JR’s Education Fund in Memory of His Mom, Justine

Sadly, last week, my niece, Justine, passed away from Stage 4 Pancreatic Cancer. She was diagnosed last year right after her 50th birthday and battled hard and valiantly to stay here with her beloved children and grandchildren. Her family meant everything to her, so this diagnosis and its subsequent prognosis was absolutely devastating. The doctors said she had 6 to 7 months to live, maybe a year, which was 9 months ago.

Justine was a single mom to three wonderful children: her youngest, JR, just turned 16, the day after Christmas. Being here for this milestone birthday meant everything to his mother, so she endured this painful cancer and fought it mentally and physically every single day.

The doctors and nurses were all astounded by her extraordinary will to live and her unmatched strength and mental determination — only a mother’s love could explain it.

Now, JR is left without a mother and he’s coping with this heartbreaking and unexpected loss. He has moved in with his brother, Eric, Justine’s eldest child, and his wife, Amber, and their two children who are both under the age of 2 1/2. This young family, newly married, never expected to have a teenager added to their household — one they’d be responsible for financially and emotionally, and on the heels of a tremendously difficult loss that they are also grieving from.

JR’s education expenses were never on Eric and Amber’s radar and Justine never expected that she wouldn’t still be here. Many people have kindly asked how they can help Justine’s family and we weren’t sure at first; but, then, we realized that JR’s education and his future would be the best way to do that. Justine was worried about leaving all three of her children, but she was most worried about JR since he is still so young.

If you’d like to contribute in Justine’s memory, you may do so here. We truly appreciate your donations and shares and your thoughts and prayers. Thank you for being a light during this dark and difficult time. Our family is eternally grateful for your generosity and grace.