Jenna Lynn Baldonado, 20, of Honolulu, died May 15, 2005. She was born in Guam. Survived by: parents, Fred and Virgie Baldonado; brother, Derick Baldonado; paternal grandparents, Benjamin and Irene Baldonado; maternal grandfather, Frank Tominez; paternal great grandmother, Flora Baldonado; several aunts, uncles, and cousins. Services will be Thursday, May 19, 2005, at St. Philomena. Visitation will begin 9:00 am and the Mass at 10:00 am. Arrangements under the direction of Borthwick Mortuary in Honolulu, HI.
*************************************
THE BIOGRAPHY OF JENNA LYNN BALDONADO
Jenna Lynn Baldonado was born on December 4, 1984 in the tropical island of Guam. (The tropical island of Guam is America's gateway to the Western Pacific and Asia. Guam is geographically located just 1,500 miles south of Japan and 3,800 miles west of Hawaii. Here you'll find a tropical island experience with picturesque beaches, cliff lines and perfect weather conditions. Guam provides the ideal playground for those who've always dreamed of visiting paradise.)
She was delivered at Guam Memorial Hospital weighing 6lbs 13 oz and 21 inches in length along with a mop full of hair. The parents Fred & Virgie are of Filipino heritage on both sides with 2 sets of grandparents. Her name was adopted from the popular night time soap "Dallas", in which Priscilla Presley played the old flame of Bobby Ewing known as Jenna Wade.
Here are some of her known favorites:
Favorite color – Lavender
Favorite Dish – Chicken Adobo, Cucumber Salad/w vinegar and soy sauce
Favorite sport – Gymnastics
Goal – She had aspirations to become a teacher (Favoring heavily on Mathematics)
Her father is a member of the Armed Forces (United States Army), which would explain her constant relocations around the globe, but that was never a problem or concern for Jenna, so she had dealt with being a military brat and adjusting to always being a new kid on the block.
Mom and Jenna left Guam for Colorado Springs, Colorado as soon as she was safely permissible to board a flight at 4 months old. This is where she first experienced the wonderful winters and snow. In one year there, a blizzard of snow. A storm that prevented work for a couple of days. Jenna often suited up to make snow angels during this stage. A feat she would show her brother Derick later as a big sister.
At the age of 3, her long black hair was a few inches shy of the back of her knee. Thinking that her hair was the reason for stunting her growth, the parents shortened it almost a foot now measuring to only to the bottom of her shoulder blades. It was here where she first met her first companion, Lance Gilbert son of Joe and Chung-In Gilbert from Colorado Springs, CO.
Their first change of duty station was to Nuernberg, Germany from February 1989 – June 1992. Jenna was introduced to ballet, cheerleading, girl scouts as part of the youth sports program. She had vivid memories of traveling all over Europe. Involved in learning the German culture, she participated in numerous volksmarches with her parents while on her Dad's back or on top of his shoulders spending quality time enjoying the scenic countryside for 10-20 kilometers on weekends.
She attended kindergarten thru 2nd grade in Pastorius Elementary. A little girl with a giant voice, Jenna would volunteer for the more extensive parts or leading roles in school plays. One Christmas she had played an angel, who bravely came out to the audience to say, "Do not be afraid, I bring you good news! The Christ child is born." Certainly, a Kodak moment who stole the show. Tear ducts were shot!!!! On the other hand, because she was the smallest in size and cute, she had her share of bullies. Older children would take advantage of her by tying her shoe laces to the seat on the school bus until her parents got tired of shoelaces always being untied coming off the bus and sometimes crying. Needless to say it was fixed…..It was here where she met her first girlfriend Latwanna Taylor (A close friend and daughter of Lonnie and Tammy Taylor of San Antonio, TX). Because Jenna was always getting compliments of how pretty she was, Virgie sent Jenna's photo for a contest. This was a circulation for an American / European military magazine called Oversea's Post which selected Jenna as the winner of "the Kid Next Door".
Next stop, Ft. Bragg NC where her fine points were taking piano lessons, gymnastics, karate, a singing group known as the Red and White Jammers and a member of the D.A.R.E club in school.
She was one of a few girls I've seen running with dresses, stockings on with dress shoes and come in 1st place during 3rd and 4th grades at physical education. Running came easy, earning 1st place medals during school assemblies. Her only demise is always being the shortest kid during elementary grades. Later, growing to only 4 feet, 10 inches tall. During pre-teen years, she loved and admired the addition to the family, Derick, her younger brother. She was 10 yrs his elder. As an only child, she had difficulty sharing things with friends, but not with the brother. She was everything to him, a second Mom, a big sister and friend. During this time her Uncle Frank was stationed with 82nd Airborne Division. He to would stop by the house to cook for Jenna and this meal always included the special cucumber salad. She enjoyed playing with friends around the neighborhood and never had problems with other children's race or native background. She was approachable to anyone who befriended her. Her childhood friends would always come over to playing her room and sleep-overs are always to the early mornings. Jenna had a magnetic personality that drew people to her, often being the loud, bossy at times and leader of the pack. Jenna spent most summers traveling to points of interests while in the East Coast; like the statue of liberty in New York, Washington D.C., Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, all the way down to the theme parks in Orlando, Florida. One of her joys was driving with the family for hours cross country or coast to coast. A couple of memorable ones are the drive from California to Buffalo N.Y. for Uncle Ray's & Auntie Tammy's wedding, New York to Florida with the Uncle Dennis, Aunties Vilma and Stephanie with cousin Kaechelle and of N.C. to Colorado to visit the Grandma Jovita & Grandpa Frank Tominez. Each new place a keychain was bought as a souvenir. This is her collection of all the memories through the ages.
