Wilks Remembered through her Foundation

The following article published in the “Hill Country News” by Jenn Raines

Jennifer Wilks should have graduated from Vista Ridge High School last May and should be enjoying her freshman year of college. Those moments to be vanished when Jennifer lost her battle with cancer on Nov. 25, 2005.

Jennifer spent three years of her short life fighting Acute Myeloid Leukemia. She had three bone marrow transplants, endured several rounds of chemotherapy and spent over 400 days in the hospital.

During the time Jennifer spent battling leukemia, she and her family received much support from charities such as the “Make-A-Wish Foundation”, which granted Jennifer’s wish to take a Disney cruise.

After Jennifer’s passing, her family decide to find a way to give back to the charities that helped them so much. Tim Wilks, Jennifer’s father, said he wanted to help support and give back to the charities that helped bring a smile to Jennifer’s face.

Though Jennifer passed away over two years ago, her memory and her smile that inspired everyone around her still live on today through the work of the Jennifer Wilks Foundation.

So far, the Jennifer Wilks Foundation has granted a wish through Make-A-Wish for a child to go to Disney World, given money to Camp Discovery and Camp Grey Dove – camps for children with cancer and their siblings – and given financial support to families through the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

“The community has always supported us and we felt this was our way to give back”, said Wilks.

One Response to “Wilks Remembered through her Foundation”

1. Jeanette Gillespie says:

   May 12, 2009 at 10:25 am

   She and her family are very precious people. Their love and friendship are the most inspirational of anyone I have ever known. I wish them the best in all their future endeavors. Thanks so much for being my friend.