This next week will be a tough week for the Wilks family but it’s nice to have great friends and the support of kind words from YOU! We have the gravesite looking nice and we will be there often the next couple of weeks. Tim II is coming home for Thanksgiving and it will be great to see him and have the family together during this tough time. Mary and I are taking pies down to the PICU on Thursday to say thanks to the Doctors and Nurses for all their help last year and just say thanks for what they do each and everyday, helping kids.

We are very proud of Tim and Elaine, Tim is doing well in college and has a part-time internship with ESPN radio in Lufkin TX. He’s playing rugby and is looking forward to getting into a good internship at the end of the school year. He also has a very nice girlfriend and her name is Tiffany. She will be going to Kansas City with us over the Christmas holiday. Elaine is working 2 jobs and doing well in school. She is taking some classes next semester that will count as college credits. She has not decided on what college yet (she still has time) but with the classes she’s taking she will have 12 college credit hours before she starts college. She’s still thinking of becoming a nurse and helping kids! She has been volunteering with a Miracle League baseball team for children with special needs.

Mary and I just want to help make it a little easier for families and with the new children’s hospital opening next year we are going to find a way to help cancer kids while they’re in the hospital. Again, I would like to thank everyone that helped out in the golf tournament back in May. We raised just over $16,000 for the charities that are helping children and their families while they are battling their fight with cancer. I hope that you are ready for a bigger and better tournament next April.

Well, from Mary and I we would like to wish you and your family a great Thanksgiving and thanks for all you thoughts and prayers.

God bless
Tim

Because of YOU we raised just over $16,500….. WOW!!!! This money will go straight to the 5 charities that helped put a smile on Jennifer face during her battle with leukemia. Those charities are: His Grace Foundation, Make a Wish, American Cancer Society, Candlelighters (Any Baby Can) and Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

We had 88 golfers that played and we had a clear and beautiful weather all day. We will soon have pictures on this site of all the golfers and the fun that they had.

We would like to thank Advance Auto Parts, FLOOR KING, RG TATE & Associates, and AT&T for being the main sponsors of the event. THANKS!

We also had 15 hole sponsors that help make the event a special day. THANKS AGAIN!

We are looking forward to next year and it will be BIGGER and BETTER. So get READY everyone and tell your friends.

Here’s an update on the family. Mary is back to work part time and is doing OK. Timmy is out of school and home for the summer. He is going to take some summer classes at ACC and work full time. Elaine is working 2 part time jobs (just like her Dad growing up) and is driving. School is out this week and she is looking forward to summer and working at camp. That’s 3 jobs!!!! That’s my girl! We all have our good day and bad days. We just have to think of the great times that we all had together as a family.

Thanks and God Bless
Tim

note: the above entry is a copy originally posted on our ‘Caring Bridge’ website.

Wednesday night following the rosary service, people took turns talking about Jennifer and sharing memories of her. People talked about her quiet grace, her beautiful smile, and her amazing courage facing her illness. They spoke of her natural ability with children and of her sweet and playful spirit. The pictures, video, and quilt were displayed and people were able to spend some time just talking with the family and supporting each other.
[See post to watch Flash video]
The mass on Thursday morning was also beautiful. The songs and readings were poignant and emitted a spirit of peace and hope. At the graveside service, what struck me most was the peacefulness in the air. There was a nice crisp breeze, warm sunshine, and not a cloud in the sky. The coolness was countered by the warmth of the people gathering around the Wilks family. Afterwards, friends from the church provided lunch for all who wanted to attend.

The Wilks would like to express their sincere thanks for all the people that worked so hard on these services, for those that travelled so far, and for all of the love and support that they have received throughout this most trying time.

They would like to continue to encourage people to donate to the charities listed below that were so helpful to them. Also, Caringbridge is a non-profit organization that hosts web pages at no charge to families and is funded primarily through donations.

Please continue to check up on the Wilks and offer words of encouragment and support to them in the guestbook. Even though there may not be new updates in the journal, be assured that they will be reading the guestbook.

Please share your memories of Jennifer in the guestbook and help the Wilks to rest assured knowing that even though Jennifer’s physical presence is no longer with us, the light of her spirit shines in each of us that were fortunate enough to experience it.

With love,
L. Randel

(Click on the charity name to be directed to their website.)

St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church – (512) 259-3126
This is the Wilks’ home parish and they have supported Jennifer and her family throughout her illness.

His Grace Foundation – (281) 620-4511
P.O.Box 722
Tomball, Texas 77377-0722
Att: Val

This foundation supported the Wilks during their time in Houston. They paid for parking at Texas Children’s, provided dinner to the families in the hospital every other week, and each week would buy for Jennifer whatever she wanted up to $25.

American Cancer Society – (800) ACS-2345
Jennifer enjoyed attending Camp Discoveries, run by ACS, each summer that she could. The American Cancer Society also organizes information seminars helpful to patients and their caregivers.

