011 at 8:16 pm -
I heard about your daughter from a friend, and I have been reading the posts. I cannot imagine the loss. I have a beautiful daughter and I cannot imagine life without her. I read what you write, and my heart breaks for you. Even though we never met, you are all in my prayers, and I pray that the Lord gives you the strength to get through each day. God Bless
Sara (albuquerque) says:
January 3, 2011 at 2:19 pm -
Always thinking and remembering. It is hard I will admit to check this site. I always have that initial instinct to hear a Jacquie update or to write to her. Tears, smiles, happiness, sadness, anger, disbelief, and believing….always. Sending continue strength to the Hirsch 4 and beyond and always an extra breath for when you need one. Love, Sara
Cz says:
January 2, 2011 at 3:35 pm -
Though you’re gone, you’re still here…In my heart, in my tears. Yeah you sure left your mark and we were just getting started… I miss you so much Jax. I feel so blessed to have known you and I am so thankful for you. It just makes me so angry that you can’t be here with us. As hard as it is, I know you were meant to do bigger and better things… and girlfriend you sure are doing bigger and better things!! So many peoples’ lives have been touched & changed because of you. Since the first day I met you I looked up to you and I still look up to you today Jax. I miss going to wings with you, big & pbig, and our folly family fun nights. Those were my best memories of college. Dancing like crazy at the IB & we could have cared less what everyone else thought about us. haha You lived life to the fullest and every day I try to live it up just like you. Thinking of you, missing you so much, & always BELIEVING.. love always, Cz
missy says:
December 25, 2010 at 10:23 pm -
Dear Hirsch Family, Wishing you the peace of Christmas and sending you all so much love. Always clapping, praying, BELIEVING, The Altieri Family
alicia says:
December 25, 2010 at 10:21 pm -
merry christmas our beautiful angel. i know that heaven is so lucky because they have the most beautiful happy bright angel to spend christmas with. us down here aren’t so lucky, because we are all especially feeling the big void that was left when you went to heaven. have a wonderful christmas, still believing. all the time!!! in my heart and on my mind always. i love you. <3 delisha <3 xoxo
Marietta Bennett says:
December 25, 2010 at 2:29 pm -
Thinking of all of you today. Merry Christmas. Love, Marietta
Anonymous says:
December 25, 2010 at 12:34 pm -
Thinking of Jacquie, and all of you today. Always Believing, Always Remembering <3 Love, Holly
Anonymous says:
December 24, 2010 at 8:03 pm -
Merry Christmas, Jax. Keep shining down on us and letting us know that you’re up there.Times keeps moving on, but my feelings of missing you and hoping to see you again are still soo strong and vivid…Loving, missing, hoping, and believing ALWAYS…Merry Christmas to the Hirsch 4.
Anonymous says:
December 24, 2010 at 12:27 pm -
Dear Sharon, Torey and TJ: We just wanted to let you know that you continue to be in our thoughts and prayers. We can only imagine how difficult the upcoming holidays will be for you. We think of you so often. We even started buying tinkerbell ornaments for the girls to remember Jacquie. They proudly hang on our tree! You have touched the lives of so many families with the courageous work you do to help put an end to A.L.L. Someday when there is a cure, you will have had a huge part in making it happen and you will feel proud that you helped save another life. We wish you a healthy and peaceful new year. Love, Alan, Athena, Adriana and Stephanie
Lauren Schilling says:
December 23, 2010 at 2:00 pm -
I know as the holidays loom before you it is extra difficult to get through each day. Just know that so many people are thinking of you and care about you. I love you guys, Lauren
Anonymous says:
December 10, 2010 at 5:31 pm -
Not a day goes by that I dont think of you, miss you, love you or need you. It feels like so long ago but memories make it seem like yesterday. I know the world will be different becuase you’re gone but I wish the world was the with you here. I love you with all of my heart & I would have given my life to save yours.
Kami says:
December 7, 2010 at 3:16 pm -
I just happened upon this on facebook and recognized Jacquie’s name. I was the coach at Oswego for many years and left the area about 4 years ago. I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Reading Jacquie’s courageous story brought me to tears and made me feel proud to have watched her compete. Again, I am so sorry and will keep her and your family in my prayers.
Sue P says:
December 7, 2010 at 10:10 am -
Dear Sharon & Torey; Happy Anniversary and may there be many more. We spent Thanksgiving again down in Orlando & I felt Jacquie all around me with all the “Tinkerbells” and the sunshine! It helped. Always in my heart & thoughts.
