Thursday, January 2, 2014

Our Angel has entered Heaven




It is with a heavy heart that I conclude this blog. My name is Athena Nonas and I am Jen's baby sister. On Friday December 27, Jen was admitted to the hospital for shortness of breath. Ken was with her. They found fluid surrounding her heart. They did a surgery to remove fluid and she was improving. She was put on a ventilator to help her breathe. The doctors found out she had pneumonia and a blood infection. Cancer for the first time was not her major concern. The infection became systemic and was causing kidney damage. She was placed on a ton of antibiotics. So many tubes were connected to her to help. They decided to start dialysis on Tuesday in the ICU. She was fighting with her parents and siblings by her side. We held her hand and prayed and sang lullabies.

On January 01, 2014 at 10:00 PM Jennifer passed away from the pneumonia. It's been a difficult 2 years for all of us.

Jennifer was a remarkable person. She was a best friend and a sister to me. She has inspired and affected everyone she's met. Each person's life has been made better by knowing her. People she never met were inspired by her story and strength and optimism. Her memories will live on forever in all of our hearts.

Thank you all for your constant support through these times. We love you all.

3 comments:

  1. I am so very sorry for your loss, Athena. Thank you for your moving post, and for letting us know. Although I never met her in person, I will miss Jennifer also.

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  2. My thoughts have been with you and your family, Athena, as you face the loss of a beautiful sister and daughter. I am Rebecca's mom, and I have heard about Jen since she and Rebecca first met at Magee. Through Rebecca, I feel like I knew her, although we never met. Jen's blog reflects her determination, sense of humor, independence and courage in the face of so many, many challenges. It is not surprising that although she and Rebecca came to know each other through their mutual disability, they were nurturing a friendship that grew out of their mutual ability to remain optimistic, maintain their spirit, surround themselves with supportive and loving friends and family, and look toward the future, despite tremendous obstacles at every turn. Jen's life has touched and inspired so many. Our family will continue to keep her... and your family... in our thoughts and in our hearts.

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