She spent her middle and high school years bouncing between Ft. Lee, Virginia & Ft. Bragg, North Carolina.
Jenna Lynn is a typical teenager that followed the trend of long bell bottom jeans, baggy T-shirts (some borrowed from Dad's closet), not to leave out the FUBU jerseys, and the white sketcher gym shoes, but she always made the grades. Later, going to more sophisticated clothing. Auntie Terry Layco and Ms. Denise Swam would make sure she was keeping up with trendiest styles. Although she had some, she never was really high-strung on brand name wear but if it looked good it met her standards. Following in the Mom's footsteps, she also played in the band. Her chosen instrument was the flute to the Mom's clarinet. Her preference in music was modern Hip Hop.
She attended Seventy First High School Falcons in North Carolina. As an elective, Jenna was also part of the Air Force Junior ROTC drill team which won a mandatory drill competition in one meet. She had pride in her appearance and took a quick course from Dad in shining footgear. Part of the wonder years, she participated in ROTC Ball and her senior prom. The parents had given Jenna a Luau as her graduation party complete with hula dancers. A true milestone for everyone, she is a proud graduate of Class 2002 (school colors – red & white).
She joined her family to Camp Zama, Japan to experience a different culture for a few months. Not to mention her parents weren't ready to leave her on her own. As a result, she involuntarily took a few months off until she would turn 18 to relax from school and earn some money of her own. There, she worked for AAFES Retail in Camp Zama, Japan as a sales associate earning the spot of employee of the month for customer service with a smile (her trademark)
On her 18th birthday (2002), she spent a part of her hard earned income on a ticket to Guam, her birthplace where she had not seen since 1995. Her plans included visiting her roots and the beauty of the island. Much to her surprise, a birthday party was hosted by her paternal grandparents, Ben and Irene Baldonado. This birthday was an extravagant one, an 18th birthday Debut signifying adulthood. This was her day surrounded by an entourage of young gentlemen to take her hand for dancing all night, mainly the waltz and cha cha. First dances belong to the Grandfather followed by her uncles then to the young gents (dressed semi-formal) waiting in line, with only sporadic breaks to mingle with her own court.
The following day, she experienced her first typhoon which prolonged her stay there to 10 days. Jenna often hung out with Uncle Nelson during her stay. This is something she had not seen before: high winds, lack of water, no electricity, and pouring rain mixed in with it. She couldn't believe the precautions and hard work for preparing for such storms. With her amazement, even using candles as a substitute for electricity made her appreciate the good life.
A few months would pass and she returned to North Carolina to attend college. This was her year of independence and to also experience the challenges of college. It took awhile to get use to being away on both sides. She enjoyed her independence, campus life, friends, her classes and the weekends, but of course missed Mom's home-cooking. Jenna came home for Christmas that year; it was a joyous occasion for all of us. We went on a few tours and snowboarding in the mountains of Japan. One day out with friends she fell on her right hip. She complained of pains, but chose to get checked upon her return to North Carolina. Just as she promised, she went in for examinations in Womack Army Medical Center. This was the initial start of it all, our challenges together with cancer.
On January 28 2004, I received the phone call, the prognosis was cancer; I was scared like I have never experienced. Our family quickly picked up and went on emergency leave staying for 3 weeks for their confirmation. At Duke University Medical Center, doctors confirmed through many scans, images and a biopsy, a rare bone cancer called Ewing Sarcoma. Jenna had to defer her college education and we immediately had transfer orders for Hawaii and redirected for care at Tripler Army Medical Center on February 28, 2004. The Pediatric Clinic was well aware of our arrival.
She tolerated 14 cycles of chemotherapy and a high dose of radiation which shrunk the tumor to half its original size in July. Of all the horrid side effects of treatment, she hated losing her hair, nausea, diarrhea and loss of appetite, but nothing was more of a turn off to her than needles. At this point of the summer (midway through the treatment), she was growing her hair back and was feeling good about herself and had plans on resuming college. She finished treatment in the later part of Oct 2004. At this point, things took a turn for the worse, the tumor was real aggressive and chemo was just defending the vital organs from being inflicted. She began to walk with a noticeable limp again; we seem to be okay November thru early part of December. By Christmas we had found that the images showed no positive signs, tumor had not decreased, so we opted for a minor surgery to take out her right side tailbone, an operation called Ischiectomy on January 3 2005. After this surgery, she had returned to the operating room 7 other times to control the infection which was causing her high fevers. Two weeks later we found ourselves making the TOUGHEST decision of our life which was either LIFE or LIMB. Our daughter chose to live longer and take the chance of taking the tumor out completely with a hemipelvectomy (amputation). She started back up with chemotherapy again in FEB 05. At this point, she was just fighting for her life. Her courage, determination to live Life brought out a smile through even the worst possible times you can imagine; is what she is admired for. Jenna is respected as a fighter and a motivational figure for other cancer patients in the ward and in camp. In her last few weeks, her tumor grew larger at an alarming rate and it was evident that it was making her weaker in the later part of April. Given 6 to 8 weeks life expectancy, her family satisfied her wish of wanting to see all her cousins' altogether and a bonus, her ultimate wish of seeing Josh, her boyfriend once more. After all her wishes were met, Jenna Lynn Baldonado passed away on Sunday, 3:00 p.m., May 15, 2005 at Tripler Army Medical Center in Honolulu, Hawaii.
Though it is hard, we are proud of her courage and strong will to fight. Jenna left us at a tender age of 20. She will be missed dearly by family, friends and loved ones. Her tough and relentless battle with cancer is one that you have to respect considering all that she had experienced. Her place will always be in our hearts and of all the fond memories of her life that continues in a beautiful place where there is no pain, no suffering and no hurt. A place she is loved and in peace.
