Tribute: Jayne

Jayne lost her long battle to brain cancer. I never heard one complaint. She has been an inspiration to all who knew her. I will always remember the special times that we shared, because every moment was a gift. She has brought together so many wonderful people who will continue to keep her memory alive.

She helped me strengthen my soul and focus on all the positive around me. She will be tucked in my heart and soul forever. I can hear her saying, “May you never take one single breath for granted. I hope you still feel small when you stand by the ocean. And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance… dance. I hope you dance.”

by Lee Ann Womack.

I love you Jayne
You are forever in my heart

Morgan’s Tribute

Jayne is my mom. She was always an inspiration to me. I remember always wondering how she could be so strong when everything that she was facing was so scary. We went through a lot together because we were best friends. I looked up to my mother more than anybody because everything that she went through and survived filled me with amazement. One day I asked her why it had to be her, and being the strong and independent woman that she was and still is, she replied “Why Not Me?” On New Year’s Eve, when changing from 2004-2005, I remember watching my mother dance like she had never been sick. She was so happy. When she took a turn for the worse, it was no surprise that she tried to look on the bright side of it. She was convinced that she would beat it again. I’m glad that she died thinking that she had it beat, because she was happy knowing that she had fought to the end. Today, whenever I start feeling sorry for myself, I remember those words, “Why Not Me?” and I know that I have my mom with me forever.

I learned a lot from my mother and I will always be a stronger person because of her courage, strength, and intelligence. Because of my mom, and as she said, I am blessed, and life is good.

Morgan’s Updates Her Tribute

My name is Morgan Dalis. I am 16 years old, and I go to school at Locust Valley High School. Two years ago, my mother died of brain cancer. Before her death, she worked with the Guardian Brain Foundation. They helped her fly to her doctors and helped her with things that she needed to do. The founder of the Foundation is Mary Pallotta. Mary is an amazing woman, she helps so many people. Every year, she has a fund raiser called the Butterfly Ball. When Mary and I heard your song, “Skin”, we decided that it would be perfect to play at the Butterfly Ball. At the Ball, there are many brain cancer survivors and patients. The Ball is a fund raiser to provide cancer patients with the transportation and support that they need.

I first met Jayne shortly after my family rescued a rambunctious mutt from the town shelter. We were introduced by our mutual friend Joan, who had been telling me about Jayne for years. Jayne became our dog trainer, and a few months later Joan invited me to join her and Jayne at their Friday morning coffee group, where I got to know some of Jayne’s amazing friends.

Jayne was incredibly loving, accepting and non-judgmental, whether she was dealing with people or with animals. She always saw the best in everyone and made those around her feel incredibly special. No matter how she was feeling or what she was facing, she always remembered to ask about her friends and their families and was genuinely interested in what was going on in our lives. My daughter will always remember her visits with Jayne, sitting on the floor in the basement building with Legos and making up funny stories.

My friendship with Jayne was far too short. She was taken from all of us much too soon. But I feel so fortunate to have had a friend like Jayne, the type of person everyone should be lucky enough to know. I will always be thankful to her for making me part of a circle of very special women and for having been a very special woman herself.

Rebecca Katz-White

[The following is original text composed by Jayne for her inspiration page]

My name is Jayne and I am a survivor. In August of 2000, I was diagnosed with glioblastoma multiform A grade IV. At the time I did not realize what my chances were. The odds were against me but I knew that if others could survive, I could too. A year went by, then two, then three… it turned out that I am the fortunate survivor.

I am blessed, life is good.

by Jayne

The Guardian Brain Foundation encourages you to submit your words of encouragement to inspire others and provide emotional support.