Every year I am asked to reflect on the story that most affected me the past 12 months. Finding that story this time was a no-brainer. After all, it was the only assignment that moved me to tears.

More than once.

I'm sure I'm not the only one who got so caught up in the story of little Jenna Christner, the 11-year-old Rostraver Township girl whose battle with acute myelogenic leukemia made news more than once in 2006.

Jenna's story first came across my desk in June, when I wrote about a bone marrow typing and blood replenishment drive to benefit the youngster.

I didn't know her personally, but I've known her father, John, and grandfather, Charles "Chinny" Christner, for years. I've always considered Chinny to be a great friend, and his sons are true gentlemen.

This story was tough enough, because I was writing about a beautiful, innocent little girl in the fight of her life, it became more personal for me because I know the family.

As is the case anytime something so terrible happens to a family of such a great quality, my faith was tested.

Although I believe and trust in God, I found myself asking the obvious question: "Why?"

Jenna was diagnosed with AML in December 2004, and battled the illness for six months.

She endured many painful treatments that racked her tiny body.

Still, according to her parents, she never complained. Jenna kept her head up and continued to be what she was - a child - as best she could.

The leukemia went into remission, which caused the family to feel a sense of relief.

However, in May, she suffered a relapse. This time, the illness ravaged her to the extent every form of treatment seemed to end up with little success or hope.

I remember talking to Chinny before Jenna underwent the bone marrow transplant. While I won't discuss all he said, he did not paint a pretty picture.

I remember looking at photos of Jenna taken at Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, and there she was smiling and looking like any child - my child. Except in this case, the little sweetheart was gravely ill.

I don't think you have to be a parent to sense the helplessness I felt as I learned more about Jenna's condition. Before and after the bone marrow transplant, I prayed for her. And I wasn't the only one.

The support Jenna received throughout her ordeal from the Mon Valley gave the family strength. It appears those prayers were answered, because today Jenna seems to be well on her way to recovering.

She has a way to go before she can return to school, but her parents are hopeful that Jenna can do so before the term ends next spring.

In November, Jenna made her first public appearance in months when she attended her youth football cheerleader banquet.

"That was very satisfying for her," her mom, Tracy said. "She went with no wig. For an 11-year-old and the things they all do, that was something. She walked in there with her head held high.

"She was just Jenna Christner, an 11-year-old girl at her cheerleading banquet, nothing more. That's what she wanted."

It is said that children are resilient, and Jenna proved that adage to be true through her ordeal.

As her father said, one of the ironies of Jenna's illness is that it was the child who often protected the parents' feelings and not vice-versa.

John Christner recalled how, when she would be really sick, Jenna would hide her condition so her parents would not worry.

Even in her condition, Jenna had the maturity and character to think of her parents and not herself.

Some girl, huh?

Yes, more than once over the last year I cried over Jenna Christner. But the last time I shed tears for her were tears of joy when I learned the transplant seemed to be helping.

In this holiday season, one of my biggest wishes is that I never have to cry for her again.

And I hope that one day Jenna passes her spirit and spunk on to children of her own as she lives a long, happy, normal life

From: Jeff Oliver joliver@tribweb.com

 

back to Leukemia News Home

 

back to top

NOTE: This web site is designed for educational purposes only and is not engaged in rendering medical advice. The information provided through this site should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or a disease. If you have or suspect you may have a health problem, you should consult your health care provider