The Services were Beautiful (Jennifer’s video)

Both services were beautiful.

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.

Get the latest Flash Player to see this player.

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.