The memorial service was held in St. Philomena Church on May 19 2005. Many families, friends and medical staff at the hospital attended, all whom honored her life.
LIVE STRONG …….OUR SWEET JENNA
*************************************
THE BIOGRAPHY OF JENNA LYNN BALDONADO
Jenna Lynn Baldonado was born on December 4, 1984 in the tropical island of Guam. (The tropical island of Guam is America's gateway to the Western Pacific and Asia. Guam is geographically located just 1,500 miles south of Japan and 3,800 miles west of Hawaii. Here you'll find a tropical island experience with picturesque beaches, cliff lines and perfect weather conditions. Guam provides the ideal playground for those who've always dreamed of visiting paradise.)
She was delivered at Guam Memorial Hospital weighing 6lbs 13 oz and 21 inches in length along with a mop full of hair. The parents Fred & Virgie are of Filipino heritage on both sides with 2 sets of grandparents. Her name was adopted from the popular night time soap "Dallas", in which Priscilla Presley played the old flame of Bobby Ewing known as Jenna Wade.
Here are some of her known favorites:
Favorite color – Lavender
Favorite Dish – Chicken Adobo, Cucumber Salad/w vinegar and soy sauce
Favorite sport – Gymnastics
Goal – She had aspirations to become a teacher (Favoring heavily on Mathematics)
Her father is a member of the Armed Forces (United States Army), which would explain her constant relocations around the globe, but that was never a problem or concern for Jenna, so she had dealt with being a military brat and adjusting to always being a new kid on the block.
Mom and Jenna left Guam for Colorado Springs, Colorado as soon as she was safely permissible to board a flight at 4 months old. This is where she first experienced the wonderful winters and snow. In one year there, a blizzard of snow. A storm that prevented work for a couple of days. Jenna often suited up to make snow angels during this stage. A feat she would show her brother Derick later as a big sister.
At the age of 3, her long black hair was a few inches shy of the back of her knee. Thinking that her hair was the reason for stunting her growth, the parents shortened it almost a foot now measuring to only to the bottom of her shoulder blades. It was here where she first met her first companion, Lance Gilbert son of Joe and Chung-In Gilbert from Colorado Springs, CO.
Their first change of duty station was to Nuernberg, Germany from February 1989 – June 1992. Jenna was introduced to ballet, cheerleading, girl scouts as part of the youth sports program. She had vivid memories of traveling all over Europe. Involved in learning the German culture, she participated in numerous volksmarches with her parents while on her Dad's back or on top of his shoulders spending quality time enjoying the scenic countryside for 10-20 kilometers on weekends.
She attended kindergarten thru 2nd grade in Pastorius Elementary. A little girl with a giant voice, Jenna would volunteer for the more extensive parts or leading roles in school plays. One Christmas she had played an angel, who bravely came out to the audience to say, "Do not be afraid, I bring you good news! The Christ child is born." Certainly, a Kodak moment who stole the show. Tear ducts were shot!!!! On the other hand, because she was the smallest in size and cute, she had her share of bullies. Older children would take advantage of her by tying her shoe laces to the seat on the school bus until her parents got tired of shoelaces always being untied coming off the bus and sometimes crying. Needless to say it was fixed…..It was here where she met her first girlfriend Latwanna Taylor (A close friend and daughter of Lonnie and Tammy Taylor of San Antonio, TX). Because Jenna was always getting compliments of how pretty she was, Virgie sent Jenna's photo for a contest. This was a circulation for an American / European military magazine called Oversea's Post which selected Jenna as the winner of "the Kid Next Door".
Next stop, Ft. Bragg NC where her fine points were taking piano lessons, gymnastics, karate, a singing group known as the Red and White Jammers and a member of the D.A.R.E club in school.
She was one of a few girls I've seen running with dresses, stockings on with dress shoes and come in 1st place during 3rd and 4th grades at physical education. Running came easy, earning 1st place medals during school assemblies. Her only demise is always being the shortest kid during elementary grades. Later, growing to only 4 feet, 10 inches tall. During pre-teen years, she loved and admired the addition to the family, Derick, her younger brother. She was 10 yrs his elder. As an only child, she had difficulty sharing things with friends, but not with the brother. She was everything to him, a second Mom, a big sister and friend. During this time her Uncle Frank was stationed with 82nd Airborne Division. He to would stop by the house to cook for Jenna and this meal always included the special cucumber salad. She enjoyed playing with friends around the neighborhood and never had problems with other children's race or native background. She was approachable to anyone who befriended her. Her childhood friends would always come over to playing her room and sleep-overs are always to the early mornings. Jenna had a magnetic personality that drew people to her, often being the loud, bossy at times and leader of the pack. Jenna spent most summers traveling to points of interests while in the East Coast; like the statue of liberty in New York, Washington D.C., Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, all the way down to the theme parks in Orlando, Florida. One of her joys was driving with the family for hours cross country or coast to coast. A couple of memorable ones are the drive from California to Buffalo N.Y. for Uncle Ray's & Auntie Tammy's wedding, New York to Florida with the Uncle Dennis, Aunties Vilma and Stephanie with cousin Kaechelle and of N.C. to Colorado to visit the Grandma Jovita & Grandpa Frank Tominez. Each new place a keychain was bought as a souvenir. This is her collection of all the memories through the ages.
She spent her middle and high school years bouncing between Ft. Lee, Virginia & Ft. Bragg, North Carolina.
