i know i have been MIA for an extraordinarily long time, and was not at tink ball. please forgive me, the bar exam is THIS COMING tuesday and wednesday, i cannot believe that all ive been working so hard for these past 10 weeks will be put to the test in a few short days. today is my dad’s birthday. and it has been 4 years since we last celebrated his birthday all together. and i realized today how sad i was when thinking it had been 4 years. i can’t believe that i have gone on for so long without him, if 4 years ago you had asked me if i could go on for a day without him, i would truly have believed i could not. then i realized something, and sharon, torey, tj, maybe you have all already realized this all well, but it just came to me today. i was thinking about how people are probably sick of me posting on my FB status every time it is his birthday, father’s day, or the anniversary of his passing. and while people will deny it, i can guarantee that some people think i should be a lot more moved on from it. i know that some people think “4 years, come on.” we all know that you never truly get over losing someone who means the world to you, 4 years, 15 years, 60 years. and i realized that even if your brain can tell you your loved one is gone forever, and even if your brain can grasp that is has been 3.5 years (or however long), and even if your brain knows it will continue to be forever until you are with them, it is your HEART that never learns, and your heart that never catches up. i think it takes a lifetime for your heart to learn what your brain already knows. well this is just my two cents, maybe this is so obvious that you have all already come to this realization. but it made me feel a little better, to explain why the pain can still be so strong sometimes. and if your heart never truly catches up with your brain, then no one can tell you that there is a specific time period for healing. it takes a lifetime. and as always, this applies just as much to jacquie. my heart is still playing catch up with missing her so so much as well. <3 alicia
hey big, i haven’t written on here in ages. I still read often, i just can’t find the words to say. I just wanted to share a funny memory today of all the nights we’d go to the vital and since it was only You, Me and usually Justine that were there with all the townies, we had the jukebox all to ourselves. Well you’d put on your silly country music and i’d roll my eyes of course, and every time i tried to put on one of my “HIPPIE” songs, you’d say “LITTLE, HOW DO YOU LISTEN TO THAT CRAP?!” and the 50 year old townies would come up and ask who put on my fantastic selection and high five me and you’d look at the both of us with disgust like how did i pick this child with her silly taste in music. anyway, i miss you so much, and my silly taste in music has not changed — and if you were here i know yours wouldn’t either. but even though we were so different… i love you so much. <3 sammie
I wish so much that we could have made it to the Tinker Ball tonight. I know that it will be a huge success and you are in my thoughts and prayers, always. God bless, Casey
Jax– Lately, you’re everywhere…. 1. Facebook keeps telling me to reconnect with you2. My family had a pinata at our reunion and there were silly bands inside…. I, of course, stumbled upon a Tinkerbell one. I’m now wearing it with my jacquieforall bracelet3. I was driving behind a car with a “ciao bella” license plate frameI miss you so much and think about you all the time… Please keep sending us signs…
hi my dear girl…still riding by the house to say hi, still so angry. just wanted to remind you to smile on the tinker ball and give us all the strength to have a celebration of your life and indeed raise money for YOUR foundation. i love you. aunt val
I was visiting family in Virginia and saw the cutest blond girl in a tinker bell shirt. Like many others who post here Jacquie and Tinker Bell are forever united in my mind. So many people we know rode the ride for Roswell. Too many people have lost loved ones to CANCER. Sharon I will always believe that a cure will come and I will never forget that Jacquie lived on this earth. My niece that just graduated from HS is now a proud owner of a Vera Bradley laptop bag compliments of the annual holiday sale for Jacquie’s foundation. We will be away for the Tinker Ball but I am hoping that it is a success. Don’t get discouraged…you and your family are amazing!
Jax is moving mountains and fulfilling all of those dreams you had for her future. I know words are not enough and never will be, but I just hope you know that her dreams of being a teacher are alive and well… coming true through all of the people that read this site, have Jacquie cross through their minds, and BELIEVE in this foundation.
Sharon, Torey, TJ,Been visiting the site regularly, and am really looking forward to the car show this year! Hopefully we will be able to get more than just my G8 there to show our support. Here’s hoping for nice weather for that weekend in August.See you guys soon,Doug TanskiWNHS ’95 Gymnastics
Today as I pray for all of you… i pray a special prayer for you, Sharon… there is no love like a mothers… A mother’s love is so encompassing…so very deep…It is hard for others to understand. I love that everyone associates the words “we believe” with Jaxs…she was an amazing inspiration to many and still is when people hear about her story…her strength…her drive to beat A.L.L….Sharon you have a story too…Facing your beautiful daughters illness with hope…is how “we believe” began…The hope that a cure will be found is still present…that very hope is what sustains you now… the hope for a future so others will not have the same pain and suffering that you have had to endure…I hope you are enjoying Jill Kelly’s book… I know it is filled with raw heartfelt desires that are not sugarcoated…Her pain and loss is something I know you can relate to….Through it all….She found God…she found her comforter…her provider..her healer….When she was tired, exhausted and wondered if she could make it through another day..when the pain in her soul was greater than the aching of her body…..She quieted herself with God…she ran to HIM…pleading for help…begging for answers..looking for peace…Every which way she turned…. He was there for her… She was listening…So as you read her book remember…. He is there for you as well…Let HIM lead you…Let him heal you…Be open to His word ~Sharon because….. he loves you and he loved Jacquie…more than words can say… I pray that everyday you will feel strong enough to Let Go..and Let God…Lead You…through the rest of your days…You need Him & He is there for you…He will bring you safely through all life has thrown at you…He does this with faithfulness and endless love for you…and Jaxs…and TJ…and Torey…..Our Father brought jesus …through everything life threw at him, from birth to death and then back to LIFE again…Now, he wants to do the same for you…our God is changeless and he is the God of HOPE… ONLY HE can help you start Believing in LIFE again….He will see you through this …if you allow him… Just call on his name…He not only promises His presence…but he vows to bring you through you difficulties…He walks beside you….Much love and prayers sent to you Sharon… I share this not to be pushy…but to be what i believe is the truth…I share this truth through Love…and as i have witnessed in my ministry…it isOnly through HIM.
