A Zest for Life
Jamie Hess was diagnosed with Chronic Myelogeneous Leukemia in March, 2001. Jamie was an energetic, intelligent young boy who had a zest for life equaled only by his contagious smile, determined spirit, and compassionate heart. He was involved in the gifted and talented program at his school, Cub Scouts, soccer, piano, swimming, Odyssey of the Mind, and church activities. One weekend after swimming strong in a swim meet and scoring big in his soccer game, Jamie had a chronic pain in his side. After going to the Dr., it was discovered that Jamie had an elevated white cell count and a spleen that was triple in size. He was instantly admitted to the hospital and given a diagnosis of CML. Jamie continued to live his life with enthusiasm and took on a mantra of living each day to its fullest, one day at a time. Throughout all medical situations, Jamie stayed strong and positive, shining his bright smile and dancing eyes. He had a gift of being able to meet each day with newfound glee, willing to accept whatever challenges came his way and ending each day by stating gratitude for various friends or events he experienced that day. As a result of the positive energy and disposition that Jamie exuded, the community in Hanover County surrounded him with love and much support. Swim-a-thons and community events were set up to support the family as well as a 5k race. An author who kept up with Jamie’s story and saw that “smile” wrote a book in memory of Jamie. Jamie underwent two bone marrow transplants. His body was not able to endure with the same zest as his spirit. He died February 26, 2002. Due to his contagious spirit, many people continue to honor the legacy of his heart and smile. A Pediatric Bone Marrow Research Fund was established in his name. Many of the programs that were developed to support Jamie continue to raise money to support other children in need of Bone Marrow Transplants. Over 1000 new donors have been added to the Bone Marrow registry and education programs are ongoing to educate people about bone marrow needs and pediatric cancer support. We are ever grateful for the opportunity to share our lives with Jamie and to continue to honor the “Legacy of his Heart.”
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