JesCynthia - Huslia

JesCynthia was born a little over 5 pounds on May 16, 2002. Her mom was on bedrest for over half her pregnancy with her because of complications, so she was a fighter before she was even born. She was a little girl with a big name, she was named after her grandma's and a sweet girl her mom used to babysit. Jes was born an old soul, she could relate to you and understood what you were going through and would help if she could. She did not like to leave anyone out and always wanted her friends to be happy. She was proud to be a Koyukon Athabascan from Huslia and loved her Jimmy Huntington School. Her favorite things to do were camping, boating, snow machining, hunting, trapping, and was happiest doing traditional activities with her family. She was caring, understanding, played basketball, smart, funny, and made friends everywhere. From a young child she was taught to believe in GOD and have faith, and she did up until the day she passed. A week after turning 17 she found a big lump under her arm, was sent to Fairbanks, then Anchorage where they finally found out she had a rare terminal cancer. She spent 6 months in Seattle with her family before returning to Fairbanks to stay by the hospital. When asked what she wanted to do most, she said she wanted to graduate, so she was able to graduate from high school while in Fairbanks. Her hometown of Huslia was having a high school basketball tournament, the last one of the year, and Make-A-Wish was able to get her home with everything she would need for the trip. While at home after the tournament she passed away in her parents’ arms. From the time she was diagnosed to when she passed was nine months. Her parents started a Live Your Best Life movement in their community in her memory. They encourage everyone to do those things you put off, live a healthy lifestyle, and reach for those stars.
When we were in Seattle the outreach lady helped us with a lot of paperwork and out of the blue we got a letter from Katie's Handprint. Everything was such a whirl wind, and so emotional, that I am finally writing to thank you all so much!! The funding came right when we were trying to get her older brother and younger sister out to us in Seattle, and we were able to get the tickets with your help!!! Anaa' Basee' to you and your program. I'm sorry it took so long to write and say thank you but as parents of a child with cancer but even though I'm crying as I type this, remembering the day we received the letter and check from you all makes me smile. It was an answer to our prayer at that time.