Sharon, this message is for you. You are a very strong person. Even when you don’t think so, and you think you’re at your worst, you can believe. You can believe in what Jacquie would want for you, you can believe in the hope that you WILL help find a cure, you can believe you inspire people, and you can believe in family and love and friends. You can believe that people care about you and will always be there for you. You can believe in Jacquie’s love for you. I hope you know how much you mean to everyone. Keep believing. And I will do the same. Love, Lauren
Sharon, I had to laugh at the part in your last post where it said that exercise wasn’t Jax’s thing because I can remember the day that she told me she should be “good” like me and go for a run, but she’d rather go eat a big juicy hamburger…I lauged so hard that day! And I will tell Maddison that her story “My American Dream” means so much to you all, she is such a talented young lady. I am glad that the ride went so well this year! I fear that we will not be able to make it to the Tinker Ball this year due to the fact that my sisters bridal shower is that weekend at our house, however I am praying andBELIEVING that more people buy tickets. Always praying for you, God bless. Casey
Casey – What a nice message 🙂 Thank you so much! I am sure that Jax is so proud of what everyone is doing in her memory. Everyone is working so hard to continue her fight. I’m proud to be a part of such an amazing community of believers. <3 SadieCongratulations to everyone who participated in the Ride for Roswell. I so wish Jacquie could have been there to ride with you.
I had such an amazing time riding in the Ride for Roswell yesterday. The 30 mile ride I did was a challenge for me, but I had so much fun doing it for such an amazing cause. The Jacquie shirts I saw everywhere along the ride were so encouraging! This foundation does amazing things every single day, and yesterday I got to see it first hand. So many people with our foundation, and thousands of others working to fight against cancer was so amazing. Everyone was so successful and had such a great time.I already cannot wait to do the ride again next year. Always Believing <3 Mindy Long
Jacquie, I’ve been thinking about you a lot this week. I meet one of your cousins on Tuesday when I saw her wearing your purple bracelet. It’s easy to talk to complete strangers when it involves you! And then again today, I found out that my boyfriend’s best friend rode on your team at the Ride for Roswell race when I saw him wearing the purple band this afternoon. Even as the soreness of biking 33 miles without training was setting in, he was already talking about how he wanted to ride again next year because of how great the cause was. I love getting little reminders about how you are around us everyday! Thank you for not only touching all our lives but for impacting them in so many ways. We will always keep believing!
Be with us at the Ride tomorrow Jax. We all love and miss you very much. We’ll keep going for you, and keep fighting for others like you. You are an inspiration, an angel and and a hero. I love you with all my heart.
Hirsch’s, The other day I was wearing my foundation shirt with the words ” WE BELIEVE” on the back around my school in syracuse. A girl sees the back of my shirt and comes up to me and asks if the shirt is for Jacquie. She had a friend that had competed against your gym and had heard all about Jax. When I tell her that the shirt did represent the foundation for Jacquie, she says, ’I knew that it was for her when I saw ’believe’ because it represented Jacquie Hirsch and her foundation’. I had to tell you this story, because even though we all wish Jacquie could be here wearing the shirts with us all, there are people all over new york that are coming to associate the word ’believe’ with Jacquie Hirsch and that she will never be forgotten. The girl I talked to summed it up perfectly, the word ’believe’ does and always will represent Jacquie Hirsch. <3 Mae
Sadie, I don’t know if you will see this, but I had to write it. I just got my Geneseo Scene Summer 2010 and as I was flipping through the pages, I saw your story. I had to keep wiping tears out of my eyes as I read through the page. I know Jax is so proud of you! Keep BELIEVING and God bless. Casey
I would like to share a special story with you. The following essay was written by a very close friend of the family. Maddison Moore is currently a fifth grader at Marion Elementary school, and as you will soon be able to tell, a very talented young girl as well. Maddison’s ELA teacher encouraged her, as well as the other students in the class to write an essay for the annual Lyons Elks Lodge #869 essay contest open to 5th and 8th graders in both the Lyons and Marion schools. Maddison’s essay is called “My American Dream”. “My American Dream” by Madison Moore Today Americans have many dreams. My American Dream is to support doctors and others in their research of a cure for cancer. I BELIEVE cancer touches the lives of most of us. My life has been touched by cancer. I have lost both of my grandfathers to cancer. My grandpa Bill had lung cancer. Neither my sister or I had the chance to meet him. Fortunately, we have a great family to tell us how wonderful he was. My grandpa Dick recently passed away because of pancreatic cancer. It was shocking to all of us because he was one of the healthiest people I knew. He ate at least One banana each day and always cleaned his plate at every meal. He ran every day no matter what kind of weather. He ran in many marathons. My grandma Jean is a cancer survivor. I was not even a year old when they found her cancer. She had cancer on her appendix. The doctors removed her appendix and she has been cancer free. My American Dream would be to help doctors and others research cures for cancer by raising money. I would have every family donate $5.00 every month. I would ask the Cancer Society to send out letters to everyone requestions their support. Once cancer was cured, families would not have to pay anymore. I BELIEVE this is an important cause. I hope that some day my American Dream will come true.
