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20 years and 13 pennies

Personal Journey · March 12, 2013

My baby girl is turning 20.

In heaven.

This is a CELEBRATION of her life…join me won’t you?

Scroll with me for a minute down memory lane…

birth

 

Jena was born to live two worlds.

 

2 worlds

She was special (and messy) from day one.

1st bday

 

She wore her own style…always.

05

 

She didn’t cry over ‘spilled milk’ even if it was chocolate.

 

spilled milk

 

She truly was a STAR.

Jena Star

 

She had a knack for getting people (her brother) to do things…
cleaning

 

And she was never good at following the rules.

 

minigolf

 

But she was always there if you needed her help.

 

marc

 

Jena spent way too much time in hospitals due to Cystic Fibrosis.

 

child1

 

But even the hospital couldn’t keep her from making the most out of it.

 

j in hospital

 

She had countless procedures and surgeries…

 

jena3

 

But again…she’d steal the hearts of everyone with her determination and style…no matter where she was.

And just because she was on oxygen to help her breathe…

 

hopital

 

It NEVER stopped her from doing things she loved. Like skiing with her brother:

 

skiing

Wall climbing…

climb

 

Riding her 4-wheeler…

Eric, Jena and cousin Dane
Eric, Jena and cousin Dane

 

Traveling to MEXICO…

mexico

 

Or going to PARIS

paris

NOPE.

It certainly never stopped her from being goofy with her friends.

 

jena girls

jmcy

 

Or enjoying special occasions.

J13

 

ann party

kids and genevieve

 

Jena was an advocate and fought for Cystic Fibrosis at a young age…and even donated her lungs to science.

Pill Police luau

jena2004

 

She talked to people about CF, and thanked them for their support.

clinton

occ

Sportscaster/Writer Frank DeFord with Jena & Eric
Sportscaster/Writer Frank DeFord with Jena & Eric

 

Jena loved her family more than words could say…

opa j

cousins

matt and jen

g and g

family

 

And she ALWAYS had a lot to SAY!

phone

 

She was an original that’s for sure.

kids

 

And creative…

halloween-jena1

 

 

And funny…

eating

 

She took in all the fun of life.

rv trip

 

And was wise beyond her ‘ya-ya’ years.

yaya

 

She was the best teacher I ever had.

Photo   1

 

 

She taught me that no matter what struggles you may face in life…

pft

 

Or how tired you are…

car

 

Never forget to laugh with all your might!

jena laughing

 

even when the going gets tough…

 

scan

 

Life lessons: GET DIRTY

paint

 

BE UNIQUE

j

 

Take the wheel of your own life

boat

 

Show the world your smile

universal

 

Because you are beautiful, always and forever…

jena 06

 

My dear Jena…I love you more than words can say…I love you more and more each day.

 

…you are so very loved and missed by your family…

 

fam 06

So on your 20th Birthday…I will be taking my 13 pennies with me all day and ‘leaving them’ where I go in honor of you, your inspirational life, and what you have taught all whom you have touched in your short 13 years here on earth.

13 pennies…for 13 years here on earth…for your birthday 3/13/13…for the lucky people who will find them. ♥

 

pennystack1-13perstack

 

Happy Birthday baby girl…♥

I love you,

Mommy

Jena 2006

 

Now go ROCK heaven! xo

 

Filed Under: Personal Journey Tagged With: 20th Birthday, cystic fibrosis, Jena Cassalina, Love

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. John Dirr says

    March 12, 2013 at 6:38 pm

    That was so beautiful! The world is missing one very special young lady. Peace to you and your family. I am a heart and kidney transplant recipient and I know how precious life is. Be strong and keep these positive words going every day.
    John

    Reply
    • Margarete says

      March 14, 2013 at 2:42 pm

      Thank you John, life certainly is precious! May you continue to be healthy with your new kidney!

      Reply
  2. Suzanne Barki says

    March 12, 2013 at 6:44 pm

    You never cease to not touch my heart in such a special way with your Jena memories…and the way you tell her story.
    Thank you for always sharing …..
    And happy birthday to your baby girl! Can you believe they are all turning 20! When did that happen???
    ((hugs)) and **kisses**
    Suzanne

    Reply
    • Margarete says

      March 14, 2013 at 2:43 pm

      Love you Suz…and yes, can you believe it??? 20???

