Hi Sharon,I just got the tinkerball invite. I am so proud of you, Torey, TJ and everyone else who helped to create this event. I know it will be a huge success. I think about you all and Jacquie every day and know that she is with me. I will be home in June so let’s plan on going to lunch or coffee. Still believing,Liz
just wanted to let you know that right now beyonce is on the today show performing her song “halo.” every time i hear this song, i turn it way up in my car because it always makes me think of jac. so hearing beyonce sing it live is just amazing, what a great start to my day! “everywhere i’m looking now, i’m surrounded by your embrace. i can see your halo, you know you’re my saving grace.”xoxo <3 alicia <3 xoxop.s. happy birthday TJ!!!! i know this will be a bittersweet day, but i still hope it is a good one. xo
Sharon, Torey, and TJ, I just wanted to share a short story with you. You all know Jacquie’s love for bananas, and how she liked to throw the peels out the car window and yell “eeek”. Bananas are now called “eeeks” at our house. That’s even how we put them on our shopping list! Last September, just after Jacquie’s funeral, three of my heart by-basses collapsed. Yesterday was my first stress test after the repair of the damaged arteries. While I was walking on the treadmill, I noticed a picture of a beautiful forest scene with a path winding through it. As they increased the difficulty of the test, I tried to stay focused on the picture. Just when it seemed that I couldn’t go any farther, I imagined that the path was lined with eeeks. I started to laugh and managed to go for another 6 minutes. I passed the test with flying colors. Your beautiful daughter continues to show us her presence in so many undeniable ways. God Bless all of you, Harry Jax – thanks for “Tink” dust – eeek! ;>)
Sharon, Torey, TJ and Jacquie, Sometimes I think parts of our hearts just can not be fixed, and sometimes the words just are not there…still remembering, wishing, wondering , still believing in Jacquies wisdom and her heart and still believing in you.Sara
Dear Sharon…a daughter needs a mom to tell her often that she is loved….yesterday…today and for always…and on this beautiful spring day, with the sun shining and the air crisp…the birds are singing songs of love…as you are whispering words to your darling daughter that you will always love her…make an attempt to get out today…go visit someone…or make lunch plans…it will do your heart,mind and soul good…and Jacquie will have a beautiful smile knowing you’ve done something good for yourself…I send my love and prayers to you on this glorious day…. Karen
wanted to send my love on this dreary, rainy, cold, “spring day.” i also wanted to say that in the past week i have seen three separate people wearing jacquie’s famous purple northface!! whenever i picture jacquie, i often think of her wearing her purple northface (with a vera backpack and her white sdt hat). anyway, i have never known anyone else to have that very purple northface.. so seeing 3 separate people with it in the past week was very surprising and made me smile and think of how happy and bright our beautiful angel is.i know it’s something small, and simple, but i just wanted to share that.i miss you so much beautiful angel. i wish so much i could pick up the phone and talk to you. please keep shining down on us & giving us signs. we all need it.i love youxoxo <3 alicia <3 xoxo
Good Morning!! I’m glad Bowers put up our “Jacquie sightings” list…she really truly was everywhere in Hawaii!! Anyways…I’m writing to tell of another Jacquie sighting…I was in starbucks on Friday and I was waiting for my drink when this girl walked in…she was the kind of girl you couldn’t help to look at…not because she had a third eye or anything but because she was bubbly and smiling and kind of loud (in a good way)…she reminded me of Jacquie. As I looked at her my eyes caught the vest she was wearing…it was a park ranger’s sweater vest type thing, I’m not sure what park, but what caught my attention is that it said in huge letters…I AM A BELIEVER. The girl probably thought I was a creeper because I was starring at her…my eyes watering alittle. I felt good that night…I smiled thinking of Jacquie for the rest of the weekend! Well I AM A BELIEVER!! xoxo Ashley
Sharon,Torey, and T.J.~ Sorry it took me a little while to post this, but below is a Believe list/Jacquie sightings that all the Ciaobellas experienced while we were on our vacation in Hawaii. We all felt Jax with us on our trip and all these moments “We Believe” was Jax saying “Hello” letting us know she was there. 1) The first day we were in Hawaii we saw a Believe bumpersticker. 2) We saw rainbows everyday but when the girls went skydiving they saw a beautiful rainbow when they were in the sky!(Crazy) 3) There was a little dog running around at the skydiving place named Pixie! 4) There was a woman on the plane in front of us that was wearing a tinkerbell sweatshirt. 5) At a bar we went to a couple of night, you could leave a dollar bill with something written on it that got stapled to the ceil, so we wrote Ciaobellas Jacquie forever. That will be there always now! 6) A stranger approached Jill and asked her to go to a Journey concert…it was funny because it was so random and Jill is not someone that you would think would like Journey, of course Jax loved Journey. 7) The girls turned on the T.V. one morning and Wipe Out was on…which hasn’t been on in a long time! 8) Caitlin and I were shopping and struck up a conversation with the sales girl who was so nice. She offered to give us a discount for no reason and was complimenting me on my Jacquie tattoos, when I told her what they stood for and about Jacquie she shared with us that she is a Leukemia survivor herself. It was a very touching moment! 9) Casey’s boyfriend Randy license’s plate reads JXX and says above that “I’m a Believer” with a rainbow! 10) When Ashley, Sandra, Cait, and I were driving back to Buffalo from Toronto we saw a Tinkerbell bumpersticker on the car in front of us. Jax was with us even then! I hope you enjoyed reading this. All the Ciaobellas will cherish these moments forever. It is what made our trip so wonderful. We love you all so much! <3 you always Tink Love, Bowers and all the Ciaobellas
Sharon, as I read all your entries my heart aches for you and your family. I do try to think happy thoughts with Spring coming but the injustice of taking Jacquie always brings sadness & tears. Always in my thoughts!