Dear Sharon, Torey, and TJ, As I think of you on a constant basis as well as I think about Jacquie, I was devastated to learn of another little boy that was diagnosed with A.L.L. His name is Jacob Ortel. He just turned 14 last week and was diagnosed the week before. He has been at Children’s hospital receiving treatments as they work in conjunction with Roswell. He was released to come home in order to celebrate his 14th birthday. I worked with his grandmother for many years at the bank. She is now retired. Jacob is her oldest grandchild. At this time she (Pattie is her name) also has a brother who is in a Hospice unit being kept comfortable as his body begins to shut down. This family is struggling terribly with fear and sadness while they try to maintain strength and hope. I gave a co-worker Jacquie’s foundation pamphlet and asked her to give it to Pattie. I am hoping she will contact the Foundation for support. I can appreciate how you must feel being so actively involved with Roswell and so many of the patients that Jacquie knew. Finding out about Jacob brought the fearful memories of Jacquie’s fight back to me. Please keep Jacob and his family in your thoughts and prayers as they begin the same familiar fight that you continue in Jacquie’s memory. My love and thoughts are always with you, Jennifer
i haven’t written on here in a really long time, but i need your strength right now jacquie. please help me to get through this. i miss you and i love you….<3
Dearest Jacquie,Happy Belated Birthday. I was on Block Island looking at the ocean yesterday and all day my thoughts were drifting to you. I love you and miss you. We should be 25 together now, but I accept that we are not. I can’t help feeling pain on this day, but I pray that acceptance, joy and love will shine through. Love,Marietta
I saw that today is Jacquie’s birthday and wanted to stop by and say Happy Birthday. I know that today will be tough to get through but each day you get through makes you stronger. Sharon, I was reading through the blog and you are a lot stronger than you give yourself credit for. This is an incredible foundation that your family has created and you are helping so many other families that are going through the devastating experience that you all had to. You are unbelievably strong and have such a big heart to be able to extend all of your efforts for research and to help other families. Please don’t underestimate your strength because you have already gotten this far. I know I wasn’t a grade A student of yours but you did have faith in me and you are a remarkable coach. I thank you for this and I will never stop believing. Love,Avery Kretschman
Just wanted you to know I was thinking of you all today and everyday. Today is a hard day – another milestone and I know how impossible it must seem to get through it. I am holding you all in my heart and sending you love. I hope you find reasons to smile today. To Miss Jacquie, Happy birthday sweetie. You were so very good at celebrating and oh how I wish you were here to celebrate this big day today. I love you and think of you every single day.
I did not know you, but was reading the morning paper when I came across a memorium about you. I was truly inspired by the outpour of love from your family and wanted to know more about you. You were an amazing person and obviously touched the lives of so many. My prayers go out to your family on this day as I know you are looking down on them. Happy birthday Jacquie.
Happy birthday Jax…I hope you are celebrating up there. I wish so badly that we could have you back to celebrate with us too. You are on my mind all the time and I will always BELIEVE in you. Miss you so much.
every day that we’re without you, is a hard day to get through. but today, your birthday, is always one of the hardest. there is nothing we can do to stop the pain, but i think we can try to ease it a little by remembering all of our favorite things about you and our time together. (well, that is a broad statement bc i think everything about you was everyone’s favorite thing). today i’m thinking of chanting other sorority name’s to the “oh what a night” song and then dying laughing. I’m remembering the swimming pool hanging outside of my car as we drove home from walmart. I’m remembering the first time we met, at a rush event, and you were sober because it was during swimming… and I remember thinking that you were so fun and pretty, and if you were that fun sober, how much fun would you be if you were drunk! haha, and you didn’t let me down! on this day, i find i am constantly saying the quote from the little prince over and over to myself, as well as the quote from the paul simon song. i dont think it’s a coincidence that both of these songs mention stars… that’s because you were one when you were here with us, and now you are one in the sky, always looking over us, and shining bright (just like you did every day), letting us know you are still here. i miss and love you more than words can say, truly more than words can say. happy birthday beautiful angel. today beege and i are taking our 16 month godson, connor, to the buffalo zoo. i was thinking, it is a perfect way to honor you… you would LOVE this little guy. so i thought spending a fun filled afternoon looking at wacky zoo animals with an adorable little one is something you would love. happy birthday, you still mean the world and are the world, to so many of us. in my heart and on my mind, ALLWAYS <3 delish "If you leap awake in the mirror of a bad dream, and for a fraction of a second you can’t remember where you are. Just open your window and follow your memory upstream, to the meadow in the mountain where we counted every falling star." "when you look up at the sky at night, since I’ll be living on one of them, since I’ll be laughing on one of them, for you it’ll be as if all the stars are laughing. You’ll have stars that can laugh! And when you’re consoled, you’ll be glad you’ve known me. You’ll always be my friend. You’ll feel like laughing with me. And you’ll open your windows sometimes just for the fun of it... and your friends will be amazed to see you laughing while you’re looking up at the sky. Then you’ll tell them, ’Yes, its the stars. They always make me laugh!"
Sharon & Family,I can only imagine the pain you feel today. I hope that knowing how much Jacquie was loved and how many people’s lives she affected helps in some little way. She showed us all how to believe and that’s something that can never be taken away. I know she is with you, she is so proud of you. You all do so much with this foundation and honoring her life, it’s always inspiring.Jacquie- Happy Birthday Beautiful! I know you must be celebrating up there with all the friends you’ve made. So for a moment I’ll be sad that you’re not here with us celebrating, but then I’m going to honor your memory and celebrate right along with you!