      Reply
  3. Barb Wild says

    March 12, 2013 at 7:39 pm

    What a wonderful person you are, how strong and brave you all are because of your sweet baby girl. She is missing you too but will be with you today and always.

    Reply
    • Margarete says

      March 14, 2013 at 2:43 pm

      She’s always with me…love never ends <3

      Reply
  4. Mary Dwight says

    March 12, 2013 at 8:46 pm

    She is amazing, and so are you! You do her proud everyday.

    Reply
    • Margarete says

      March 14, 2013 at 2:44 pm

      If I could only have a fraction of her courage…

      Reply
  5. Joyce Bartlett says

    March 12, 2013 at 9:10 pm

    What a beautiful tribute to a beautiful young lady. You never cease to amaze me. Happy Birthday to your baby girl. Just know she’s rockin heaven and smiling down at you.

    Reply
    • Margarete says

      March 14, 2013 at 2:44 pm

      She mostly certainly is!!! xoxo

      Reply
  6. Jodi Lobdell Bulson says

    March 12, 2013 at 9:25 pm

    Dear Margarete, Such beautiful words for your beautiful daughter. We have a donation jar set up in my day care for Dina S. who has stage 4 bone cancer. In honor of your sweet Jena, I will be putting 13 pennies in that jar tomorrow and I will say a special prayer for Jena in heaven and also for you, Marc and Eric. Love, Jodi

    Reply
    • Margarete says

      March 14, 2013 at 2:45 pm

      Jodi, that is perfect! You know how much I love Dina…<3

      Reply
  7. SHARON says

    March 12, 2013 at 10:28 pm

    YOU & JENA CONTINUE TO TOUCH PEOPLE DAILY
    GOD IS AMAZING
    LOVE YOU GUYS

    Reply
    • Margarete says

      March 14, 2013 at 2:45 pm

      Love you Sharon xoxoxox

      Reply
  8. Elise Free says

    March 13, 2013 at 12:32 am

    What a beautiful tribute. My daughter Addie has CF and last week when we were at clinic, she found a lucky penny in the parking lot and she said maybe we should always take it to clinic for good luck, so she will always be healthy. 🙂

    Reply
    • Margarete says

      March 14, 2013 at 2:46 pm

      Find a penny, pick it up…

      How did her clinic go?

      Reply
  9. Liz Wertz says

    March 13, 2013 at 1:53 am

    This was so touching and beautiful. Thank you for reminding me to cherish every day I have with my daughters.

    Reply
    • Margarete says

      March 14, 2013 at 2:47 pm

      Life is precious as John said above…hug those girls xo

      Reply
  10. Rick says

    March 13, 2013 at 2:03 am

    I dont know you, but I read your story with tears in my eyes. You are very lucky to have had someone in your life that you could love so much, and I am sure love you back. Remember her fondly, and forever.

    Reply
    • Margarete says

      March 14, 2013 at 2:47 pm

      Thank you, Rick. I do.

      Reply
  11. Sara Winterleitner says

    March 13, 2013 at 2:48 am

    Love love to see the pictures of your sweet Jena! Miss that sweet face!
    You and Marc have such a gift of reaching out – and teaching all of us how strength perseverance and determination will make CF stand for Cure Found! Awesome u had Jena as your Best Teacher!
    Love u M+M+ E

    Reply
    • Margarete says

      March 14, 2013 at 2:48 pm

      You know I’m not stopping until CF does stand for CURE FOUND! xoxo
      Yes, we miss that smiling face..and her giggle too!

      Reply
  12. Michael Asch says

    March 13, 2013 at 4:05 am

    Without ever meeting you, or your daughter, it’s clear she has left a lasting legacy. I’m disappointed not to have known her. My 16 year old son has been through 23 months of chemotherapy for leukemia, so far, with more still ahead. It takes strong and special children to endure and march on, with a smile on their face. They are, quite simply, a blessing, not to be taken for granted. I will drop 13 pennies along my way tomorrow in Jena’s memory, in the hope that someone will receive good luck, and that Jena will be delivering that good fortune.

    Reply
    • Margarete says

      March 14, 2013 at 2:49 pm

      My prayers are with you and your son…it’s amazing how strong our children can be. They are true heroes.

      Reply
  13. Patty Consolazio says

    March 13, 2013 at 11:56 am

    What an inspiration. I will forward this to others and I know it will make a difference.