I am sure you have probably read this quote before, but I randomly stumbled across it on the internet and have never seen it before and loved it and thought it was very fitting. Thinking of you all of the time, and always believing.”There are stars whose radiance is visible on Earth though they have long been extinct. There are people whose brilliance continues to light the world even though they are no longer among the living. These lights are particularly bright when the night is dark. They light the way for humankind.” Hannah Seneschxoxo <3 alicia <3 xoxo
Sharon & Torey, The ciao bella’s cannot thank you enough for giving us the spirit of jacquie and the strength to carry on with her all around us. It is through the events, the parties, the roswell events and all the tink-memorbilia that we all live, breathe, and dream JAX. A vacation that Jax should’ve been on was hard….but there was no where we went that we didn’t take her with us. She was always in our hearts & minds. Through songs, dinners, drinks, and rainbows – no matter what it was, we found a way to tie it to Jacquie. We all miss her more than we can describe, but there is no doubt in my mind that she is keeping us close and strong….and is the reason why we all have each other. I made sure that I ate every last bite of my dinner on Jacquie (because I know she wouldn’t stand for anything less!). Even though it wasn’t a hot dog joint we went to, I know she was still smiling down on us. Thank you for being you & always beleiving ~ Thinking about you always and missing tink every single day…. Love, Nicki
Hi! I’ve been thinking about Jax a lot lately. A local radio station that I listen to in the mornings had been running a contest. It was a singing bee, and if you could come up with lyrics that followed, the prize was a disney gift basket and the chance to win the Tinkerbell soundtrack! So every morning, someone would win, and usually the host would ask if the person had kids. I would laugh and think, Tinkerbell isn’t just for kids! She’s for everyone! I still have Jacquie’s picture up in my room. I still feel like what happened is a dream. But I know that she is still doing great things. I miss her.Thinking of you always Hirsch family!<3 Pauline
Good Morning!! We (the ciao bellas) so wished Jacquie could have come on vacation with us…and while she was in our thoughts please know it was more than that. While we all thought about her, I think it’s more important to know that we talked about her all vacation and we saw her everywhere. Even though she isn’t physically with us, she will always be one of our very best Ciao Bella friends!! Love you!! xoxo Ashley
Sharon, Torey, TJ and Jacquie too, Ugh…With you today and every day ahead. Thinking and remembering everything you have been through and every step you have yet to take. My heart hurts, but I believe in YOU. I am caring about you and thinking of Jacquie and so many things that go along with that. Love, Sara
Good Afternoon:) Since all of the snow has melted (and hopefully gone for good) dad and I have been seeing all of the eeks that we have disposed of this winter on our respective running and walking routes. They always give us a big smile, and I always send a “thanks Jax” up to the sky. I hope you are all doing well as the days pass. Always sending my love, and always, always, Believing. God Bless, Casey
i miss you so much, it still hurts. in my chest, heart, mind, all over. keep shining down on us, we all need your light and warmth. i love youlove, alicia
Sharon, Torey and TJ, I think and pray for your family all the time. I am very excited for the “TinkerBall”, Ride for Roswell and other Jacquie inspired events! Jacquie-I love you and miss you so much. YOu are on my mind and in my heart every minute. I am so grateful for all the memories I have. I will always believe in you <3 Love always, Amanda
Good Afternoon!!! What a beautiful poem that Joe put on the site… I will print it and think of it as I train for the Triathlon I’m doing in honor of Jax!! Sharon, I don’t know what stories help you and I hope this one does…when you write about Sloan Kettering I can’t help but to let me mind travel back to the day I came to visit… I had planned to spend the weekend with a few girls from school and it happened to be when Jacquie was in NYC…I wanted to visit her so badly at Sloan…mainly to try and show her that I was there to support her and love her no matter what …I had called a couple of times but I don’t think Jax was in the mood for visitors. But being the annoying presistant friend that I am I decided to go to the Hospital anyway…I figured hey I’m one of her best friends if she really doesn’t want company then okay but atleast she’ll know nothing would stop me from being by her side…I remember sitting there by the elevator and seeing you (Sharon) coming down the hall, I don’t think you knew I was there. I was happy to see but I wasn’t sure what you reaction would be…then you went upstairs and got Jacquie to let me come up, now looking back I am so thankful that you did. Selfishly, I think it helped me to visit Jax just as much as I hope it helped her. The visit we had together was great…she was laughing and we talked like we were sitting at Libation Station not in a hospital…I will always hold that day close in my heart. I love you!!! Xoxo Ashley
Torey, so I totally forgot to tell you, that over break, I am going to Arizona! I am actually here now, and I realized I forgot to tell you. We flew into Pheonix, and oh my goodness, it felt like I was there like yesterday. I couldnt believe how much I remembered that airport. It brought back so many memories, and at some points it made me a little sad. I miss those days. Anyways, just wanted to fill you in, have a nice break 🙂 – Natalie
Sharon, I am glad you liked the poem (although I can’t take credit for it, I recieved it in an e-mail, can’t find an author). When I read it I knew I needed to send it to you. The lesson in it is very powerful and hope it helps you and many others. Sorry it took up so much room, I tried to advoid that. As you know, I’ve been raising moey for the Ride for Roswell, well I wrote a letter so my aunt could send it around her work at Rich Products for people to donate, and Jacquies story is still making grown men cry. Once again, I am glad to help in any way I can, even small things. I pray for your healing, and hope you still can have a good Easter. Take care and God Bless.
the magic that is the artist/writer Brian Andreas… it is still so new and all we see is empty space, but that is not how it is in the landscape of the heart. there, there is no empty space, and she still laughs and grapples with ideas and nods wisely with each of us in turn. we are proud to have known her. we are proud to have called her friend. my heart was overcome with happiness to see this beautiful print titled Landscape of the Heart with this beautiful quote attached. i miss you every SINGLE day. we had family poem tonight, big, and aileen and justine read Footprints. kelly and i stood together and i knew without asking that our minds were far away thinking of you<3 i love you. sammie
Madison, you did a wonderful job writing about a wonderful person. Good luck at the state & national levels. Jacquie and her family are an inspiration to us all.