Happy Birthday Jacquie!! I just had my 25th two weeks ago and I’m not sure how I feel about being 25! I’m sure you’d laugh and smile and tell me to stop having a quarter life crisis. I wish you were here so we could celebrate our 25th together. I miss you, but I know you’re still alive in our hearts.Love, PaulineI still BELIEVE
Jax- You continue to inspire me and touch my life in a way that I cannot explain. I just hope and prayer that you knew how much I respected and looked up to you while you were here on earth… I was watching TV the other day and someone was talking about the loss of a loved one… And they said that the numbers and anniversaries and dates were all so terribly sad at first… But then he realized that the memories are what matters– all the good times and laughter and love that was shared is what matters, not on what date they occurred. If you think about it, it’s true… Memories are a great thing, they are ours forever and no one can touch them… The memories of Jax always seem to brighten life just a little…. Always praying, hoping, loving and BELIEVING
This past Saturday, I had the honor to be in my big brothers wedding. Now, his wife was very particular with what she wanted us bridesmaids to be wearing, right down to the jewelry. In the limo on the way to the church she asked her Maid of Honor to remove a bracelet or something because she wanted us all to look the same. I of course was still wearing my Jacquie bracelet because it never ever comes off of me. I called her name and simply pointed to it, and asked if she wanted me to take it off (secretly trying to hold back tears because I really didn’t want to have to take it off). Jen looked at me and said no, you can definitely keep that on. When her MOH asked how come she gets to keep hers on, Jen said “because that bracelet has not come off of her once since she put it on, and there is no way I’m telling her to take it off because it means so much”. So Jax was again apart of a very special day in the Stiokas family, and I wore her bracelet proudly. Always praying for you and always BELIEVING. God bless, Casey
Sharon and family—I just read your most recent post. Just wanted you to know that Jax is not forgotten and will never be. We miss and love her!! I think about her very frequently. Sending positive thoughts and prayers your way 🙂 Please find the strength to continue, I know Jacquie is watching….Carrie Mo (Sigma Delta Tau Alumni)
I am writing this story because it makes me laugh, and cry, and it most of all, it makes me think of Jax. A young lady that I had the pleasure to be a substitute teacher for a number of times recently passed away. Emma Akins was 14 years old and had Down syndrome. When she was younger, she battled leukemia, and the chemo made her heart even weaker than it had been. A few years ago she was diagnosed with congestive heart failure, and a few weeks ago she collapsed in school and had to be rushed to the hospital. On May 9th, Mother’s Day, Emma got her wings. At her funeral, the middle school choir sang “Rainbow Connection”. When I heard this (I was subbing for teachers so they could go to the funeral) I couldn’t help but think, of course, why would it be any other song? Jax, I ask that you take good care of her, she was a special young lady and she will be deeply missed. I know she is in good hands, and thank you for telling me with that song. I miss you every day. Always a Believer, Casey
Jax, Just stopping by to say you inspire me every day. I’m sure you know the latest craze with kids these days are these new bracelets called silly bandz. One of my students was passing them out the other day, and I specifically chose a purple one, to match my purple Jacquie bracelet. Now when I look at my wrist I smile even bigger, because the bracelets not only remind me of you, but of your love for children. Whenever I am getting frustrated I glance down, think of you and it helps me carry on with whatever I’m doing. Keep smiling on us, we need it.
I’m gonna live where the green grass growsWatchin’ my corn pop up in rowsEvery night be tucked in close to youRaise our kids where the good Lord’s blessedPoint our rocking chairs towards the westPlant our dreams where the peaceful river flowsWhere the green grass grows I Love & miss you. Please be happy and smiling Jax.
I wanna have the same last dream again,the one where I wake up and I’m alive.Just as the four walls close me within,my eyes are opened up with pure sunlight.I’m the first to know,my dearest friends,even if your hope has burned with time,anything that’s dead shall be re-grown,and your vicious pain, your warning sign,you will be fine
Dear Sharon, as you know, today is Mothers Day. This is most likely a difficult day for you and the family. I just wanted to drop in and say that Jacquie and TJ are such lucky children to have you as their Mom. You are everyting a child needs and more. I can tell you that they both love you so much and are so happy to have you and call you their Mom. I hope this day goes by alright for you. Happy Mothers Day. Love Natalie
Sharon: I start to write but the words to comfort you never seem to come out. Just know I am always thinking of you, your family & of course Jacquie “forever”. Please find comfort in your family & friends this weekend.
Shaon, I just read your message written after the benefit Nichole and her friends had last week. I can still see you holding that Bear and was happy for you to have her. I was so pleased that I had saved my little story about the girl from Genesco who I met in Disneyworld last winter. It was just another way for you to know how Jacquie has left a lasting effect on so many lives. I know you are aware of it but that day I turned around to my friend with tears in my eyes and it meant so much to me to have known her though Nichole for such a short time. She will live in all those lives forever.I can’t begin to know how hard every day is for you and your family but keep up the great work in her name….it is so important!
Keep going strong Sharon – this foundation can and will change the face of cancer forever. I BELIEVE in everything you, your amazing family, and Jacquie do every day.
Join Our Free Newsletter
Get an inside look at the Jacquie Hirsch For A.L.L. Foundation each month.
alicia says:
July 22, 2010 at 12:04 pm -
i know i have been MIA for an extraordinarily long time, and was not at tink ball. please forgive me, the bar exam is THIS COMING tuesday and wednesday, i cannot believe that all ive been working so hard for these past 10 weeks will be put to the test in a few short days. today is my dad’s birthday. and it has been 4 years since we last celebrated his birthday all together. and i realized today how sad i was when thinking it had been 4 years. i can’t believe that i have gone on for so long without him, if 4 years ago you had asked me if i could go on for a day without him, i would truly have believed i could not. then i realized something, and sharon, torey, tj, maybe you have all already realized this all well, but it just came to me today. i was thinking about how people are probably sick of me posting on my FB status every time it is his birthday, father’s day, or the anniversary of his passing. and while people will deny it, i can guarantee that some people think i should be a lot more moved on from it. i know that some people think “4 years, come on.” we all know that you never truly get over losing someone who means the world to you, 4 years, 15 years, 60 years. and i realized that even if your brain can tell you your loved one is gone forever, and even if your brain can grasp that is has been 3.5 years (or however long), and even if your brain knows it will continue to be forever until you are with them, it is your HEART that never learns, and your heart that never catches up. i think it takes a lifetime for your heart to learn what your brain already knows. well this is just my two cents, maybe this is so obvious that you have all already come to this realization. but it made me feel a little better, to explain why the pain can still be so strong sometimes. and if your heart never truly catches up with your brain, then no one can tell you that there is a specific time period for healing. it takes a lifetime. and as always, this applies just as much to jacquie. my heart is still playing catch up with missing her so so much as well. <3 alicia
