When Abby Smiles

Abby was diagnosed with diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma on August 6, 2010.  In a few more weeks it will be a year since the doctors started fighting the tumor.  Research is slowly progressing and one day a team of doctors and scientists will make an amazing discovery on what combinations of medicines will help these children finally see remission.  We pray for that miracle.

Although Abby is no longer able to do much or be awake for very long she still loves the attention from her friends and family.  She likes her princess wand, being able to look out the window, and watch or listen to SpongeBob Square Pants.

Jon and Maegan were not looking forward to calling Hospice but felt it was time.  The Hospice nurses are so sweet to Abby, Mary-Beth, Emily and Sara.  They spend time playing with all the girls as well as caring for Abby's needs and helping their family through this difficult time.

The Jensens have continued to receive so much love and support from their friends, family, and complete strangers.  Countless people have been touched by the love Abby has shown for life and for her many friends.  Her radiant smile cannot go unnoticed.  I know that the entire family on both Jon's and Maegan's side have friends in many states who have been following Abby's story.  These people have never met Abby but have come to love her and continually ask how she and her family are doing.  This not only shows how special Abby is, it shows how special all of you are.  So many people have visited Abby, are saying personal prayers, adding Abby to their church's prayer list,  have brought the Jensens dinners and are continuing to do so. While others are selling cupcakes, quitting smoking, creating t-shirts and car magnets, holding carnivals and bake sales, and making crafts like cute little men out of an empty juice container as a gift for Abby to bring her more happiness.  There is no way I could mention every act of kindness.    Your love and support has not gone unnoticed.  Thank you.

Abby's favorite colors are pink, purple, and red.  She loves princesses and anything girlie.  She likes to play with her sisters, friends, and cousins.  She has an amazing smile and pretty blue eyes.  She enjoys going to Primary at church with her friends and loves her teachers.  She looks up to Mary-Beth and is protective of Emily and Sara.  Abby will hold Sara any chance she gets and fights her parents when they need to take her away.

Abby loves ice-cream and Chinese food.  She likes going to the St. Louis Zoo, Purina Farms, the Pumpkin Patch on Halloween, and to the Magic House.   She really enjoys practicing cheerleading moves with Mary-Beth. Abby is smart.  She can write her name and some other words, knows her colors, can count, and loves to draw just like her big sister.  

Continue to pray for Abby and her family.  If you are a parent of a child who was recently diagnosed, we are praying for you too.  Find happiness in each day!