Jenna Lynn is a typical teenager that followed the trend of long bell bottom jeans, baggy T-shirts (some borrowed from Dad's closet), not to leave out the FUBU jerseys, and the white sketcher gym shoes, but she always made the grades. Later, going to more sophisticated clothing. Auntie Terry Layco and Ms. Denise Swam would make sure she was keeping up with trendiest styles. Although she had some, she never was really high-strung on brand name wear but if it looked good it met her standards. Following in the Mom's footsteps, she also played in the band. Her chosen instrument was the flute to the Mom's clarinet. Her preference in music was modern Hip Hop.
She attended Seventy First High School Falcons in North Carolina. As an elective, Jenna was also part of the Air Force Junior ROTC drill team which won a mandatory drill competition in one meet. She had pride in her appearance and took a quick course from Dad in shining footgear. Part of the wonder years, she participated in ROTC Ball and her senior prom. The parents had given Jenna a Luau as her graduation party complete with hula dancers. A true milestone for everyone, she is a proud graduate of Class 2002 (school colors – red & white).
She joined her family to Camp Zama, Japan to experience a different culture for a few months. Not to mention her parents weren't ready to leave her on her own. As a result, she involuntarily took a few months off until she would turn 18 to relax from school and earn some money of her own. There, she worked for AAFES Retail in Camp Zama, Japan as a sales associate earning the spot of employee of the month for customer service with a smile (her trademark)
On her 18th birthday (2002), she spent a part of her hard earned income on a ticket to Guam, her birthplace where she had not seen since 1995. Her plans included visiting her roots and the beauty of the island. Much to her surprise, a birthday party was hosted by her paternal grandparents, Ben and Irene Baldonado. This birthday was an extravagant one, an 18th birthday Debut signifying adulthood. This was her day surrounded by an entourage of young gentlemen to take her hand for dancing all night, mainly the waltz and cha cha. First dances belong to the Grandfather followed by her uncles then to the young gents (dressed semi-formal) waiting in line, with only sporadic breaks to mingle with her own court.
The following day, she experienced her first typhoon which prolonged her stay there to 10 days. Jenna often hung out with Uncle Nelson during her stay. This is something she had not seen before: high winds, lack of water, no electricity, and pouring rain mixed in with it. She couldn't believe the precautions and hard work for preparing for such storms. With her amazement, even using candles as a substitute for electricity made her appreciate the good life.
A few months would pass and she returned to North Carolina to attend college. This was her year of independence and to also experience the challenges of college. It took awhile to get use to being away on both sides. She enjoyed her independence, campus life, friends, her classes and the weekends, but of course missed Mom's home-cooking. Jenna came home for Christmas that year; it was a joyous occasion for all of us. We went on a few tours and snowboarding in the mountains of Japan. One day out with friends she fell on her right hip. She complained of pains, but chose to get checked upon her return to North Carolina. Just as she promised, she went in for examinations in Womack Army Medical Center. This was the initial start of it all, our challenges together with cancer.
On January 28 2004, I received the phone call, the prognosis was cancer; I was scared like I have never experienced. Our family quickly picked up and went on emergency leave staying for 3 weeks for their confirmation. At Duke University Medical Center, doctors confirmed through many scans, images and a biopsy, a rare bone cancer called Ewing Sarcoma. Jenna had to defer her college education and we immediately had transfer orders for Hawaii and redirected for care at Tripler Army Medical Center on February 28, 2004. The Pediatric Clinic was well aware of our arrival.
She tolerated 14 cycles of chemotherapy and a high dose of radiation which shrunk the tumor to half its original size in July. Of all the horrid side effects of treatment, she hated losing her hair, nausea, diarrhea and loss of appetite, but nothing was more of a turn off to her than needles. At this point of the summer (midway through the treatment), she was growing her hair back and was feeling good about herself and had plans on resuming college. She finished treatment in the later part of Oct 2004. At this point, things took a turn for the worse, the tumor was real aggressive and chemo was just defending the vital organs from being inflicted. She began to walk with a noticeable limp again; we seem to be okay November thru early part of December. By Christmas we had found that the images showed no positive signs, tumor had not decreased, so we opted for a minor surgery to take out her right side tailbone, an operation called Ischiectomy on January 3 2005. After this surgery, she had returned to the operating room 7 other times to control the infection which was causing her high fevers. Two weeks later we found ourselves making the TOUGHEST decision of our life which was either LIFE or LIMB. Our daughter chose to live longer and take the chance of taking the tumor out completely with a hemipelvectomy (amputation). She started back up with chemotherapy again in FEB 05. At this point, she was just fighting for her life. Her courage, determination to live Life brought out a smile through even the worst possible times you can imagine; is what she is admired for. Jenna is respected as a fighter and a motivational figure for other cancer patients in the ward and in camp. In her last few weeks, her tumor grew larger at an alarming rate and it was evident that it was making her weaker in the later part of April. Given 6 to 8 weeks life expectancy, her family satisfied her wish of wanting to see all her cousins' altogether and a bonus, her ultimate wish of seeing Josh, her boyfriend once more. After all her wishes were met, Jenna Lynn Baldonado passed away on Sunday, 3:00 p.m., May 15, 2005 at Tripler Army Medical Center in Honolulu, Hawaii.
Though it is hard, we are proud of her courage and strong will to fight. Jenna left us at a tender age of 20. She will be missed dearly by family, friends and loved ones. Her tough and relentless battle with cancer is one that you have to respect considering all that she had experienced. Her place will always be in our hearts and of all the fond memories of her life that continues in a beautiful place where there is no pain, no suffering and no hurt. A place she is loved and in peace.
The memorial service was held in St. Philomena Church on May 19 2005. Many families, friends and medical staff at the hospital attended, all whom honored her life.