Sadie says:
December 6, 2010 at 11:37 pm -
Sharon and Torey, Happy anniversary. 30 years is a wonderful thing. I’m sure you never expected your marriage to contain such heart ache – no marriage should have to. I hope that you both know how special you were to Jacquie and how much she loved you. I’m sure she’s smiling on this big day for you. Thinking of you guys always <3Sharon I keep getting hope too late to call you - I’m sorry. I think I’m working from home on Wednesday so I will be able to call you then! Sending you both love <3Love, Sadie
Dad says:
December 5, 2010 at 12:05 pm -
Today is our 30th anniversary Jax. Mom and I had a chilhood love that grew from our middle schools days. We knew we had something special and we certainly realized that when you and TJ were born into our lives and we all became a family. You once said how very important we were to the person you had become and the special times we shared meant the world to you. On this special day I think how you continue to inspire me and how our times together meant the world to me. The house is filled with roses and their beauty reminds me of you and the love we share for each other as a family. I miss you today and every day. Love you forever, Dad
missy says:
December 1, 2010 at 4:30 pm -
Dear Sharon, Each day sending you prayers of strength and peace.Always clapping, praying , Beliveing Missy
Alicia says:
November 26, 2010 at 3:15 pm -
To the Hirsch Four: Even though you all continue to struggle through your own daily battles, fighting through the pain and the loss and the countless questions, you still manage to provide endless love, support, and tenderness to others around you. I know that this time of year is exceedingly difficult, with September rolling quickly into Thanksgiving, followed, immediately by Christmas. But despite your own tribulations, you were still able to selflessly give me so much love and send me meaningful messages and cards. On Thanksgiving, the day when such an important part of my life was suddenly taken from me, a day when I usually feel anything but thankful, you, the Hirsch Four, make it so I can’t help but feel thankful. Thankful for so many things, but mainly, for knowing that there are always certain people who will be there, no matter what, ready to squeeze your hand, whenever you may need it. Jacquie, I know you are still all around, giving us signs, to let us know you’re still here. When you visited me in my dream, that couldn’t have come at a better time. Right before the let down with the bar, and before my dad’s anniversary. I still remember it all so vividly, and honestly, when I was really down and feeling pretty lost and bereft these last few days, I would think about the dream and know that you are still here, and so is my dad. I love you all. Thank you so much for everything you do. In my heart and on my mind, ALWAYS xoxo <3 alicia <3
Anonymous says:
November 23, 2010 at 10:39 pm -
I miss you & I love you. In my heart, always..
Casey Stiokas says:
November 10, 2010 at 7:46 pm -
Can’t wait to see all of you next Friday for the Vera party…the Stiokas family should have some new atendings in tow:) Sharon, I wish I took a picture of scary fairy, he would have made you laugh:)
MA says:
November 10, 2010 at 5:42 pm -
Saw this today and thought of you…”Missing someone– it’s not about how long it has been since you have seen them or the amount of time since you’ve talked. It’s about that very moment when you’re doing something and you wish that they were right there with you….”Forever missing, loving, and believingMaryanne Heiman
Casey Stiokas says:
November 4, 2010 at 4:53 pm -
Hello Hirsch 4, I know its been a while since I have writte, too long in fact. When we were out in Rochester this past weekend for Halloween, I saw a man (a rather large man) wearing a Tinkerbell costume. We ended up calling him scary fairy by the end of the night because he was quite terrifying. I was very upset with the man for disgracing Tink like that and I had everything I could do to not tell him that he not only looked like a moron but that only one person is worthy of wearing the costume and it certainly wasn’t him! I know Jax would have lauged at the man, and I’m sure she was laughing at me for being so mad at him. I miss her every day. God bless Hirsch’s. Casey
Sue P says:
November 4, 2010 at 2:41 pm -
Dear Sharon: As I treated the trickers I couldn’t help but smile & give extra candy to the “tinkerbells” that came to my door. I think that was my sign from Jacquie. Always & Forever!