The Concert When the house lights dimmed and the concert was about to begin, the mother returned toher seat and discovered that the child was missingSuddenly, the curtains parted and spotlights focused on the impressive Steinway on stage. In horror, the mother saw her little boy sitting at the keyboard, innocently picking out “Twinkle,Twinkle Little Star.” At that moment, the great piano master made his entrance, quickly moved to the piano, and whispered in the boy’s ear, “Don’t quit. Keep playing.” Then, leaning over, Paderewski reached down with his left hand and began filling in a bass part. Soon his right arm reached around to the other side of the child, and he added a running obbligato. Together, the old master and the young novice transformed what could have been a frightening situation into a wonderfully creative experience. The audience was so mesmerized that they couldn’t recall what else the great master played. Only the classic, ” Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star.” Perhaps that’s the way it is with God. What we can accomplish onour own is hardly noteworthy. We try our best, but the results aren’t always graceful flowing music. However, with the hand of the Master, our life’s work can truly be beautiful. The next time you set out to accomplish great feats, listen carefully. You may hear the voice of the Master, whispering in your ear, “Don’t quit.” “Keep playing.” May you feel His arms around you and know that His hands are there, helping you turn your feeble attempts into true masterpieces. Remember, God doesn’t seem to call the equipped, rather, He equips the ’called.’Life is more accurately measured by the lives you touch than by the things you acquire. May God bless you and be with you always!
The Student Nurse Organization at The College at Brockport is supporting Relay for Life this year April 17th. I’ll be walking with fellow students in remembrance of Jacquie.
its been awhile since i have been on here and i am sorry for that! the past few days with all the talk of the tink ball reminds me of sissys wedding! we were dancing machines! i just wanted write to you jax cuz i really miss you! i love you always! cousin angela
Sharon , Although you do not know me(my Jill took beginner gym. at GBC) I am deeply inspired by your updates and any news.I wish too about a cure for cancer,all cancers. It is people like you who in the midst of your own struggles and pain, who still reach out to help kids and families that make life good-you make a natable difference 🙂
Jax- As usual, I have been thinking about you a lot. I recently joined your Ride for Roswell team and am raising money like crazy!! Everyone has been great about donating! I am looking forward to participating in the ride, but I wish you were going to be there to ride with us. We could’ve even made pit stops at some fast food places on the way!!! Thank you for continuing to inspire me in all that I do. I love you and miss you always, Life Partner.To the Hirsch’s- I am glad the ride kickoff went well. I can’t imagine how difficult that must have been. I am so excited about the ride and have been able to raise money AND share Jacquie’s amazing story. I wish you comfort and peace of mind always. -MA
Sharon, Torey and TJ, I am so proud of you going to Roswell. I cannot imagine the pain you must have felt. We all miss her so and know she is amazed at what you are doing each and every day. I love you!
Jacquie,Even though we think about you everyday, today was special because we got to read an article about you in the Torch magazine that Colleen wrote. Now, every sister around the nation will get to know how wonderful of a person you are. They will see the beautiful courageous sister that we love. Not only will they read about you… but the article will spread the awareness of ALL and your foundation.We miss you so much, there are just so many things that remind us of you. Coming up is 14 Court Initiation … remember when you initiated us and Stephanie passed out in your bed wearing men’s underwear and a grass skirt and you had to sleep on the floor?? You were the one who took care of us and fed us food, aka wings from the IB. We know you’ll be there in spirit for us at this years initiation. We love you and miss you so much. Love, Lauren, Stephy and Meliss
miss you and love you more than words can say. and still seeing your beautiful face and message in everything. you are gone but you still live on through everything, thank you for that.xoxoxo love, alicia xoxoxo
Sending you all love and strength…I’m missing Jacquie everyday yet still learning from her everyday too. I feel so lucky to have had her in my life. So blessed to have known her. She constantly reminds me how to be better. Love you all very much and I am thinking of you always. <3 Sadie
I believe in the power of the Jacquie Hirsch for A.L.L. Foundation. I wear my purple Jacquie bracelet all the time and when I was waiting for X rays last night my first thought was I need to save my bracelet. So Elise gently helped me get it off and we transferred it to the other arm. It gives me strength and courage and helps me feel close in heart to you Jacquie and your mom. It helps me believe when often times the anger makes it hard to believe. Miss you Sharon… Thinking of you all. Sara
Good Morning, I think I may have mentioned this before but my sister bought me a quote of the day calendar…the quotes are about sisters and family…I really liked yesterday’s so I thought I would share… “A part of you has grown in me together forever shall we be, never apart, maybe in distance, but not in heart.” I find some comfort in knowing that Jacquie will always be in my heart and the hearts of everyone who knew her!! If we all keep her in our hearts she will always be close by!! xoxox BELIEVE!!! Ashley
Dear Sharon…Praying for you today…. that your burdens be lifted and that you may find peace in your heart and comfort surrounds your entire being…may you smile a little and laugh just thinking of your precious daughter and all she has given you…close your eyes and remember…knowing she is closer to you than ever before…she will live on in your heart and in your mind…forever…say a little prayer for her knowing she is safe, protected and happy in God’s amazing mansion….then open your eyes…and get on with your day…go do something for someone else…you’ll feel soooh good…i believe in you…friend…