LIVE STRONG …….OUR SWEET JENNA
Jenna Lynn Baldonado, 20, of Honolulu, died May 15, 2005. She was born in Guam. Survived by: parents, Fred and Virgie Baldonado; brother, Derick Baldonado; paternal grandparents, Benjamin and Irene Baldonado; maternal grandfather, Frank Tominez; paternal great grandmother, Flora Baldonado; several aunts, uncles, and cousins. Services will be Thursday, May 19, 2005, at St. Philomena. Visitation will begin 9:00 am and the Mass at 10:00 am. Arrangements under the direction of Borthwick Mortuary in Honolulu, HI.
*************************************
THE BIOGRAPHY OF JENNA LYNN BALDONADO
Jenna Lynn Baldonado was born on December 4, 1984 in the tropical island of Guam. (The tropical island of Guam is America's gateway to the Western Pacific and Asia. Guam is geographically located just 1,500 miles south of Japan and 3,800 miles west of Hawaii. Here you'll find a tropical island experience with picturesque beaches, cliff lines and perfect weather conditions. Guam provides the ideal playground for those who've always dreamed of visiting paradise.)
She was delivered at Guam Memorial Hospital weighing 6lbs 13 oz and 21 inches in length along with a mop full of hair. The parents Fred & Virgie are of Filipino heritage on both sides with 2 sets of grandparents. Her name was adopted from the popular night time soap "Dallas", in which Priscilla Presley played the old flame of Bobby Ewing known as Jenna Wade.
Here are some of her known favorites:
Favorite color – Lavender
Favorite Dish – Chicken Adobo, Cucumber Salad/w vinegar and soy sauce
Favorite sport – Gymnastics
Goal – She had aspirations to become a teacher (Favoring heavily on Mathematics)
Her father is a member of the Armed Forces (United States Army), which would explain her constant relocations around the globe, but that was never a problem or concern for Jenna, so she had dealt with being a military brat and adjusting to always being a new kid on the block.
Mom and Jenna left Guam for Colorado Springs, Colorado as soon as she was safely permissible to board a flight at 4 months old. This is where she first experienced the wonderful winters and snow. In one year there, a blizzard of snow. A storm that prevented work for a couple of days. Jenna often suited up to make snow angels during this stage. A feat she would show her brother Derick later as a big sister.
At the age of 3, her long black hair was a few inches shy of the back of her knee. Thinking that her hair was the reason for stunting her growth, the parents shortened it almost a foot now measuring to only to the bottom of her shoulder blades. It was here where she first met her first companion, Lance Gilbert son of Joe and Chung-In Gilbert from Colorado Springs, CO.
Their first change of duty station was to Nuernberg, Germany from February 1989 – June 1992. Jenna was introduced to ballet, cheerleading, girl scouts as part of the youth sports program. She had vivid memories of traveling all over Europe. Involved in learning the German culture, she participated in numerous volksmarches with her parents while on her Dad's back or on top of his shoulders spending quality time enjoying the scenic countryside for 10-20 kilometers on weekends.
She attended kindergarten thru 2nd grade in Pastorius Elementary. A little girl with a giant voice, Jenna would volunteer for the more extensive parts or leading roles in school plays. One Christmas she had played an angel, who bravely came out to the audience to say, "Do not be afraid, I bring you good news! The Christ child is born." Certainly, a Kodak moment who stole the show. Tear ducts were shot!!!! On the other hand, because she was the smallest in size and cute, she had her share of bullies. Older children would take advantage of her by tying her shoe laces to the seat on the school bus until her parents got tired of shoelaces always being untied coming off the bus and sometimes crying. Needless to say it was fixed…..It was here where she met her first girlfriend Latwanna Taylor (A close friend and daughter of Lonnie and Tammy Taylor of San Antonio, TX). Because Jenna was always getting compliments of how pretty she was, Virgie sent Jenna's photo for a contest. This was a circulation for an American / European military magazine called Oversea's Post which selected Jenna as the winner of "the Kid Next Door".
Next stop, Ft. Bragg NC where her fine points were taking piano lessons, gymnastics, karate, a singing group known as the Red and White Jammers and a member of the D.A.R.E club in school.
She was one of a few girls I've seen running with dresses, stockings on with dress shoes and come in 1st place during 3rd and 4th grades at physical education. Running came easy, earning 1st place medals during school assemblies. Her only demise is always being the shortest kid during elementary grades. Later, growing to only 4 feet, 10 inches tall. During pre-teen years, she loved and admired the addition to the family, Derick, her younger brother. She was 10 yrs his elder. As an only child, she had difficulty sharing things with friends, but not with the brother. She was everything to him, a second Mom, a big sister and friend. During this time her Uncle Frank was stationed with 82nd Airborne Division. He to would stop by the house to cook for Jenna and this meal always included the special cucumber salad. She enjoyed playing with friends around the neighborhood and never had problems with other children's race or native background. She was approachable to anyone who befriended her. Her childhood friends would always come over to playing her room and sleep-overs are always to the early mornings. Jenna had a magnetic personality that drew people to her, often being the loud, bossy at times and leader of the pack. Jenna spent most summers traveling to points of interests while in the East Coast; like the statue of liberty in New York, Washington D.C., Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, all the way down to the theme parks in Orlando, Florida. One of her joys was driving with the family for hours cross country or coast to coast. A couple of memorable ones are the drive from California to Buffalo N.Y. for Uncle Ray's & Auntie Tammy's wedding, New York to Florida with the Uncle Dennis, Aunties Vilma and Stephanie with cousin Kaechelle and of N.C. to Colorado to visit the Grandma Jovita & Grandpa Frank Tominez. Each new place a keychain was bought as a souvenir. This is her collection of all the memories through the ages.
She spent her middle and high school years bouncing between Ft. Lee, Virginia & Ft. Bragg, North Carolina.