Pegsters says:
November 1, 2010 at 7:16 pm -
Thinking of you today – especially Jax’s – as we celebrate All Saints Day, knowing she is in heaven and watching down on us. Prayers and continued strength to all – xoxox
Alicia says:
October 30, 2010 at 1:40 am -
Oh beautiful Jac, where do I start? Thank you SOOOO much for your visit in my dream the other night, when I woke up, I felt happier than I have in ages. It was by far the best dream I have ever EVER had, and I BELIEVE it will be the best dream I’ll ever have (until you visit me next that is!) And I have to say, that after waking up from this last dream, you convinced me that they are not just dreams… that you (and my dad, when I dream of him) are truly visiting all of us when we dream of you. I KNOW and BELIEVE that you are just stopping by to spend a little time with those you love, to let us know you are still thinking of us all just as much as we think of you. Sharon, this now perfectly explains to me why all of us feel like we wish Jacquie would visit us each more often; because she truly is visiting each of us in our dreams, and because there are so many people that love her so dearly, she has quite the large amount of rounds to make. I find that times when I am feeling uncertain or unsure about the way things are going in life, even though I haven’t even realized it yet, are the times when Jac visits me. So she is working her magic in the non-obvious times of when I need guidance and love, when I’m not even fully aware of it at the time that it is what I need. I would like to share with all of you my dream. And let me start by saying that this dream happened in the morning so when I woke up in the morning I had the memory of just spending time with Jacquie fresh in my mind, it was the greatest feeling ever. In my dream, we were laying in Jacquie’s bed, with her Tink blanket. she had her long beautiful blonde hair, it was straight, and up in a bun type thing. she was wearing a yellow and blue long-sleeve tye-dyed shirt. And I remember we were planning (don’t make fun of me) a party called “Mr. Diva Party 2009!” And we were making the guest list, and we were talking about how lucky she is to have soo many different groups of great friends to fill the list. And we were talking about the Ciao Bellas and her other friends from home, and Blue Wave, and SDT, and of course, her very best friend, TJ. And she was saying how special she felt to have so many great friends. And then I started making fun of her for how she sounds when she answers the phone when someone wakes her up, and I imitated her saying “huh? hi delish” and talking in her sleepy voice; then she imitated herself by saying it too. and then we started laughing so hard we were crying and we were doubled over and couldn’t breathe we were laughing so hard. and that is how i woke up, we were laughing so hard that it woke me right up! and while i was soo sad that the dream and that our visit was over with, (i never wanted the dream to end), it was the best start to my day! i wanted to remember every minute of that dream so clearly that right when i woke up i ran out of bed and found a pad of paper and a pen and wrote down notes from the dream. i literally feel like we just hung out. i still remember how your room smelled, how beautiful you looked, your voice imitating your sleepy self. thank you so much for still spreading so much love and laughter. i haven’t laughed as hard as i did in my dream, in such a long time. you are still just as special to us as you were 1 year ago, 2 years ago, 4 years ago, 10 years, etc. i love you to the moon beautiful angel, and i miss you so much, but feel a little better knowing that i will get to hang out with you again, next time, when i least expect it and don’t know that i need to be uplifted. xoxo <3 delish <3 xoxo
sara (ABQ) says:
October 29, 2010 at 11:24 pm -
Always with you, thinking of you all, believing and caring and missing and just with you….
Jennifer Warnes says:
October 27, 2010 at 9:45 am -
I think of the four of you every day, and I believe in what the four of you do for so many-miracles that you have contribution to here in every day life, and miracles that Jacquie contributes to from the heavens shining down. I believe in what you do, and I am amazed by your efforts. God Bless
Elaine Angello says:
October 25, 2010 at 11:50 am -
Another wonderful clinic for a cure at BR this weekend. We love being part of this event, thank you to all the coaches and to the Foundation to allow us to participate every year.So proud to be a part of Jacquie’s legacy.Sincerely, parent of a gymnast!
Sandy Banks says:
October 15, 2010 at 8:44 pm -
Just wanted to let you know how I think of you guys everyday and are often talked about at swimming hope all is well and you are always in my thoughts and prayers.
Anonymous says:
October 15, 2010 at 1:13 pm -
Hey Jac, I wore a tie that you bought me today and I wore it with pride. Always believing in you…
Huer says:
October 14, 2010 at 1:24 pm -
Hi! I have to be honest it’s been a while since I have read the updates…not that I don’t think about Jax all the time or talk about her more (my desk is covered in Jax and tink items)…but today a coworker was telling me how her son is doing a dancing fundraiser this weekend…dancer’s give back!!! I was so excited to hear about it!! Such a small world! So I sent her the link to the website and decided to read todays post…I’m still wiping the tears back from my eyes after reading “the little ship” what a beautiful way to look at it…I know Jacquie was greeted in Heaven by a group of wonderful people and lots of clapping and hugs… Thank you for posting that Sharon. I love you so much. xoxo Ashley
Anonymous says:
October 12, 2010 at 1:21 pm -
I miss you dear Jacquie, please send me a sign to lift my spirits.