Hirsch’s!!!such good news today!! sorry I’m posting it here instead of emailing you, but my webmail wouldn’t let me log on and this news couldnt wait!So, the bone marrow center called me today and they have heard from my recipient lady that I donated to and SHE’S DOING GREAT!!! The bone marrow center told me that she has engrafted my cells as her own and she has been released from the hospital and allowed to go home. Apparently the doctors said that she is doing ’very well’. It made me sooo happy and relieved that her fight it going successfully and she has Jacquie to thank for that. I was so worried that she wouldn’t accept my cells and that her fight against cancer would be unsucessful. I know it seems so unfair that this lady was allowed to go home when Jacquie isn’t but without Jacquie motivating people to join the registry, this lady may have never have had the chance to get to go home. I know that you all can recognize the great news that this is and relief that the family must be feeling. I’m soo happy for her and please know that Jacquie is the one that participated in potentially saving this women’s life through her inspiration. I BELIEVE that Jacquie is watching over this lady as her own personal guardian angel and that’s why she is doing so well. I’m thinking often of your family and believe that you all are some of the strongest people I know.-Mae
ughhhhhhh i am the worst. i haven’t written on here in FOREVER!! i was out of the country for a week on vacation, and since being back, it has been school & work like crazy… but that is no excuse. and i am soo sorry and feel so horrible.sharon, torey, tj: i need you to know that you are still on my mind all the time, i still think that not an hour goes by where i don’t think of you guys or of our beautiful angel. just last week i was at the gym and was filling up my water bottle and turned around quickly and bumped right into a crazy looking lady wearing a beautiful shirt… she was wearing a shirt with a picture of Tink on it & it said “BELIEVE IN FAIRIES.” With that two second run in, I wanted to both laugh and cry. Laugh because it is so Jacquie’s humor to have me physically bump into such a crazy looking lady wearing a Tink shirt, and also cry because it was the first time I had seen anything that said Tink and Believe together in a long time. Oh Jac, I still miss you like crazy. I still find myself absent mindedly going to your facebook page and looking through all of your pics. I still find myself looking through random SDT pics on facebook in hopes of seeing a pic of you that I have never seen before. I want to talk to you so bad, I have so much I want to tell you. I want to tell you that I am pretty sure I am studying abroad in Spain this summer. I know you would understand how excited I am, you knew how long I have been wanting to go and I ended up not going last time I was supposed to because my Dad passed. The only bad thing about the Spain program is that I’ll be there when the Ride for Roswell takes place, so unfortunately I won’t be here to ride in your honor, wearing your beautiful face on my back, oh so proudly. I want to tell you that everyday when I go to spinning, when the class gets really tough and I get really tired and think how easy it would be for me to just hop off the bike and leave… every single time I see your face in my mind and I imagine you on your bike at Sloan, and I know how hard you worked… and how easily it would have been for you to just stop.. but you didn’t. So when I remember you & picture you on your bike, I tell myself that I have no excuse for not finishing my silly spin class. ugh I just miss you so bad. I miss your laugh, your optimism, your advice, your hilarious stories, your side comments (which you didn’t usually mean to be funny but always were!) etc. etc. etc.I think that when winter hit, we all missed you extra much, because of the cold and dreariness and it felt neverending. Well now spring is around the corner (hopefully!) and I have a feeling that too will be really hard, in a different way. I know that the flowers, the sun, etc. all the good things that come with spring, will make me miss you like crazy again too. Okay I should go, I’m in class and am obviously not paying attention. Just know how much I miss you. And Hirsch’s, please know that you are all in my heart, all the time. I am sorry for my sporadic contact lately, it doesn’t mean you cross my mind any less.I love you Jacxoxoxo <3 alicia <3 xoxoxo
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Sharon Colasanti says:
April 23, 2009 at 4:38 pm -
You are still in my prayers every night….
Liz Fassl says:
April 23, 2009 at 4:06 pm -
Hi Sharon,I just got the tinkerball invite. I am so proud of you, Torey, TJ and everyone else who helped to create this event. I know it will be a huge success. I think about you all and Jacquie every day and know that she is with me. I will be home in June so let’s plan on going to lunch or coffee. Still believing,Liz
Alicia says:
April 23, 2009 at 8:58 am -
just wanted to let you know that right now beyonce is on the today show performing her song “halo.” every time i hear this song, i turn it way up in my car because it always makes me think of jac. so hearing beyonce sing it live is just amazing, what a great start to my day! “everywhere i’m looking now, i’m surrounded by your embrace. i can see your halo, you know you’re my saving grace.”xoxo <3 alicia <3 xoxop.s. happy birthday TJ!!!! i know this will be a bittersweet day, but i still hope it is a good one. xo
Harry says:
April 21, 2009 at 10:13 pm -
Sharon, Torey, and TJ, I just wanted to share a short story with you. You all know Jacquie’s love for bananas, and how she liked to throw the peels out the car window and yell “eeek”. Bananas are now called “eeeks” at our house. That’s even how we put them on our shopping list! Last September, just after Jacquie’s funeral, three of my heart by-basses collapsed. Yesterday was my first stress test after the repair of the damaged arteries. While I was walking on the treadmill, I noticed a picture of a beautiful forest scene with a path winding through it. As they increased the difficulty of the test, I tried to stay focused on the picture. Just when it seemed that I couldn’t go any farther, I imagined that the path was lined with eeeks. I started to laugh and managed to go for another 6 minutes. I passed the test with flying colors. Your beautiful daughter continues to show us her presence in so many undeniable ways. God Bless all of you, Harry Jax – thanks for “Tink” dust – eeek! ;>)
Sara (albuquerque) says:
April 21, 2009 at 2:17 pm -
Sharon, Torey, TJ and Jacquie, Sometimes I think parts of our hearts just can not be fixed, and sometimes the words just are not there…still remembering, wishing, wondering , still believing in Jacquies wisdom and her heart and still believing in you.Sara
Anonymous says:
April 21, 2009 at 10:21 am -
Dear Sharon…a daughter needs a mom to tell her often that she is loved….yesterday…today and for always…and on this beautiful spring day, with the sun shining and the air crisp…the birds are singing songs of love…as you are whispering words to your darling daughter that you will always love her…make an attempt to get out today…go visit someone…or make lunch plans…it will do your heart,mind and soul good…and Jacquie will have a beautiful smile knowing you’ve done something good for yourself…I send my love and prayers to you on this glorious day…. Karen
Alicia says:
April 20, 2009 at 3:24 pm -