Little Sammie says:
July 21, 2010 at 10:58 pm -
hey big, i haven’t written on here in ages. I still read often, i just can’t find the words to say. I just wanted to share a funny memory today of all the nights we’d go to the vital and since it was only You, Me and usually Justine that were there with all the townies, we had the jukebox all to ourselves. Well you’d put on your silly country music and i’d roll my eyes of course, and every time i tried to put on one of my “HIPPIE” songs, you’d say “LITTLE, HOW DO YOU LISTEN TO THAT CRAP?!” and the 50 year old townies would come up and ask who put on my fantastic selection and high five me and you’d look at the both of us with disgust like how did i pick this child with her silly taste in music. anyway, i miss you so much, and my silly taste in music has not changed — and if you were here i know yours wouldn’t either. but even though we were so different… i love you so much. <3 sammie
Casey Stiokas says:
July 16, 2010 at 5:17 pm -
I wish so much that we could have made it to the Tinker Ball tonight. I know that it will be a huge success and you are in my thoughts and prayers, always. God bless, Casey
Anonymous says:
July 13, 2010 at 9:46 pm -
Jax– Lately, you’re everywhere…. 1. Facebook keeps telling me to reconnect with you2. My family had a pinata at our reunion and there were silly bands inside…. I, of course, stumbled upon a Tinkerbell one. I’m now wearing it with my jacquieforall bracelet3. I was driving behind a car with a “ciao bella” license plate frameI miss you so much and think about you all the time… Please keep sending us signs…
Jennifer Warnes says:
July 13, 2010 at 2:39 pm -
Sharon, Thinking of you every day. Stay strong! Please don’t give up hope. xoxoxoxo
alicia says:
July 11, 2010 at 1:41 pm -
still finding solace in your memory. i miss you beautiful girl
aunt val says:
July 10, 2010 at 2:51 pm -
hi my dear girl…still riding by the house to say hi, still so angry. just wanted to remind you to smile on the tinker ball and give us all the strength to have a celebration of your life and indeed raise money for YOUR foundation. i love you. aunt val
Judy Redding says:
July 8, 2010 at 3:28 pm -
I was visiting family in Virginia and saw the cutest blond girl in a tinker bell shirt. Like many others who post here Jacquie and Tinker Bell are forever united in my mind. So many people we know rode the ride for Roswell. Too many people have lost loved ones to CANCER. Sharon I will always believe that a cure will come and I will never forget that Jacquie lived on this earth. My niece that just graduated from HS is now a proud owner of a Vera Bradley laptop bag compliments of the annual holiday sale for Jacquie’s foundation. We will be away for the Tinker Ball but I am hoping that it is a success. Don’t get discouraged…you and your family are amazing!
Anonymous says:
July 7, 2010 at 3:22 pm -
Jax is moving mountains and fulfilling all of those dreams you had for her future. I know words are not enough and never will be, but I just hope you know that her dreams of being a teacher are alive and well… coming true through all of the people that read this site, have Jacquie cross through their minds, and BELIEVE in this foundation.
Doug Tanski says:
July 6, 2010 at 2:09 pm -
Sharon, Torey, TJ,Been visiting the site regularly, and am really looking forward to the car show this year! Hopefully we will be able to get more than just my G8 there to show our support. Here’s hoping for nice weather for that weekend in August.See you guys soon,Doug TanskiWNHS ’95 Gymnastics
Karen Calandra says:
July 6, 2010 at 11:38 am -
Today as I pray for all of you… i pray a special prayer for you, Sharon… there is no love like a mothers… A mother’s love is so encompassing…so very deep…It is hard for others to understand. I love that everyone associates the words “we believe” with Jaxs…she was an amazing inspiration to many and still is when people hear about her story…her strength…her drive to beat A.L.L….Sharon you have a story too…Facing your beautiful daughters illness with hope…is how “we believe” began…The hope that a cure will be found is still present…that very hope is what sustains you now… the hope for a future so others will not have the same pain and suffering that you have had to endure…I hope you are enjoying Jill Kelly’s book… I know it is filled with raw heartfelt desires that are not sugarcoated…Her pain and loss is something I know you can relate to….Through it all….She found God…she found her comforter…her provider..her healer….When she was tired, exhausted and wondered if she could make it through another day..when the pain in her soul was greater than the aching of her body…..She quieted herself with God…she ran to HIM…pleading for help…begging for answers..looking for peace…Every which way she turned…. He was there for her… She was listening…So as you read her book remember…. He is there for you as well…Let HIM lead you…Let him heal you…Be open to His word ~Sharon because….. he loves you and he loved Jacquie…more than words can say… I pray that everyday you will feel strong enough to Let Go..and Let God…Lead You…through the rest of your days…You need Him & He is there for you…He will bring you safely through all life has thrown at you…He does this with faithfulness and endless love for you…and Jaxs…and TJ…and Torey…..Our Father brought jesus …through everything life threw at him, from birth to death and then back to LIFE again…Now, he wants to do the same for you…our God is changeless and he is the God of HOPE… ONLY HE can help you start Believing in LIFE again….He will see you through this …if you allow him… Just call on his name…He not only promises His presence…but he vows to bring you through you difficulties…He walks beside you….Much love and prayers sent to you Sharon… I share this not to be pushy…but to be what i believe is the truth…I share this truth through Love…and as i have witnessed in my ministry…it isOnly through HIM.
Lauren Schilling says:
June 29, 2010 at 11:46 pm -
Sharon, this message is for you. You are a very strong person. Even when you don’t think so, and you think you’re at your worst, you can believe. You can believe in what Jacquie would want for you, you can believe in the hope that you WILL help find a cure, you can believe you inspire people, and you can believe in family and love and friends. You can believe that people care about you and will always be there for you. You can believe in Jacquie’s love for you. I hope you know how much you mean to everyone. Keep believing. And I will do the same. Love, Lauren
Casey Stiokas says:
June 28, 2010 at 8:22 pm -
Sharon, I had to laugh at the part in your last post where it said that exercise wasn’t Jax’s thing because I can remember the day that she told me she should be “good” like me and go for a run, but she’d rather go eat a big juicy hamburger…I lauged so hard that day! And I will tell Maddison that her story “My American Dream” means so much to you all, she is such a talented young lady. I am glad that the ride went so well this year! I fear that we will not be able to make it to the Tinker Ball this year due to the fact that my sisters bridal shower is that weekend at our house, however I am praying andBELIEVING that more people buy tickets. Always praying for you, God bless. Casey
Sadie says:
June 27, 2010 at 5:35 pm -
Casey – What a nice message 🙂 Thank you so much! I am sure that Jax is so proud of what everyone is doing in her memory. Everyone is working so hard to continue her fight. I’m proud to be a part of such an amazing community of believers. <3 SadieCongratulations to everyone who participated in the Ride for Roswell. I so wish Jacquie could have been there to ride with you.