Candlelighters / Any Baby Can – (512) 454-3743 or (800) 672-0238
Candlelighters provided counseling for the Wilks while in Austin and runs a camp for siblings that Elaine was able to attend for 3 years.

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society – (512) 491-6610 or (866) 814-8113 (Toll Free) (When requested, please specify Central Texas Chapter.)
The LLS supported the Wilks financially and through information and education. Also the LLS funds research and clinical trials for the treatment of AML. Team in Training is an extra outlet for fundraising for LLS, which Mary and Tim were involved in and they both walk a half marathon to raise money for the cure. Jennifer was the honor patient for many of the cycling and running events in the past 2 years.

Please give what you can to help other children that are going through this and their families and to help find a cure so that no one has to endure what Jennifer went through.

Thurs. Dec 1, 2005
Funeral at 10:00 AM

St. Margaret Mary Church
1101 W. New Hope Drive
Cedar Park, Tx

Procession to Bagdad Cemetery to follow funeral service
Reception at St. Margaret mary Church following graveside service.

The Wilks Family has requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the following five charities in Jennifer’s name:

(Click on the charity name to be directed to their website.)

St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church – (512) 259-3126
This is the Wilks’ home parish and they have supported Jennifer and her family throughout her illness.

His Grace Foundation – (281) 620-4511
This foundation supported the Wilks during their time in Houston. They paid for parking at Texas Children’s, provided dinner to the families in the hospital every other week, and each week would buy for Jennifer whatever she wanted up to $25.

American Cancer Society – (800) ACS-2345
Jennifer enjoyed attending Camp Discoveries, run by ACS, each summer that she could. The American Cancer Society also organizes information seminars helpful to patients and their caregivers.

Candlelighters / Any Baby Can – (512) 454-3743 or (800) 672-0238
Candlelighters provided counseling for the Wilks while in Austin and runs a camp for siblings that Elaine was able to attend for 3 years.

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society - (512) 491-6610 or (866) 814-8113 (Toll Free) (When requested, please specify Central Texas Chapter.)
The LLS supported the Wilks financially and through information and education. Also the LLS funds research and clinical trials for the treatment of AML. Team in Training is an extra outlet for fundraising for LLS, which Mary and Tim were involved in and they both walk a half marathon to raise money for the cure. Jennifer was the honor patient for many of the cycling and running events in the past 2 years.

Please give what you can to help other children that are going through this and their families and to help find a cure so that no one has to endure what Jennifer went through.

So, with the progressive failure of Jennifer’s lungs, liver, and kidneys, the very difficult decision has been made to take her off the respirator. This will happen today, within the next hour.

While the strength that this kind, quiet young lady displayed could not overcome her illness, the strength of her spirit and her story will continue to strengthen and inspire those whom she touched.

Our hearts go out to the Wilks today and in the difficult days to come.

Update (2:00 P.M.): Jennifer passed away peacefully just a few moments ago, surrounded by her loving family, friends, nurses and doctors. Jennifer definitely fought the good fight. She can rest in peace now, with no pain, no worry, no tears. Godspeed, Jennifer – we are all better for having known you.

T.Randel

note: the above entry is a copy originally posted on our ‘Caring Bridge’ website.

Yesterday was an extremely difficult day. Tim and Mary had a meeting with the doctors in the afternoon. They were told that the surfactant treatment did not work as well as the doctors had hoped and that Jennifer’s lungs did not appear to be responding well. The doctors here have begun to run out of ideas of how to help Jennifer. They decided to call Jennifer’s transplant doctor in Houston, Dr. Krance, to ask his opinion.

Dr. Krance said that there is a chance that she might have severe Graft-vs-Host disease of the intestines. If so, that is a treatable condition. Within 15 minutes of that call, Children’s Hospital had a surgical team in Jennifer’s room (so that Jennifer would not have to be moved) to biopsy Jennifer’s intestines. Those lab results should be back on Friday.

In the midst of this terrible time, the Wilks talked of some of the things they are thankful for. They appreciate so much the care that Jennifer is getting from her doctors and nurses. They told me about the feast that is being prepared for them for Thanksgiving dinner today – two deep fried turkeys, six pies, and all the trimmings. They talked about the visits and messages of love they have continued to receive. They told me that yesterday, their church held a special mass and rosary for Jennifer. They told me about the people at the art studio that Jennifer was able to attend only twice who fell in love with Jennifer and have painted a portrait of her for the family to have.

When I visit the Wilks in the hospital, their love for each other and for Jennifer is palpable. It radiates through each one of them. Their strength and faith humble me. They are constantly thinking of others and they always have smiles and hugs and kindness to share. On this Thanksgiving day, as I concentrate on the things for which I am thankful, one of the things I cherish most is my friendship with this amazing family.