wanted to send my love on this dreary, rainy, cold, “spring day.” i also wanted to say that in the past week i have seen three separate people wearing jacquie’s famous purple northface!! whenever i picture jacquie, i often think of her wearing her purple northface (with a vera backpack and her white sdt hat). anyway, i have never known anyone else to have that very purple northface.. so seeing 3 separate people with it in the past week was very surprising and made me smile and think of how happy and bright our beautiful angel is.i know it’s something small, and simple, but i just wanted to share that.i miss you so much beautiful angel. i wish so much i could pick up the phone and talk to you. please keep shining down on us & giving us signs. we all need it.i love youxoxo <3 alicia <3 xoxo
Huer says:
April 20, 2009 at 10:30 am -
Good Morning!! I’m glad Bowers put up our “Jacquie sightings” list…she really truly was everywhere in Hawaii!! Anyways…I’m writing to tell of another Jacquie sighting…I was in starbucks on Friday and I was waiting for my drink when this girl walked in…she was the kind of girl you couldn’t help to look at…not because she had a third eye or anything but because she was bubbly and smiling and kind of loud (in a good way)…she reminded me of Jacquie. As I looked at her my eyes caught the vest she was wearing…it was a park ranger’s sweater vest type thing, I’m not sure what park, but what caught my attention is that it said in huge letters…I AM A BELIEVER. The girl probably thought I was a creeper because I was starring at her…my eyes watering alittle. I felt good that night…I smiled thinking of Jacquie for the rest of the weekend! Well I AM A BELIEVER!! xoxo Ashley
Bowers says:
April 19, 2009 at 6:33 pm -
Sharon,Torey, and T.J.~ Sorry it took me a little while to post this, but below is a Believe list/Jacquie sightings that all the Ciaobellas experienced while we were on our vacation in Hawaii. We all felt Jax with us on our trip and all these moments “We Believe” was Jax saying “Hello” letting us know she was there. 1) The first day we were in Hawaii we saw a Believe bumpersticker. 2) We saw rainbows everyday but when the girls went skydiving they saw a beautiful rainbow when they were in the sky!(Crazy) 3) There was a little dog running around at the skydiving place named Pixie! 4) There was a woman on the plane in front of us that was wearing a tinkerbell sweatshirt. 5) At a bar we went to a couple of night, you could leave a dollar bill with something written on it that got stapled to the ceil, so we wrote Ciaobellas Jacquie forever. That will be there always now! 6) A stranger approached Jill and asked her to go to a Journey concert…it was funny because it was so random and Jill is not someone that you would think would like Journey, of course Jax loved Journey. 7) The girls turned on the T.V. one morning and Wipe Out was on…which hasn’t been on in a long time! 8) Caitlin and I were shopping and struck up a conversation with the sales girl who was so nice. She offered to give us a discount for no reason and was complimenting me on my Jacquie tattoos, when I told her what they stood for and about Jacquie she shared with us that she is a Leukemia survivor herself. It was a very touching moment! 9) Casey’s boyfriend Randy license’s plate reads JXX and says above that “I’m a Believer” with a rainbow! 10) When Ashley, Sandra, Cait, and I were driving back to Buffalo from Toronto we saw a Tinkerbell bumpersticker on the car in front of us. Jax was with us even then! I hope you enjoyed reading this. All the Ciaobellas will cherish these moments forever. It is what made our trip so wonderful. We love you all so much! <3 you always Tink Love, Bowers and all the Ciaobellas
Sue P says:
April 18, 2009 at 9:16 am -
Sharon, as I read all your entries my heart aches for you and your family. I do try to think happy thoughts with Spring coming but the injustice of taking Jacquie always brings sadness & tears. Always in my thoughts!
The christie’s says:
April 16, 2009 at 5:40 pm -
We’re always thinking of you, always with you all! Love, Indie,Pat, Anjalie and Ryan
Alicia says:
April 15, 2009 at 5:47 pm -
I am sure you have probably read this quote before, but I randomly stumbled across it on the internet and have never seen it before and loved it and thought it was very fitting. Thinking of you all of the time, and always believing.”There are stars whose radiance is visible on Earth though they have long been extinct. There are people whose brilliance continues to light the world even though they are no longer among the living. These lights are particularly bright when the night is dark. They light the way for humankind.” Hannah Seneschxoxo <3 alicia <3 xoxo
Nicki LaGree says:
April 14, 2009 at 2:59 pm -
Sharon & Torey, The ciao bella’s cannot thank you enough for giving us the spirit of jacquie and the strength to carry on with her all around us. It is through the events, the parties, the roswell events and all the tink-memorbilia that we all live, breathe, and dream JAX. A vacation that Jax should’ve been on was hard….but there was no where we went that we didn’t take her with us. She was always in our hearts & minds. Through songs, dinners, drinks, and rainbows – no matter what it was, we found a way to tie it to Jacquie. We all miss her more than we can describe, but there is no doubt in my mind that she is keeping us close and strong….and is the reason why we all have each other. I made sure that I ate every last bite of my dinner on Jacquie (because I know she wouldn’t stand for anything less!). Even though it wasn’t a hot dog joint we went to, I know she was still smiling down on us. Thank you for being you & always beleiving ~ Thinking about you always and missing tink every single day…. Love, Nicki
Pauline Cantatore says:
April 14, 2009 at 9:16 am -
Hi! I’ve been thinking about Jax a lot lately. A local radio station that I listen to in the mornings had been running a contest. It was a singing bee, and if you could come up with lyrics that followed, the prize was a disney gift basket and the chance to win the Tinkerbell soundtrack! So every morning, someone would win, and usually the host would ask if the person had kids. I would laugh and think, Tinkerbell isn’t just for kids! She’s for everyone! I still have Jacquie’s picture up in my room. I still feel like what happened is a dream. But I know that she is still doing great things. I miss her.Thinking of you always Hirsch family!<3 Pauline
Huer says:
April 14, 2009 at 8:15 am -
Good Morning!! We (the ciao bellas) so wished Jacquie could have come on vacation with us…and while she was in our thoughts please know it was more than that. While we all thought about her, I think it’s more important to know that we talked about her all vacation and we saw her everywhere. Even though she isn’t physically with us, she will always be one of our very best Ciao Bella friends!! Love you!! xoxo Ashley
aunt val says:
April 13, 2009 at 5:56 pm -
today is particularly diffcult. maybe because i didn’t ride by.