Jenna Lynn is a typical teenager that followed the trend of long bell bottom jeans, baggy T-shirts (some borrowed from Dad's closet), not to leave out the FUBU jerseys, and the white sketcher gym shoes, but she always made the grades. Later, going to more sophisticated clothing. Auntie Terry Layco and Ms. Denise Swam would make sure she was keeping up with trendiest styles. Although she had some, she never was really high-strung on brand name wear but if it looked good it met her standards. Following in the Mom's footsteps, she also played in the band. Her chosen instrument was the flute to the Mom's clarinet. Her preference in music was modern Hip Hop.
She attended Seventy First High School Falcons in North Carolina. As an elective, Jenna was also part of the Air Force Junior ROTC drill team which won a mandatory drill competition in one meet. She had pride in her appearance and took a quick course from Dad in shining footgear. Part of the wonder years, she participated in ROTC Ball and her senior prom. The parents had given Jenna a Luau as her graduation party complete with hula dancers. A true milestone for everyone, she is a proud graduate of Class 2002 (school colors – red & white).
She joined her family to Camp Zama, Japan to experience a different culture for a few months. Not to mention her parents weren't ready to leave her on her own. As a result, she involuntarily took a few months off until she would turn 18 to relax from school and earn some money of her own. There, she worked for AAFES Retail in Camp Zama, Japan as a sales associate earning the spot of employee of the month for customer service with a smile (her trademark)
On her 18th birthday (2002), she spent a part of her hard earned income on a ticket to Guam, her birthplace where she had not seen since 1995. Her plans included visiting her roots and the beauty of the island. Much to her surprise, a birthday party was hosted by her paternal grandparents, Ben and Irene Baldonado. This birthday was an extravagant one, an 18th birthday Debut signifying adulthood. This was her day surrounded by an entourage of young gentlemen to take her hand for dancing all night, mainly the waltz and cha cha. First dances belong to the Grandfather followed by her uncles then to the young gents (dressed semi-formal) waiting in line, with only sporadic breaks to mingle with her own court.
The following day, she experienced her first typhoon which prolonged her stay there to 10 days. Jenna often hung out with Uncle Nelson during her stay. This is something she had not seen before: high winds, lack of water, no electricity, and pouring rain mixed in with it. She couldn't believe the precautions and hard work for preparing for such storms. With her amazement, even using candles as a substitute for electricity made her appreciate the good life.
A few months would pass and she returned to North Carolina to attend college. This was her year of independence and to also experience the challenges of college. It took awhile to get use to being away on both sides. She enjoyed her independence, campus life, friends, her classes and the weekends, but of course missed Mom's home-cooking. Jenna came home for Christmas that year; it was a joyous occasion for all of us. We went on a few tours and snowboarding in the mountains of Japan. One day out with friends she fell on her right hip. She complained of pains, but chose to get checked upon her return to North Carolina. Just as she promised, she went in for examinations in Womack Army Medical Center. This was the initial start of it all, our challenges together with cancer.
On January 28 2004, I received the phone call, the prognosis was cancer; I was scared like I have never experienced. Our family quickly picked up and went on emergency leave staying for 3 weeks for their confirmation. At Duke University Medical Center, doctors confirmed through many scans, images and a biopsy, a rare bone cancer called Ewing Sarcoma. Jenna had to defer her college education and we immediately had transfer orders for Hawaii and redirected for care at Tripler Army Medical Center on February 28, 2004. The Pediatric Clinic was well aware of our arrival.
She tolerated 14 cycles of chemotherapy and a high dose of radiation which shrunk the tumor to half its original size in July. Of all the horrid side effects of treatment, she hated losing her hair, nausea, diarrhea and loss of appetite, but nothing was more of a turn off to her than needles. At this point of the summer (midway through the treatment), she was growing her hair back and was feeling good about herself and had plans on resuming college. She finished treatment in the later part of Oct 2004. At this point, things took a turn for the worse, the tumor was real aggressive and chemo was just defending the vital organs from being inflicted. She began to walk with a noticeable limp again; we seem to be okay November thru early part of December. By Christmas we had found that the images showed no positive signs, tumor had not decreased, so we opted for a minor surgery to take out her right side tailbone, an operation called Ischiectomy on January 3 2005. After this surgery, she had returned to the operating room 7 other times to control the infection which was causing her high fevers. Two weeks later we found ourselves making the TOUGHEST decision of our life which was either LIFE or LIMB. Our daughter chose to live longer and take the chance of taking the tumor out completely with a hemipelvectomy (amputation). She started back up with chemotherapy again in FEB 05. At this point, she was just fighting for her life. Her courage, determination to live Life brought out a smile through even the worst possible times you can imagine; is what she is admired for. Jenna is respected as a fighter and a motivational figure for other cancer patients in the ward and in camp. In her last few weeks, her tumor grew larger at an alarming rate and it was evident that it was making her weaker in the later part of April. Given 6 to 8 weeks life expectancy, her family satisfied her wish of wanting to see all her cousins' altogether and a bonus, her ultimate wish of seeing Josh, her boyfriend once more. After all her wishes were met, Jenna Lynn Baldonado passed away on Sunday, 3:00 p.m., May 15, 2005 at Tripler Army Medical Center in Honolulu, Hawaii.
Though it is hard, we are proud of her courage and strong will to fight. Jenna left us at a tender age of 20. She will be missed dearly by family, friends and loved ones. Her tough and relentless battle with cancer is one that you have to respect considering all that she had experienced. Her place will always be in our hearts and of all the fond memories of her life that continues in a beautiful place where there is no pain, no suffering and no hurt. A place she is loved and in peace.