Mindy Long says:
June 27, 2010 at 1:03 pm -
I had such an amazing time riding in the Ride for Roswell yesterday. The 30 mile ride I did was a challenge for me, but I had so much fun doing it for such an amazing cause. The Jacquie shirts I saw everywhere along the ride were so encouraging! This foundation does amazing things every single day, and yesterday I got to see it first hand. So many people with our foundation, and thousands of others working to fight against cancer was so amazing. Everyone was so successful and had such a great time.I already cannot wait to do the ride again next year. Always Believing <3 Mindy Long
Julie L. says:
June 26, 2010 at 4:15 pm -
Jacquie, I’ve been thinking about you a lot this week. I meet one of your cousins on Tuesday when I saw her wearing your purple bracelet. It’s easy to talk to complete strangers when it involves you! And then again today, I found out that my boyfriend’s best friend rode on your team at the Ride for Roswell race when I saw him wearing the purple band this afternoon. Even as the soreness of biking 33 miles without training was setting in, he was already talking about how he wanted to ride again next year because of how great the cause was. I love getting little reminders about how you are around us everyday! Thank you for not only touching all our lives but for impacting them in so many ways. We will always keep believing!
Anonymous says:
June 25, 2010 at 10:09 pm -
Be with us at the Ride tomorrow Jax. We all love and miss you very much. We’ll keep going for you, and keep fighting for others like you. You are an inspiration, an angel and and a hero. I love you with all my heart.
Mae Lankes says:
June 24, 2010 at 9:03 pm -
Hirsch’s, The other day I was wearing my foundation shirt with the words ” WE BELIEVE” on the back around my school in syracuse. A girl sees the back of my shirt and comes up to me and asks if the shirt is for Jacquie. She had a friend that had competed against your gym and had heard all about Jax. When I tell her that the shirt did represent the foundation for Jacquie, she says, ’I knew that it was for her when I saw ’believe’ because it represented Jacquie Hirsch and her foundation’. I had to tell you this story, because even though we all wish Jacquie could be here wearing the shirts with us all, there are people all over new york that are coming to associate the word ’believe’ with Jacquie Hirsch and that she will never be forgotten. The girl I talked to summed it up perfectly, the word ’believe’ does and always will represent Jacquie Hirsch. <3 Mae
Anonymous says:
June 22, 2010 at 5:10 pm -
sending so much love to you Sharon… BELIEVING that there will be a cure.
Anonymous says:
June 20, 2010 at 2:09 pm -
Dear Torey, Happy Father’s Day. You and your family are constantly in our prayers and we hope that your day goes by well 🙂 With love, The Marantos
Casey Stiokas says:
June 14, 2010 at 1:22 pm -
Sadie, I don’t know if you will see this, but I had to write it. I just got my Geneseo Scene Summer 2010 and as I was flipping through the pages, I saw your story. I had to keep wiping tears out of my eyes as I read through the page. I know Jax is so proud of you! Keep BELIEVING and God bless. Casey
Anonymous says:
June 8, 2010 at 10:05 pm -
I would like to share a special story with you. The following essay was written by a very close friend of the family. Maddison Moore is currently a fifth grader at Marion Elementary school, and as you will soon be able to tell, a very talented young girl as well. Maddison’s ELA teacher encouraged her, as well as the other students in the class to write an essay for the annual Lyons Elks Lodge #869 essay contest open to 5th and 8th graders in both the Lyons and Marion schools. Maddison’s essay is called “My American Dream”. “My American Dream” by Madison Moore Today Americans have many dreams. My American Dream is to support doctors and others in their research of a cure for cancer. I BELIEVE cancer touches the lives of most of us. My life has been touched by cancer. I have lost both of my grandfathers to cancer. My grandpa Bill had lung cancer. Neither my sister or I had the chance to meet him. Fortunately, we have a great family to tell us how wonderful he was. My grandpa Dick recently passed away because of pancreatic cancer. It was shocking to all of us because he was one of the healthiest people I knew. He ate at least One banana each day and always cleaned his plate at every meal. He ran every day no matter what kind of weather. He ran in many marathons. My grandma Jean is a cancer survivor. I was not even a year old when they found her cancer. She had cancer on her appendix. The doctors removed her appendix and she has been cancer free. My American Dream would be to help doctors and others research cures for cancer by raising money. I would have every family donate $5.00 every month. I would ask the Cancer Society to send out letters to everyone requestions their support. Once cancer was cured, families would not have to pay anymore. I BELIEVE this is an important cause. I hope that some day my American Dream will come true.