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours.
Laurie Randel

note: the above entry is a copy originally posted on our ‘Caring Bridge’ website.

The x-ray of Jennifer’s lung today showed a little bit more improvement. Jennifer is still on the ventilator and other than a high blood pressure reading which was controlled through medication, things were relatively quiet.

The family is getting more comfortable with the new bed. When Jennifer is on her back, they can see her face and talk to her, and her head is supported on the sides. Her face is really only covered when Jennifer is on her stomach. The bed gently rocks her from side to side constantly. Jennifer continues to be under full sedation and is being kept comfortable and being watched very closely.

Mary and Elaine got some fresh air today and were able to leave the hospital for about 30 minutes. All four of them (Tim, Mary, Timmy and Elaine) are able to be at the hospital in Jennifer’s room and in the waiting room now during the day and seem glad to be able to provide support to each other.

The Wilks have really appreciated the meals that they have been receiving, as that is just one less thing for them to have to worry about. The physical support and nourishment seems to be feeding not only their bodies but also their spirits. It is impossible to imagine what they are going through, and yet they unwaveringly climb this mountain with Jennifer step by step.

The family is planning on having Thanksgiving dinner, which will be provided to them by friends, in a room there at the hospital. Please continue to pray with them for Jennifer’s health and for their continued strength and endurance.

Happy Thanksgiving!
Laurie Randel

note: the above entry is a copy originally posted on our ‘Caring Bridge’ website.

Tim called to give me the update for tonight.

Today was an emotional roller coaster for all of them. The medicine that they had given Jennifer for her lungs is helping some, but not as much as they had hoped. They have turned down the ventilator a little more, but she is still reliant on it.

An x-ray taken mid-morning showed that the lower lobe of Jennifer’s right lung had closed. Doctors then ventilated her by bag for 20 minutes and a second x-ray then showed that the right lower lobe had re-opened slightly.

The next 3 to 5 days will offer Jennifer’s lungs the best opportunity to heal. Tim said it’s really a “wait and see” until that point.

Jennifer also developed her third bedsore today which creates a concern regarding risk of infection. The hospital purchased a state of the art bed for Jennifer that totally encloses her and can adjust her position electronically. This will make it much easier for them to turn her from her back to her stomach and is intended to improve her circulation and respiration and to reduce the chance of her developing more bedsores.

The hardest aspect of the new bed for Jennifer’s family is that it totally encloses her with only a viewing window for her eyes. Jennifer continues to be totally sedated, so it won’t be upsetting to her, but it is hard on the family to be physically separated from her in this way. As I understand it, they will be able to open up a panel on either side so that Tim and Mary can rub her back and talk to her, and they will be able to hold her hand.

Tim, Mary, Timmy and Elaine again want to thank everyone for their continued prayers and support. They have been receiving meals from their church and have felt surrounded by love through this ordeal.

Please continue to pray for Jennifer’s lungs to heal completely. Pray that she remain free from infection and any further complications. Pray for strength, endurance, peace, and comfort for Jennifer and her family.

Lovingly,
Laurie Randel

note: the above entry is a copy originally posted on our ‘Caring Bridge’ website.

Jennifer’s situation remains very critical. The doctors have been able to reduce the strength of the ventilator as the medicine (surfactant) that she received is improving her oxygen absorption. They won’t, however, know if it has been effective on improving the functioning of her lungs for a few more days. This treatment is more like a marathon than a sprint, and the family needs prayers for endurance and continued strength.

Jennifer will receive dialysis today, Wednesday, and Friday. Please continue to pray for her restoration to complete health.

Jennifer’s brother, Tim, arrived home from college and will be able to stay through the Thanksgiving holidays.

Tim and Mary wanted to communicate their thanks for all of the prayers and support. Please continue to check up on them, sign the guestbook, and pray diligently as they will need all the strength, endurance, and support they can get over the next couple of weeks.

note: the above entry is a copy originally posted on our ‘Caring Bridge’ website.

Mary called and said that Jennifer is hanging in there.

The dialysis did not go very well today. Jennifer’s blood pressure dropped as they were removing the fluid, so they had to give some fluid back to her. The net result was about even.

The x-rays, however, looked a little better today. The doctors are considering putting her back on the regular ventilator.

The third surfactant treatment was performed at 7:30 this morning. The doctors have told Tim and Mary that the next couple of weeks will be like a roller coaster, with some days being good and some not so good.

Please continue to pray for the complete healing of Jennifer’s lungs and that she be very comfortable throughout this process. Pray for peace, strength and endurance for the entire family as they continue fighting this terrible battle.

Thank you again for your continued support and expressions of love for Jennifer and her family. They read the guestbook entries regularly and are encouraged by the barrage of prayers being lifted up on Jennifer’s behalf.

Lovingly,
Laurie Randel

note: the above entry is a copy originally posted on our ‘Caring Bridge’ website.