Jenna Kast was a very happy and active girl whose smile would light up a room and whose giggle couldn’t help but make you smile. As the youngest of three children, Jenna never had a problem keeping up with her older brother and sister. Jenna loved to dance, sing, and play soccer and softball. She would always cheer on her brother and sister at all of their sporting events. Jenna enjoyed spending time with her cousins and friends too. She was the happiest when surrounded by friends and family.
Jenna was only 3½ years old when she was diagnosed with an ependymoma brain tumor. She fought courageously for 8 years enduring eight brain surgeries, three 6-week rounds of radiation and three clinical trials consisting of different chemotherapy treatments. All the while Jenna never lost her enthusiasm for life. She would continually say, “I know God has a plan for me.” On July 4, 2010 God called Jenna home. We miss her dearly but continue to feel her presence all around us.
JENNA’S PRAYER
Dear Lord,
Please bless me and make me better.
I know You treasure me always.
I always know You are with me.
You are in my heart always.
I am sorry for anything wrong I have done.
I try to do everything to please you.
Please guide the sick with Your light
So they may see You and will be blessed.
AmenJenna Kast, May 2010
Believe in Miracles was Important to Jenna
Believe in Miracles meant a lot to Jenna. A couple of years ago we were working on a wish for a young girl who wanted a swimming pool. This was a really fun wish for us and Jenna was really enjoying it. One day she and I were leaving a store after buying some pool supplies. Jenna suddenly got real serious in the car – which was unusual for her. She told me she didn’t want to have any more brain tumors. I said I didn’t want that either. Then she said, “Well, what about Believe in Miracles? Can we still have Believe in Miracles if I don’t have any more brain tumors?” I said, “Well, of course we can. We’ll always have Believe in Miracles.” She had a big smile on her face and seemed very relieved. Then she said, “Well, what if I never ever had a brain tumor, would we have started Believe in Miracles?” I said, “Well, I guess not. We probably would never have thought of it.” Then Jenna proudly said, “Well, then it’s a good thing I had brain tumors! But I don’t want to have any more!!”
Although healing Jenna’s cancer wasn’t part of God’s plan, Believe in Miracles was and her memory will live on in the hearts of children for years to come. Jenna was our miracle – a special gift from God – who left us memories of a beautiful joyful spirit. She always thought of others and how she could brighten their day.
Jenna’s story, her life, has changed the way people see the world. Hers is a story of great faith, great hope and great love. Hers is the story of a Brave Little Soul.