Anonymous says:
April 13, 2009 at 7:20 am -
thinking of the four of you, always <3
Sara (albuquerque) says:
April 12, 2009 at 10:48 am -
Sharon, Torey, TJ and Jacquie too, Ugh…With you today and every day ahead. Thinking and remembering everything you have been through and every step you have yet to take. My heart hurts, but I believe in YOU. I am caring about you and thinking of Jacquie and so many things that go along with that. Love, Sara
Alicia says:
April 12, 2009 at 1:44 am -
thinking about you all the time. sending my love.
Amanda Cavarella says:
April 12, 2009 at 12:24 am -
I love you and miss you so much Jacquie. Please continue to watch over us all <3 always believing in you, love mandz
Casey Stiokas says:
April 11, 2009 at 1:41 pm -
Good Afternoon:) Since all of the snow has melted (and hopefully gone for good) dad and I have been seeing all of the eeks that we have disposed of this winter on our respective running and walking routes. They always give us a big smile, and I always send a “thanks Jax” up to the sky. I hope you are all doing well as the days pass. Always sending my love, and always, always, Believing. God Bless, Casey
cmd says:
April 11, 2009 at 11:38 am -
Sharon, Torey, TJ- Thinking of you always.
Anonymous says:
April 11, 2009 at 10:42 am -
just wanted you to know that i love you all and im always thinking about you. <33 Whitney
Alicia says:
April 11, 2009 at 12:54 am -
i miss you so much, it still hurts. in my chest, heart, mind, all over. keep shining down on us, we all need your light and warmth. i love youlove, alicia
Amanda Cavarella says:
April 10, 2009 at 3:23 pm -
Sharon, Torey and TJ, I think and pray for your family all the time. I am very excited for the “TinkerBall”, Ride for Roswell and other Jacquie inspired events! Jacquie-I love you and miss you so much. YOu are on my mind and in my heart every minute. I am so grateful for all the memories I have. I will always believe in you <3 Love always, Amanda
Anonymous says:
April 10, 2009 at 1:41 pm -
Good Afternoon!!! What a beautiful poem that Joe put on the site… I will print it and think of it as I train for the Triathlon I’m doing in honor of Jax!! Sharon, I don’t know what stories help you and I hope this one does…when you write about Sloan Kettering I can’t help but to let me mind travel back to the day I came to visit… I had planned to spend the weekend with a few girls from school and it happened to be when Jacquie was in NYC…I wanted to visit her so badly at Sloan…mainly to try and show her that I was there to support her and love her no matter what …I had called a couple of times but I don’t think Jax was in the mood for visitors. But being the annoying presistant friend that I am I decided to go to the Hospital anyway…I figured hey I’m one of her best friends if she really doesn’t want company then okay but atleast she’ll know nothing would stop me from being by her side…I remember sitting there by the elevator and seeing you (Sharon) coming down the hall, I don’t think you knew I was there. I was happy to see but I wasn’t sure what you reaction would be…then you went upstairs and got Jacquie to let me come up, now looking back I am so thankful that you did. Selfishly, I think it helped me to visit Jax just as much as I hope it helped her. The visit we had together was great…she was laughing and we talked like we were sitting at Libation Station not in a hospital…I will always hold that day close in my heart. I love you!!! Xoxo Ashley
Natalie says:
April 9, 2009 at 11:15 am -
Torey, so I totally forgot to tell you, that over break, I am going to Arizona! I am actually here now, and I realized I forgot to tell you. We flew into Pheonix, and oh my goodness, it felt like I was there like yesterday. I couldnt believe how much I remembered that airport. It brought back so many memories, and at some points it made me a little sad. I miss those days. Anyways, just wanted to fill you in, have a nice break 🙂 – Natalie
Joe Browning says:
April 8, 2009 at 10:14 am -
Sharon, I am glad you liked the poem (although I can’t take credit for it, I recieved it in an e-mail, can’t find an author). When I read it I knew I needed to send it to you. The lesson in it is very powerful and hope it helps you and many others. Sorry it took up so much room, I tried to advoid that. As you know, I’ve been raising moey for the Ride for Roswell, well I wrote a letter so my aunt could send it around her work at Rich Products for people to donate, and Jacquies story is still making grown men cry. Once again, I am glad to help in any way I can, even small things. I pray for your healing, and hope you still can have a good Easter. Take care and God Bless.