Jennifer Warnes says:
June 7, 2010 at 12:24 pm -
Dear Sharon, Torey, and TJ, As I think of you on a constant basis as well as I think about Jacquie, I was devastated to learn of another little boy that was diagnosed with A.L.L. His name is Jacob Ortel. He just turned 14 last week and was diagnosed the week before. He has been at Children’s hospital receiving treatments as they work in conjunction with Roswell. He was released to come home in order to celebrate his 14th birthday. I worked with his grandmother for many years at the bank. She is now retired. Jacob is her oldest grandchild. At this time she (Pattie is her name) also has a brother who is in a Hospice unit being kept comfortable as his body begins to shut down. This family is struggling terribly with fear and sadness while they try to maintain strength and hope. I gave a co-worker Jacquie’s foundation pamphlet and asked her to give it to Pattie. I am hoping she will contact the Foundation for support. I can appreciate how you must feel being so actively involved with Roswell and so many of the patients that Jacquie knew. Finding out about Jacob brought the fearful memories of Jacquie’s fight back to me. Please keep Jacob and his family in your thoughts and prayers as they begin the same familiar fight that you continue in Jacquie’s memory. My love and thoughts are always with you, Jennifer
Anonymous says:
June 6, 2010 at 8:12 am -
i haven’t written on here in a really long time, but i need your strength right now jacquie. please help me to get through this. i miss you and i love you….<3
Marietta says:
May 31, 2010 at 11:40 am -
Dearest Jacquie,Happy Belated Birthday. I was on Block Island looking at the ocean yesterday and all day my thoughts were drifting to you. I love you and miss you. We should be 25 together now, but I accept that we are not. I can’t help feeling pain on this day, but I pray that acceptance, joy and love will shine through. Love,Marietta
Lauren says:
May 30, 2010 at 10:35 pm -
Happy birthday Jacquie! Lots of love to all the Hirsch’s <3
Casey Stiokas says:
May 30, 2010 at 8:13 pm -
Happy Birthday beautiful girl. Always thinking about you Hirsch’s…
Avery K says:
May 30, 2010 at 3:40 pm -
I saw that today is Jacquie’s birthday and wanted to stop by and say Happy Birthday. I know that today will be tough to get through but each day you get through makes you stronger. Sharon, I was reading through the blog and you are a lot stronger than you give yourself credit for. This is an incredible foundation that your family has created and you are helping so many other families that are going through the devastating experience that you all had to. You are unbelievably strong and have such a big heart to be able to extend all of your efforts for research and to help other families. Please don’t underestimate your strength because you have already gotten this far. I know I wasn’t a grade A student of yours but you did have faith in me and you are a remarkable coach. I thank you for this and I will never stop believing. Love,Avery Kretschman
Anonymous says:
May 30, 2010 at 1:22 pm -
Thinking of you and your family today and always.
Sadie says:
May 30, 2010 at 11:42 am -
Just wanted you to know I was thinking of you all today and everyday. Today is a hard day – another milestone and I know how impossible it must seem to get through it. I am holding you all in my heart and sending you love. I hope you find reasons to smile today. To Miss Jacquie, Happy birthday sweetie. You were so very good at celebrating and oh how I wish you were here to celebrate this big day today. I love you and think of you every single day.
Anonymous says:
May 30, 2010 at 10:53 am -
I did not know you, but was reading the morning paper when I came across a memorium about you. I was truly inspired by the outpour of love from your family and wanted to know more about you. You were an amazing person and obviously touched the lives of so many. My prayers go out to your family on this day as I know you are looking down on them. Happy birthday Jacquie.
Sue P says:
May 30, 2010 at 10:38 am -
Happy Birthday Angel
Jacquie Wood says:
May 30, 2010 at 10:14 am -
Happy birthday Jax…I hope you are celebrating up there. I wish so badly that we could have you back to celebrate with us too. You are on my mind all the time and I will always BELIEVE in you. Miss you so much.
alicia rennie says:
May 30, 2010 at 10:07 am -
every day that we’re without you, is a hard day to get through. but today, your birthday, is always one of the hardest. there is nothing we can do to stop the pain, but i think we can try to ease it a little by remembering all of our favorite things about you and our time together. (well, that is a broad statement bc i think everything about you was everyone’s favorite thing). today i’m thinking of chanting other sorority name’s to the “oh what a night” song and then dying laughing. I’m remembering the swimming pool hanging outside of my car as we drove home from walmart. I’m remembering the first time we met, at a rush event, and you were sober because it was during swimming… and I remember thinking that you were so fun and pretty, and if you were that fun sober, how much fun would you be if you were drunk! haha, and you didn’t let me down! on this day, i find i am constantly saying the quote from the little prince over and over to myself, as well as the quote from the paul simon song. i dont think it’s a coincidence that both of these songs mention stars… that’s because you were one when you were here with us, and now you are one in the sky, always looking over us, and shining bright (just like you did every day), letting us know you are still here. i miss and love you more than words can say, truly more than words can say. happy birthday beautiful angel. today beege and i are taking our 16 month godson, connor, to the buffalo zoo. i was thinking, it is a perfect way to honor you… you would LOVE this little guy. so i thought spending a fun filled afternoon looking at wacky zoo animals with an adorable little one is something you would love. happy birthday, you still mean the world and are the world, to so many of us. in my heart and on my mind, ALLWAYS <3 delish "If you leap awake in the mirror of a bad dream, and for a fraction of a second you can’t remember where you are. Just open your window and follow your memory upstream, to the meadow in the mountain where we counted every falling star." "when you look up at the sky at night, since I’ll be living on one of them, since I’ll be laughing on one of them, for you it’ll be as if all the stars are laughing. You’ll have stars that can laugh! And when you’re consoled, you’ll be glad you’ve known me. You’ll always be my friend. You’ll feel like laughing with me. And you’ll open your windows sometimes just for the fun of it... and your friends will be amazed to see you laughing while you’re looking up at the sky. Then you’ll tell them, ’Yes, its the stars. They always make me laugh!"
Melissa Lewis says:
May 30, 2010 at 9:13 am -
Sharon & Family,I can only imagine the pain you feel today. I hope that knowing how much Jacquie was loved and how many people’s lives she affected helps in some little way. She showed us all how to believe and that’s something that can never be taken away. I know she is with you, she is so proud of you. You all do so much with this foundation and honoring her life, it’s always inspiring.Jacquie- Happy Birthday Beautiful! I know you must be celebrating up there with all the friends you’ve made. So for a moment I’ll be sad that you’re not here with us celebrating, but then I’m going to honor your memory and celebrate right along with you!