    Reply
    • Margarete says

      March 14, 2013 at 2:50 pm

      Thank you Patty! xo

      Reply
  14. Missy warren says

    March 13, 2013 at 1:16 pm

    What a great tribute to the amazing Jena. What you have done for CF is amazing and I am so glad I got to know Jena and continue to follow your journey to finally find a cure for CF. love ya tons!!!

    Reply
    • Margarete says

      March 14, 2013 at 2:50 pm

      Love ya back! xoxo

      Reply
  15. Trish Mostoller says

    March 13, 2013 at 1:19 pm

    It was so great to meet you and talk with you on the plane trip to Stewart NY last Thursday. As you celebrate Jena today, please know that I will be sharing my birthday blessings with her every year, beginning today! I truly believe we are touched in some way by everyone we meet, I was certainly touched. Happy Birthday Jena, the next penny I find is going in my pocket!

    Reply
    • Margarete says

      March 14, 2013 at 2:51 pm

      TRISH!!!!
      I’m so glad you posted! Happy birthday back at you!
      How are your parents?
      I’ll email you…

      Reply
  16. Jennifer Roussel says

    March 13, 2013 at 1:25 pm

    What a wonderful tribute to such a beautiful young lady who obviously lived her life fully. My heart goes out to all of you.

    Reply
    • Margarete says

      March 19, 2013 at 1:59 pm

      Thank you, Jennifer. xo

      Reply
  17. debbbie says

    March 13, 2013 at 1:30 pm

    that was such a beautiful story u have a beautiful girl there happy birthday jena

    Reply
  18. Tommy Danger says

    March 13, 2013 at 2:21 pm

    Dear Jena, oh how you were a life changer. I never got to meet you but from the stories I can see you have changed so many lives. I know your parents are proud and will not just look at you but look up to you. 13 is too young yet you made 13 years a masterpiece of a life that could of been a disaster. That my friend is the sign of a hero and a role model. Today I run for you and as I run I will carry 13 pennies leaving them along my path through the state of Mississippi. My journey has brought me through the good and bad over thousands of miles but its stories like this and people like you that open my eyes and make me think of why we need a cure. You are constantly on my mind along with your brother and family. I am a lucky dude to have read about you. Your smile makes my heart smile. Keep changing lives even in heaven my friend. The MTJM family is here for your family always and forever!!!

    Reply
    • Margarete says

      March 14, 2013 at 2:53 pm

      Tommy,
      You made me cry…tears streaming down my face. I read this to Marc…trying to smile as I cried…knowing Jena’s spirit was with you as you ran.

      I can’t wait to give you a huge hug on the 13th in Daytona when you finish your amazing run across this country!

      More Than Just Miles….xoxoxoxoxoxox

      Reply
  19. Leigh says

    March 13, 2013 at 2:29 pm

    I am so very sorry for the loss of your beautiful, daughter. She seemed like an amazing and strong girl. Happy Birthday, Jena! I know she is rocking Heaven. All my best.

    Reply
    • Margarete says

      March 14, 2013 at 2:55 pm

      Leigh, thank you.
      She was, is and always will be xoxox
      And you can bet she’s rocking it out up there!

      Reply
  20. Catherine Strisower-Runnells says

    March 13, 2013 at 6:50 pm

    What a great website. I wish I had done something like this for my daughter, Jessica, who passed away from cf at the age of 16. She would be 21 now.
    I hope Jena and Jessica meet in heaven…

    Reply
    • Margarete says

      March 14, 2013 at 2:56 pm

      Catherine,
      I’m so very sorry for your loss.
      I’m sure Jena and Jessica are already friends…xo

      Reply
  21. Sandy says

    March 13, 2013 at 8:28 pm

    What an amazing tribute to your daughter. I read your book. Your whole family is an inspiration. Happy birthday Jenna! Thanks for sharing her with us. From another cf mama. Love always.

    Reply
    • Margarete says

      March 14, 2013 at 2:58 pm

      Sandy,
      Thank you. Us CF Mamas are in this together!
      xo

      Reply
  22. Breck Gamel says

    March 13, 2013 at 8:40 pm

    Beautiful.