your little<3 says:
April 8, 2009 at 12:41 am -
the magic that is the artist/writer Brian Andreas… it is still so new and all we see is empty space, but that is not how it is in the landscape of the heart. there, there is no empty space, and she still laughs and grapples with ideas and nods wisely with each of us in turn. we are proud to have known her. we are proud to have called her friend. my heart was overcome with happiness to see this beautiful print titled Landscape of the Heart with this beautiful quote attached. i miss you every SINGLE day. we had family poem tonight, big, and aileen and justine read Footprints. kelly and i stood together and i knew without asking that our minds were far away thinking of you<3 i love you. sammie
aunt val says:
April 7, 2009 at 5:17 pm -
still believing my dear girl, in you and all who love and miss you so much.
alicia says:
April 7, 2009 at 2:59 pm -
p.s. can I just say how extremely excited I am for the Tinker-Ball?????? It looks like it is coming together so well, I can’t wait!! love, Alicia
Sue P says:
April 7, 2009 at 2:00 pm -
Madison, you did a wonderful job writing about a wonderful person. Good luck at the state & national levels. Jacquie and her family are an inspiration to us all.
Joe Browning says:
April 7, 2009 at 12:37 pm -
The Concert When the house lights dimmed and the concert was about to begin, the mother returned toher seat and discovered that the child was missingSuddenly, the curtains parted and spotlights focused on the impressive Steinway on stage. In horror, the mother saw her little boy sitting at the keyboard, innocently picking out “Twinkle,Twinkle Little Star.” At that moment, the great piano master made his entrance, quickly moved to the piano, and whispered in the boy’s ear, “Don’t quit. Keep playing.” Then, leaning over, Paderewski reached down with his left hand and began filling in a bass part. Soon his right arm reached around to the other side of the child, and he added a running obbligato. Together, the old master and the young novice transformed what could have been a frightening situation into a wonderfully creative experience. The audience was so mesmerized that they couldn’t recall what else the great master played. Only the classic, ” Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star.” Perhaps that’s the way it is with God. What we can accomplish onour own is hardly noteworthy. We try our best, but the results aren’t always graceful flowing music. However, with the hand of the Master, our life’s work can truly be beautiful. The next time you set out to accomplish great feats, listen carefully. You may hear the voice of the Master, whispering in your ear, “Don’t quit.” “Keep playing.” May you feel His arms around you and know that His hands are there, helping you turn your feeble attempts into true masterpieces. Remember, God doesn’t seem to call the equipped, rather, He equips the ’called.’Life is more accurately measured by the lives you touch than by the things you acquire. May God bless you and be with you always!
Alicia says:
April 7, 2009 at 10:04 am -
7 months & 1 day is way too long. missing you more than ever beautiful angel.in my heart & on my mind 24/7.i love you!xoxo <3 alicia <3 xoxo
Kaitlyn A says:
April 6, 2009 at 10:45 pm -
The Student Nurse Organization at The College at Brockport is supporting Relay for Life this year April 17th. I’ll be walking with fellow students in remembrance of Jacquie.
Anonymous says:
April 5, 2009 at 9:41 pm -
http://www.sigmadeltatau.com/torch_online/SDT_Spring_09_final.pdfPage 25 and 27
angela says:
April 5, 2009 at 3:49 pm -
its been awhile since i have been on here and i am sorry for that! the past few days with all the talk of the tink ball reminds me of sissys wedding! we were dancing machines! i just wanted write to you jax cuz i really miss you! i love you always! cousin angela
mauratennis@hotmail.com says:
April 5, 2009 at 7:29 am -
Sharon , Although you do not know me(my Jill took beginner gym. at GBC) I am deeply inspired by your updates and any news.I wish too about a cure for cancer,all cancers. It is people like you who in the midst of your own struggles and pain, who still reach out to help kids and families that make life good-you make a natable difference 🙂
Maryanne Heiman says:
April 4, 2009 at 10:52 pm -
Jax- As usual, I have been thinking about you a lot. I recently joined your Ride for Roswell team and am raising money like crazy!! Everyone has been great about donating! I am looking forward to participating in the ride, but I wish you were going to be there to ride with us. We could’ve even made pit stops at some fast food places on the way!!! Thank you for continuing to inspire me in all that I do. I love you and miss you always, Life Partner.To the Hirsch’s- I am glad the ride kickoff went well. I can’t imagine how difficult that must have been. I am so excited about the ride and have been able to raise money AND share Jacquie’s amazing story. I wish you comfort and peace of mind always. -MA
sue says:
April 4, 2009 at 4:48 pm -
Sharon, Torey and TJ, I am so proud of you going to Roswell. I cannot imagine the pain you must have felt. We all miss her so and know she is amazed at what you are doing each and every day. I love you!
Lauren, Stephanie, Melissa says:
April 4, 2009 at 1:03 pm -
Jacquie,Even though we think about you everyday, today was special because we got to read an article about you in the Torch magazine that Colleen wrote. Now, every sister around the nation will get to know how wonderful of a person you are. They will see the beautiful courageous sister that we love. Not only will they read about you… but the article will spread the awareness of ALL and your foundation.We miss you so much, there are just so many things that remind us of you. Coming up is 14 Court Initiation … remember when you initiated us and Stephanie passed out in your bed wearing men’s underwear and a grass skirt and you had to sleep on the floor?? You were the one who took care of us and fed us food, aka wings from the IB. We know you’ll be there in spirit for us at this years initiation. We love you and miss you so much. Love, Lauren, Stephy and Meliss
Alicia says:
April 4, 2009 at 10:37 am -
miss you and love you more than words can say. and still seeing your beautiful face and message in everything. you are gone but you still live on through everything, thank you for that.xoxoxo love, alicia xoxoxo
aunt val says:
April 3, 2009 at 6:28 pm -
i appologize, as there are no words…just this immense sence of loss and sadness.