Pauline Cantatore says:
May 30, 2010 at 9:02 am -
Happy Birthday Jacquie!! I just had my 25th two weeks ago and I’m not sure how I feel about being 25! I’m sure you’d laugh and smile and tell me to stop having a quarter life crisis. I wish you were here so we could celebrate our 25th together. I miss you, but I know you’re still alive in our hearts.Love, PaulineI still BELIEVE
Just a thought... says:
May 27, 2010 at 8:02 pm -
Jax- You continue to inspire me and touch my life in a way that I cannot explain. I just hope and prayer that you knew how much I respected and looked up to you while you were here on earth… I was watching TV the other day and someone was talking about the loss of a loved one… And they said that the numbers and anniversaries and dates were all so terribly sad at first… But then he realized that the memories are what matters– all the good times and laughter and love that was shared is what matters, not on what date they occurred. If you think about it, it’s true… Memories are a great thing, they are ours forever and no one can touch them… The memories of Jax always seem to brighten life just a little…. Always praying, hoping, loving and BELIEVING
Casey Stiokas says:
May 25, 2010 at 4:15 pm -
This past Saturday, I had the honor to be in my big brothers wedding. Now, his wife was very particular with what she wanted us bridesmaids to be wearing, right down to the jewelry. In the limo on the way to the church she asked her Maid of Honor to remove a bracelet or something because she wanted us all to look the same. I of course was still wearing my Jacquie bracelet because it never ever comes off of me. I called her name and simply pointed to it, and asked if she wanted me to take it off (secretly trying to hold back tears because I really didn’t want to have to take it off). Jen looked at me and said no, you can definitely keep that on. When her MOH asked how come she gets to keep hers on, Jen said “because that bracelet has not come off of her once since she put it on, and there is no way I’m telling her to take it off because it means so much”. So Jax was again apart of a very special day in the Stiokas family, and I wore her bracelet proudly. Always praying for you and always BELIEVING. God bless, Casey
alicia says:
May 20, 2010 at 1:40 am -
i miss you. what i wouldnt give to talk to you right now. in my heart and on my mind always <3 alicia
Marietta Bennett says:
May 19, 2010 at 10:36 pm -
Jacquie, I just wanted to tell you that I love you and miss you….. Love, GF
Carrie Mo says:
May 19, 2010 at 5:12 pm -
Sharon and family—I just read your most recent post. Just wanted you to know that Jax is not forgotten and will never be. We miss and love her!! I think about her very frequently. Sending positive thoughts and prayers your way 🙂 Please find the strength to continue, I know Jacquie is watching….Carrie Mo (Sigma Delta Tau Alumni)
Casey Stiokas says:
May 17, 2010 at 8:12 pm -
I am writing this story because it makes me laugh, and cry, and it most of all, it makes me think of Jax. A young lady that I had the pleasure to be a substitute teacher for a number of times recently passed away. Emma Akins was 14 years old and had Down syndrome. When she was younger, she battled leukemia, and the chemo made her heart even weaker than it had been. A few years ago she was diagnosed with congestive heart failure, and a few weeks ago she collapsed in school and had to be rushed to the hospital. On May 9th, Mother’s Day, Emma got her wings. At her funeral, the middle school choir sang “Rainbow Connection”. When I heard this (I was subbing for teachers so they could go to the funeral) I couldn’t help but think, of course, why would it be any other song? Jax, I ask that you take good care of her, she was a special young lady and she will be deeply missed. I know she is in good hands, and thank you for telling me with that song. I miss you every day. Always a Believer, Casey
Anonymous says:
May 16, 2010 at 10:01 pm -
MS – “Go On, get the hell outta here! Ever see a man say good-bye to a shoe?” HJS – “Haha, yes once” Love & Miss you, always.
Anonymous says:
May 16, 2010 at 4:25 pm -
Jax, Just stopping by to say you inspire me every day. I’m sure you know the latest craze with kids these days are these new bracelets called silly bandz. One of my students was passing them out the other day, and I specifically chose a purple one, to match my purple Jacquie bracelet. Now when I look at my wrist I smile even bigger, because the bracelets not only remind me of you, but of your love for children. Whenever I am getting frustrated I glance down, think of you and it helps me carry on with whatever I’m doing. Keep smiling on us, we need it.
Anonymous says:
May 12, 2010 at 10:36 pm -
I’m gonna live where the green grass growsWatchin’ my corn pop up in rowsEvery night be tucked in close to youRaise our kids where the good Lord’s blessedPoint our rocking chairs towards the westPlant our dreams where the peaceful river flowsWhere the green grass grows I Love & miss you. Please be happy and smiling Jax.
Anonymous says:
May 9, 2010 at 10:46 pm -
I wanna have the same last dream again,the one where I wake up and I’m alive.Just as the four walls close me within,my eyes are opened up with pure sunlight.I’m the first to know,my dearest friends,even if your hope has burned with time,anything that’s dead shall be re-grown,and your vicious pain, your warning sign,you will be fine
Anonymous says:
May 9, 2010 at 10:04 am -
Dear Sharon, as you know, today is Mothers Day. This is most likely a difficult day for you and the family. I just wanted to drop in and say that Jacquie and TJ are such lucky children to have you as their Mom. You are everyting a child needs and more. I can tell you that they both love you so much and are so happy to have you and call you their Mom. I hope this day goes by alright for you. Happy Mothers Day. Love Natalie
Sue P says:
May 7, 2010 at 8:55 am -
Sharon: I start to write but the words to comfort you never seem to come out. Just know I am always thinking of you, your family & of course Jacquie “forever”. Please find comfort in your family & friends this weekend.
Becky Roselli says:
May 6, 2010 at 7:54 pm -
Shaon, I just read your message written after the benefit Nichole and her friends had last week. I can still see you holding that Bear and was happy for you to have her. I was so pleased that I had saved my little story about the girl from Genesco who I met in Disneyworld last winter. It was just another way for you to know how Jacquie has left a lasting effect on so many lives. I know you are aware of it but that day I turned around to my friend with tears in my eyes and it meant so much to me to have known her though Nichole for such a short time. She will live in all those lives forever.I can’t begin to know how hard every day is for you and your family but keep up the great work in her name….it is so important!
Anonymous says:
May 6, 2010 at 3:43 pm -
Keep going strong Sharon – this foundation can and will change the face of cancer forever. I BELIEVE in everything you, your amazing family, and Jacquie do every day.