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Dear Jena,
The holidays. For so many, they’re filled with joy and laughter. But for others, they bring heartache—a reminder of those we’ve lost and the empty spaces they leave behind.

It’s been 18 years since you’ve been gone. Eighteen years since I last held you, heard your laugh, or looked into your beautiful eyes. Yet somehow, you still find ways to let me know you’re near. The pennies, the #13s, the perfectly timed #NoCoincidence moments—they remind me that love never ends.

The day after Thanksgiving, your lungs collapsed, and we spent a week in the ICU, praying for a transplant that never came. That week was a roller coaster of hope, heartbreak, and the unbearable reality of letting you go.

Even now, the pain can hit me like it was yesterday. Grief has no timeline, no rules. The empty seat at the table, the memories that flood back without warning—they’re constant reminders of what was and what will never be.

But Jena, you’ve taught me something beautiful: love transcends time and space. Even though you’re not physically here, you are alive in my heart, in the lives you’ve touched, and in the signs you send.

You’ve shown me how precious it is to treasure the moments with those we love, whether they are here or have gone.

To anyone who feels the ache of loss this season, know this: love never ends. Your loved one is still with you—in your heart, in your memories, and in those small, unexpected signs.

Be gentle with yourself. Grief isn’t something to “get over”; it’s something you learn to carry.

And to those with their family whole this holiday season, hold them close. Hug tighter. Say “I love you” more. Life is unpredictable, and love is the greatest gift we have.

Jena, you are my proof that love never ends. Thank you for guiding me, for reminding me to let go of the little things, and for teaching me to live fully.

I miss you more than words can say. You’ll always be in my heart.

See you in my dreams, my sweet girl.
Love you more,
Mommy ❤️ ...

✨ Today marks 16 years since **Beyond Breathing** became a book. What began as a diary—a way to navigate the depths of losing my daughter Jena to Cystic Fibrosis—has transformed into a lifeline for so many. I’m humbled by the impact it has had on others and grateful that Jena continues to touch lives, even from heaven.

If you ever find a penny or a peppermint patty, take a moment to look up and remember: love never ends. 💖

Thank you to all who continue to keep her spirit alive! #BeyondBreathing #LoveNeverEnds #jenapennies ...

Happy 57th Birthday, Marc! 🎉

You’ve gone from being the best boyfriend to an incredible husband, a fantastic father, to the most wonderful, sentimental, and playful Papa. I love sharing all the amazing versions of you, but the one we share together is the absolute best.
❤️Here’s to making more meaningful memories together! I love you, 💋 ...

🌟 What an unforgettable night at the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Minnesota Breath of Life Gala!

I had the honor of sharing my story with 650 incredible individuals who are just as passionate about conquering Cystic Fibrosis as I am. ❤️Together, we are committed to making CF stand for "Cured Forever, for Everyone!"

I’m beyond thrilled to share that we raised an astonishing $900,000 for The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation! 🎉

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who was so kind, generous, and welcoming.
Minnesota, you have truly touched my heart.
I already miss you all and can’t wait for the day we celebrate a future without CF!
💙 #BreathOfLife #CureCF #Grateful ...

💕 us ...

The past five days at the North American Cystic Fibrosis Conference in Boston were filled with gratitude and emotion. 5,000 people from 42 countries for one cause—Cystic Fibrosis—was unforgettable. The dedication of brilliant minds working for CF is truly inspiring. We’ve made great progress, but our journey continues.

Soul-Stirring Connections
Meeting dedicated scientists, researchers, and clinicians who work tirelessly to improve CF patients’ lives was inspiring. Every conversation was filled with hope and innovative ideas for treatments—and ultimately, a cure. I’m grateful for all the efforts being made to ensure healthier futures for our loved ones.

To CF parents: we are in this together, fighting for our children’s futures. Let’s continue supporting one another, as our strength lies in unity.

To our pharma family: thank you for your dedication. Your commitment to breakthroughs gives us hope. We need you now more than ever, and we appreciate all you do.

Inspiration from the CF Community
Adults living with CF, you are my inspiration. Your resilience shows us that brighter days are ahead.

Where Strangers Become Family
This conference unites people from all over the world in our common fight against CF, forging bonds that are unbreakable.

A special shout-out to Bob Emmelkamp—a true altruistic heart! Thank you for hosting such a beautiful dinner. Your generosity and support mean so much to all of us.

Highlights from the Plenaries
• Genetic Therapies: Progress in CF genetic therapies, led by Daniel Siegwart, PhD, could restore CFTR function for all mutations.
• Cystic Fibrosis-Related Diabetes (CFRD): Experts Rebecca Hull-Meichle, PhD, and Melissa Putman, MD, shared groundbreaking advances in CFRD treatments as patients live longer.
• Reproductive Health: New insights into fertility and pregnancy challenges for CF patients, with more family-building options available.
Thank you, Boston, for an unforgettable NACFC 2024. Let’s keep pushing forward until it’s done—for everyone.
#CysticFibrosisFoundation #NACFC2024 @dylan.mortimer @computerbob77 @marquis2209 #Boston #UntilItsDone #CFWarriors ...