Sadie says:
April 3, 2009 at 12:51 am -
Sending you all love and strength…I’m missing Jacquie everyday yet still learning from her everyday too. I feel so lucky to have had her in my life. So blessed to have known her. She constantly reminds me how to be better. Love you all very much and I am thinking of you always. <3 Sadie
Sara (albuquerque) says:
April 2, 2009 at 1:32 pm -
I believe in the power of the Jacquie Hirsch for A.L.L. Foundation. I wear my purple Jacquie bracelet all the time and when I was waiting for X rays last night my first thought was I need to save my bracelet. So Elise gently helped me get it off and we transferred it to the other arm. It gives me strength and courage and helps me feel close in heart to you Jacquie and your mom. It helps me believe when often times the anger makes it hard to believe. Miss you Sharon… Thinking of you all. Sara
Huer says:
April 2, 2009 at 8:18 am -
Good Morning, I think I may have mentioned this before but my sister bought me a quote of the day calendar…the quotes are about sisters and family…I really liked yesterday’s so I thought I would share… “A part of you has grown in me together forever shall we be, never apart, maybe in distance, but not in heart.” I find some comfort in knowing that Jacquie will always be in my heart and the hearts of everyone who knew her!! If we all keep her in our hearts she will always be close by!! xoxox BELIEVE!!! Ashley
Amanda Cavarella says:
April 1, 2009 at 6:21 pm -
i miss you so much jacquie. Thinking about you and your family all the time. Always believing <3mandz
Karen Kacko Calandra says:
April 1, 2009 at 4:39 pm -
Dear Sharon…Praying for you today…. that your burdens be lifted and that you may find peace in your heart and comfort surrounds your entire being…may you smile a little and laugh just thinking of your precious daughter and all she has given you…close your eyes and remember…knowing she is closer to you than ever before…she will live on in your heart and in your mind…forever…say a little prayer for her knowing she is safe, protected and happy in God’s amazing mansion….then open your eyes…and get on with your day…go do something for someone else…you’ll feel soooh good…i believe in you…friend…
Mae Lankes says:
April 1, 2009 at 4:28 pm -
Hirsch’s!!!such good news today!! sorry I’m posting it here instead of emailing you, but my webmail wouldn’t let me log on and this news couldnt wait!So, the bone marrow center called me today and they have heard from my recipient lady that I donated to and SHE’S DOING GREAT!!! The bone marrow center told me that she has engrafted my cells as her own and she has been released from the hospital and allowed to go home. Apparently the doctors said that she is doing ’very well’. It made me sooo happy and relieved that her fight it going successfully and she has Jacquie to thank for that. I was so worried that she wouldn’t accept my cells and that her fight against cancer would be unsucessful. I know it seems so unfair that this lady was allowed to go home when Jacquie isn’t but without Jacquie motivating people to join the registry, this lady may have never have had the chance to get to go home. I know that you all can recognize the great news that this is and relief that the family must be feeling. I’m soo happy for her and please know that Jacquie is the one that participated in potentially saving this women’s life through her inspiration. I BELIEVE that Jacquie is watching over this lady as her own personal guardian angel and that’s why she is doing so well. I’m thinking often of your family and believe that you all are some of the strongest people I know.-Mae
Alicia says:
April 1, 2009 at 3:50 pm -
ughhhhhhh i am the worst. i haven’t written on here in FOREVER!! i was out of the country for a week on vacation, and since being back, it has been school & work like crazy… but that is no excuse. and i am soo sorry and feel so horrible.sharon, torey, tj: i need you to know that you are still on my mind all the time, i still think that not an hour goes by where i don’t think of you guys or of our beautiful angel. just last week i was at the gym and was filling up my water bottle and turned around quickly and bumped right into a crazy looking lady wearing a beautiful shirt… she was wearing a shirt with a picture of Tink on it & it said “BELIEVE IN FAIRIES.” With that two second run in, I wanted to both laugh and cry. Laugh because it is so Jacquie’s humor to have me physically bump into such a crazy looking lady wearing a Tink shirt, and also cry because it was the first time I had seen anything that said Tink and Believe together in a long time. Oh Jac, I still miss you like crazy. I still find myself absent mindedly going to your facebook page and looking through all of your pics. I still find myself looking through random SDT pics on facebook in hopes of seeing a pic of you that I have never seen before. I want to talk to you so bad, I have so much I want to tell you. I want to tell you that I am pretty sure I am studying abroad in Spain this summer. I know you would understand how excited I am, you knew how long I have been wanting to go and I ended up not going last time I was supposed to because my Dad passed. The only bad thing about the Spain program is that I’ll be there when the Ride for Roswell takes place, so unfortunately I won’t be here to ride in your honor, wearing your beautiful face on my back, oh so proudly. I want to tell you that everyday when I go to spinning, when the class gets really tough and I get really tired and think how easy it would be for me to just hop off the bike and leave… every single time I see your face in my mind and I imagine you on your bike at Sloan, and I know how hard you worked… and how easily it would have been for you to just stop.. but you didn’t. So when I remember you & picture you on your bike, I tell myself that I have no excuse for not finishing my silly spin class. ugh I just miss you so bad. I miss your laugh, your optimism, your advice, your hilarious stories, your side comments (which you didn’t usually mean to be funny but always were!) etc. etc. etc.I think that when winter hit, we all missed you extra much, because of the cold and dreariness and it felt neverending. Well now spring is around the corner (hopefully!) and I have a feeling that too will be really hard, in a different way. I know that the flowers, the sun, etc. all the good things that come with spring, will make me miss you like crazy again too. Okay I should go, I’m in class and am obviously not paying attention. Just know how much I miss you. And Hirsch’s, please know that you are all in my heart, all the time. I am sorry for my sporadic contact lately, it doesn’t mean you cross my mind any less.I love you Jacxoxoxo <3 alicia <3 xoxoxo