The memorial service was held in St. Philomena Church on May 19 2005. Many families, friends and medical staff at the hospital attended, all whom honored her life.
LIVE STRONG …….OUR SWEET JENNA
*************************************
THE BIOGRAPHY OF JENNA LYNN BALDONADO
Jenna Lynn Baldonado was born on December 4, 1984 in the tropical island of Guam. (The tropical island of Guam is America's gateway to the Western Pacific and Asia. Guam is geographically located just 1,500 miles south of Japan and 3,800 miles west of Hawaii. Here you'll find a tropical island experience with picturesque beaches, cliff lines and perfect weather conditions. Guam provides the ideal playground for those who've always dreamed of visiting paradise.)
She was delivered at Guam Memorial Hospital weighing 6lbs 13 oz and 21 inches in length along with a mop full of hair. The parents Fred & Virgie are of Filipino heritage on both sides with 2 sets of grandparents. Her name was adopted from the popular night time soap "Dallas", in which Priscilla Presley played the old flame of Bobby Ewing known as Jenna Wade.
Here are some of her known favorites:
Favorite color – Lavender
Favorite Dish – Chicken Adobo, Cucumber Salad/w vinegar and soy sauce
Favorite sport – Gymnastics
Goal – She had aspirations to become a teacher (Favoring heavily on Mathematics)
Her father is a member of the Armed Forces (United States Army), which would explain her constant relocations around the globe, but that was never a problem or concern for Jenna, so she had dealt with being a military brat and adjusting to always being a new kid on the block.
Mom and Jenna left Guam for Colorado Springs, Colorado as soon as she was safely permissible to board a flight at 4 months old. This is where she first experienced the wonderful winters and snow. In one year there, a blizzard of snow. A storm that prevented work for a couple of days. Jenna often suited up to make snow angels during this stage. A feat she would show her brother Derick later as a big sister.
At the age of 3, her long black hair was a few inches shy of the back of her knee. Thinking that her hair was the reason for stunting her growth, the parents shortened it almost a foot now measuring to only to the bottom of her shoulder blades. It was here where she first met her first companion, Lance Gilbert son of Joe and Chung-In Gilbert from Colorado Springs, CO.
Their first change of duty station was to Nuernberg, Germany from February 1989 – June 1992. Jenna was introduced to ballet, cheerleading, girl scouts as part of the youth sports program. She had vivid memories of traveling all over Europe. Involved in learning the German culture, she participated in numerous volksmarches with her parents while on her Dad's back or on top of his shoulders spending quality time enjoying the scenic countryside for 10-20 kilometers on weekends.
She attended kindergarten thru 2nd grade in Pastorius Elementary. A little girl with a giant voice, Jenna would volunteer for the more extensive parts or leading roles in school plays. One Christmas she had played an angel, who bravely came out to the audience to say, "Do not be afraid, I bring you good news! The Christ child is born." Certainly, a Kodak moment who stole the show. Tear ducts were shot!!!! On the other hand, because she was the smallest in size and cute, she had her share of bullies. Older children would take advantage of her by tying her shoe laces to the seat on the school bus until her parents got tired of shoelaces always being untied coming off the bus and sometimes crying. Needless to say it was fixed…..It was here where she met her first girlfriend Latwanna Taylor (A close friend and daughter of Lonnie and Tammy Taylor of San Antonio, TX). Because Jenna was always getting compliments of how pretty she was, Virgie sent Jenna's photo for a contest. This was a circulation for an American / European military magazine called Oversea's Post which selected Jenna as the winner of "the Kid Next Door".
Next stop, Ft. Bragg NC where her fine points were taking piano lessons, gymnastics, karate, a singing group known as the Red and White Jammers and a member of the D.A.R.E club in school.
She was one of a few girls I've seen running with dresses, stockings on with dress shoes and come in 1st place during 3rd and 4th grades at physical education. Running came easy, earning 1st place medals during school assemblies. Her only demise is always being the shortest kid during elementary grades. Later, growing to only 4 feet, 10 inches tall. During pre-teen years, she loved and admired the addition to the family, Derick, her younger brother. She was 10 yrs his elder. As an only child, she had difficulty sharing things with friends, but not with the brother. She was everything to him, a second Mom, a big sister and friend. During this time her Uncle Frank was stationed with 82nd Airborne Division. He to would stop by the house to cook for Jenna and this meal always included the special cucumber salad. She enjoyed playing with friends around the neighborhood and never had problems with other children's race or native background. She was approachable to anyone who befriended her. Her childhood friends would always come over to playing her room and sleep-overs are always to the early mornings. Jenna had a magnetic personality that drew people to her, often being the loud, bossy at times and leader of the pack. Jenna spent most summers traveling to points of interests while in the East Coast; like the statue of liberty in New York, Washington D.C., Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, all the way down to the theme parks in Orlando, Florida. One of her joys was driving with the family for hours cross country or coast to coast. A couple of memorable ones are the drive from California to Buffalo N.Y. for Uncle Ray's & Auntie Tammy's wedding, New York to Florida with the Uncle Dennis, Aunties Vilma and Stephanie with cousin Kaechelle and of N.C. to Colorado to visit the Grandma Jovita & Grandpa Frank Tominez. Each new place a keychain was bought as a souvenir. This is her collection of all the memories through the ages.
She spent her middle and high school years bouncing between Ft. Lee, Virginia & Ft. Bragg, North Carolina.