    Reply
    • Margarete says

      March 14, 2013 at 2:57 pm

      Thanks Breck xo

      Reply
  23. Joyce Bartlett says

    March 13, 2013 at 9:31 pm

    Today I set out from our boat here in Vero Beach FL with 13 pennies in my pocket. Determined to leave a breadcrumb trail in just the right places in honor of Jena. Never dreamed where this little journey would take me. I’d like to share just a few moments of my day with you. A beautiful little Veterans Memorial park on the Indian River, a place I’ve driven by many times but never took the time to stop. Holy Cross Church – I checked the door of the Blessed Sacrament Chapel and it was open. I walked up to the front row and as I sat down one of my pennies fell out of my pocket and jingled on the floor behind me:) Then down to the beach to see the surf where I left more pennies just at the high tide line, and finally the beautiful fountain on the grounds here on my way back into our marina. Happy Birthday Jena and thank you Margarete for letting us share in your lives. It brought joy to my day.

    Reply
    • Margarete says

      March 14, 2013 at 2:41 pm

      Joyce that is beautiful!

      Reply
  24. mistie says

    March 14, 2013 at 5:06 pm

    My sister has cystic fybrosis. She is a miracle she is 28.I love her so much. It touch’s my heart to read about someone with this disease.

    Reply
    • Margarete says

      March 19, 2013 at 2:00 pm

      Mistie,
      How is your sister doing? Please know, we are all in this together…until CF stands for Cure FOUND!

      Reply
  25. James Nenni says

    March 14, 2013 at 8:07 pm

    Mrs. Cassalina,
    It’s been a while since I have spoken to you but I just wanted you to know that you, your family and especially Jenna will always remain in my thoughts and prayers. Jenna was a sweet, beautiful girl and I have wonderful memories of our friendship during our Bishop Dunn years. One thing about Jenna that has always stuck with me, was her sense of humor. She could make me laugh out loud and made my days at Bishop Dunn a little more brighter.

    I was honored and humbled when I received The Jenna Cassalina Award for Determination. My mom has held on to that award and was humbled herself, and often takes out the award from a safe place to look at it and reflect on its meaning.

    Please know that Jenna and her family will forever remain in my thoughts and prayers.

    Love,
    James Nenni III

    Reply
    • Margarete says

      March 19, 2013 at 2:04 pm

      James,

      Thank you so much for writing…you brought a huge smile to my face.
      I wish you all wonderful things…I am sure you have and will continue to do amazing things with your life.
      xo,
      Margarete

      Reply
  26. Michele Covelli-Lofaro says

    March 15, 2013 at 1:37 am

    WOW! That was amazing! I love, love, love how you keep Jenna’s spirit alive in your heart as well as in others who knew her. I admire all that you have done for CF. You always manage to keep a smile on your face which shows your strengh and determination. There are going to be 13 very lucky people. Happy birthday Jenna and keep smiling 🙂

    Reply
    • Margarete says

      March 19, 2013 at 2:01 pm

      Thanks Michelle,
      Jena lives in the hearts of others and that’s how she stays so alive and well.

      xoxox

      there are certainly a lot of “lucky” people out there, finding all those “lucky” Jena pennies! xo

      Reply
  27. Ian Gileski says

    March 23, 2013 at 1:40 pm

    I so wish I (we) had been able to meet Jena…because with a Family and parents like you and Marc, she HAD to be amazing!

    Smiles and love to you, Marc and Eric!

    Reply
  28. Ina Davidson says

    November 9, 2013 at 12:26 am

    Hi,
    I don’t know if you remember me – I met you at a CF meeting soon after my grandson Robert died of CF. He was 13 years old as well. I remember when Jena died – I was so heartbroken & she was so beautiful, brave, & an inspiration to everyone. We also celebrate Rob’s birthday every year – he was very special as most CF kids are.
    I applaud you & the work you do for CF – You and your family are wonderful & the best parents!! Keep up the good work. I do run a fund raiser each year selling my vintage clothing with all proceeds going to CF. I wish I could do more but the years are catching up to me.
    Keep up the great work you are doing – you are so special
    Ina Davidson

    Reply
    • Margarete says

      November 24, 2013 at 2:18 pm

      Hello Ina,
      Thank you for reaching out and saying hello.

      I know Rob and Jena are watching down always…helping us find that cure.

      All my best,
      Margarete

      Reply
  29. Lisa says

    March 13, 2016 at 3:08 pm

    beautiful tribute … I always applaud all the work you do for CF and your smile… when I am sure it’s hard to smile some days. I send people to your blog and book.. often.

    Reply
    • Margarete says

      March 14, 2016 at 1:42 pm

      Thank you,Lisa. xo

      Reply

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