Jenna Lynn is a typical teenager that followed the trend of long bell bottom jeans, baggy T-shirts (some borrowed from Dad's closet), not to leave out the FUBU jerseys, and the white sketcher gym shoes, but she always made the grades. Later, going to more sophisticated clothing. Auntie Terry Layco and Ms. Denise Swam would make sure she was keeping up with trendiest styles. Although she had some, she never was really high-strung on brand name wear but if it looked good it met her standards. Following in the Mom's footsteps, she also played in the band. Her chosen instrument was the flute to the Mom's clarinet. Her preference in music was modern Hip Hop.
She attended Seventy First High School Falcons in North Carolina. As an elective, Jenna was also part of the Air Force Junior ROTC drill team which won a mandatory drill competition in one meet. She had pride in her appearance and took a quick course from Dad in shining footgear. Part of the wonder years, she participated in ROTC Ball and her senior prom. The parents had given Jenna a Luau as her graduation party complete with hula dancers. A true milestone for everyone, she is a proud graduate of Class 2002 (school colors – red & white).
She joined her family to Camp Zama, Japan to experience a different culture for a few months. Not to mention her parents weren't ready to leave her on her own. As a result, she involuntarily took a few months off until she would turn 18 to relax from school and earn some money of her own. There, she worked for AAFES Retail in Camp Zama, Japan as a sales associate earning the spot of employee of the month for customer service with a smile (her trademark)
On her 18th birthday (2002), she spent a part of her hard earned income on a ticket to Guam, her birthplace where she had not seen since 1995. Her plans included visiting her roots and the beauty of the island. Much to her surprise, a birthday party was hosted by her paternal grandparents, Ben and Irene Baldonado. This birthday was an extravagant one, an 18th birthday Debut signifying adulthood. This was her day surrounded by an entourage of young gentlemen to take her hand for dancing all night, mainly the waltz and cha cha. First dances belong to the Grandfather followed by her uncles then to the young gents (dressed semi-formal) waiting in line, with only sporadic breaks to mingle with her own court.
The following day, she experienced her first typhoon which prolonged her stay there to 10 days. Jenna often hung out with Uncle Nelson during her stay. This is something she had not seen before: high winds, lack of water, no electricity, and pouring rain mixed in with it. She couldn't believe the precautions and hard work for preparing for such storms. With her amazement, even using candles as a substitute for electricity made her appreciate the good life.
A few months would pass and she returned to North Carolina to attend college. This was her year of independence and to also experience the challenges of college. It took awhile to get use to being away on both sides. She enjoyed her independence, campus life, friends, her classes and the weekends, but of course missed Mom's home-cooking. Jenna came home for Christmas that year; it was a joyous occasion for all of us. We went on a few tours and snowboarding in the mountains of Japan. One day out with friends she fell on her right hip. She complained of pains, but chose to get checked upon her return to North Carolina. Just as she promised, she went in for examinations in Womack Army Medical Center. This was the initial start of it all, our challenges together with cancer.
On January 28 2004, I received the phone call, the prognosis was cancer; I was scared like I have never experienced. Our family quickly picked up and went on emergency leave staying for 3 weeks for their confirmation. At Duke University Medical Center, doctors confirmed through many scans, images and a biopsy, a rare bone cancer called Ewing Sarcoma. Jenna had to defer her college education and we immediately had transfer orders for Hawaii and redirected for care at Tripler Army Medical Center on February 28, 2004. The Pediatric Clinic was well aware of our arrival.
She tolerated 14 cycles of chemotherapy and a high dose of radiation which shrunk the tumor to half its original size in July. Of all the horrid side effects of treatment, she hated losing her hair, nausea, diarrhea and loss of appetite, but nothing was more of a turn off to her than needles. At this point of the summer (midway through the treatment), she was growing her hair back and was feeling good about herself and had plans on resuming college. She finished treatment in the later part of Oct 2004. At this point, things took a turn for the worse, the tumor was real aggressive and chemo was just defending the vital organs from being inflicted. She began to walk with a noticeable limp again; we seem to be okay November thru early part of December. By Christmas we had found that the images showed no positive signs, tumor had not decreased, so we opted for a minor surgery to take out her right side tailbone, an operation called Ischiectomy on January 3 2005. After this surgery, she had returned to the operating room 7 other times to control the infection which was causing her high fevers. Two weeks later we found ourselves making the TOUGHEST decision of our life which was either LIFE or LIMB. Our daughter chose to live longer and take the chance of taking the tumor out completely with a hemipelvectomy (amputation). She started back up with chemotherapy again in FEB 05. At this point, she was just fighting for her life. Her courage, determination to live Life brought out a smile through even the worst possible times you can imagine; is what she is admired for. Jenna is respected as a fighter and a motivational figure for other cancer patients in the ward and in camp. In her last few weeks, her tumor grew larger at an alarming rate and it was evident that it was making her weaker in the later part of April. Given 6 to 8 weeks life expectancy, her family satisfied her wish of wanting to see all her cousins' altogether and a bonus, her ultimate wish of seeing Josh, her boyfriend once more. After all her wishes were met, Jenna Lynn Baldonado passed away on Sunday, 3:00 p.m., May 15, 2005 at Tripler Army Medical Center in Honolulu, Hawaii.
Though it is hard, we are proud of her courage and strong will to fight. Jenna left us at a tender age of 20. She will be missed dearly by family, friends and loved ones. Her tough and relentless battle with cancer is one that you have to respect considering all that she had experienced. Her place will always be in our hearts and of all the fond memories of her life that continues in a beautiful place where there is no pain, no suffering and no hurt. A place she is loved and in peace.
The memorial service was held in St. Philomena Church on May 19 2005. Many families, friends and medical staff at the hospital attended, all whom honored her life.
LIVE STRONG …….OUR SWEET JENNA
Inscription
DAUGHTER OF
MSGT FREDERICK BALDONADO
US ARMY
OUR SWEET JENNA
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