Photo courtesy Nate Dunford Photography

February 25, 1974~July 3, 2010

Amy is a 36 year old mother of 6.

On April 15th, 2010, she was diagnosed with a rare and terminal cancer: Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma.

Surrounded by her family and friends, she is determined to face her future with faith, hope, courage and love.


Surrounded by her family, and with Gary by her side, Amy passed away in the early morning hours of July 3rd, 2010. Just a short 2 1/2 months after being diagnosed with cancer.

Sunday, June 27, 2010

Amy's Declining Health

It is 4:00 in the morning and I cant sleep. I have been watching Amy all night long. Unfortunately we have seen her begin to decline fairly rapidly the past few days. She as had definite decreases in her cognitive abilities and we have been struggling to keep her oxygen saturation in the safe range. Amy's appetite has dwindled to almost nothing over the past several days and she is barely eating anything at all. I am afraid that the tumors in her brain are beginning to really take their toll on her and more treatment is out of the question. It seems to be getting harder and harder for her to finish sentences or to answer questions. And she is having difficulty thinking of words. She does seem to be able to remember things fairly well and once in a while, she will talk to us as if nothing has changed.

Though I know that Amy's time is short with us, we are so grateful for the time that was bought by the radiation to her brain. The past few months have been so precious to us and we have created memories that will last a lifetime. Amy has spent so much time trying to do things for us that will help us to know that she will always be there for us even though we may not see her. I know that she will always be there watching out for her children and myself.

We knew these things were coming, but they seem to be happening way to fast. No matter how hard you try to prepare yourself tor these things, it still is so hard to sit here and watch and feel helpless. Amy has been blessed in that we have been able to manage her pain very well. She is not in any pain most of the time and it seems to be hurting less and less to move her when we need to. That is a tremendous blessing at this time. From time to time she does seem to have moments when she seems more alert and wants to talk but those times are happening less and less. She is sleeping more and more and it is getting harder and harder to wake her and carry on a conversation with her. Oh how I wish I could make this all go away. But I know that we must pass through this trial for some purpose which at times seems so hard to understand. And yet through this all, I have felt at peace and am feeling more at peace every day with what we are going through. I know that this peace is a result of all the faith and prayers that have been offered in our behalf and that it is a gift from our Heavenly Father. Thank you all for your continued prayers, help and support throughout this difficult time in our lives



Also, we are looking forward to a benefit concert here in Santaquin on July 10th at 6:00 PM behind the city center at Center Street and 100 South. Peter Breinholt will be the featured artist and he will be joined by several other local artists including: Firehawk and Kathleen Howard Provstgaard. All of the proceeds will be donated to the Amy Jackson Charitable fund to help us pay for medical and funeral expenses. I have seen Peter Breinholt in concert before and it promises to be a great show. We would love to see as many of you their as possible and I will be attending that event for sure. I would love to meet any of you who may have been touched by Amy or her story in some way. It is my greatest hope that somehow our story will be able to touch the lives of others and help them to be strengthened or uplifted in some way. Amy has touched so many lives during her short time on this earth and I know that she will continue to touch lives long after she is gone from among us. We are so grateful to Kathleen Provstgaard and all of the artists involved for their efforts in making this event possible. We continue to be overwhelmed with all the love and support from our community and from others everywhere who have been so generous.

We love you all


Love,

Gary Jackson

9 comments:

  1. Gary & Amy,
    Thinking of and praying for you today. May you find the comfort you need in the days to come. Amy...I love you and thank you for all the lessons that you have taught me. May God watch continue to watch over you and your family.
    Ann Stewart

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  2. I have been reading your blogs and getting updates from my friend and yours Stefany Crook. I have felt like I had nothing to offer and don't know you personally so I haven't commented, but I feel so strongly touched by your story that I wanted to just tell you all that your strength and courage and spirit are felt by all who read about your story. I just lost my mom in November and have had a hard time getting over that loss, but your strength makes me stronger and your story makes me want to do all I can to create memories with my kids and family. It reminds us not to take anything for granted and tell the people in our lives how we feel about them, and most of all your story teaches us that service is what life is really all about. May God continue to bless you with the strength to get through this trial and may Amy be blessed with peace and comfort at this time. My prayers will continue for your family. Jennifer Pardone

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  3. I have read the blog since it was started and been highly emotional each time. Today really got to me. Not only do I hate to her how rapidly Amy is declining, but today is ten years to the day that I lost my mom. I remember Amy coming through the line at her viewing, just bawling.. saying " I didn't know how sick she really was". Well, I now know how sick Amy is. I am grateful that you are allowing me the oppurtunity to do the benefit concert, and wish there was more I could do. Thank you for sharing this with all of us.
    Kathleen

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  4. My love and prayers are with you and your family! My life has been changed because I have the blessing of being one of Amy's friends--I truly count her as one of my blessings. I love you, Amy!

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  5. You continue to be in our thoughts and prayers. May you be blessed with much peace and comfort now and in the days ahead. We are so sorry...
    Love, The Huish Family

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  6. Thank you so much for the updates. I have been following your saga with much interest and sadness. I find your writing very beautiful and honestly....more spiritual than just about anything else I have read. When you write, you give voice to your heart...that's a gift, and I, for one am grateful to be privy to your thoughts.

    I lost my husband 10 years ago. Of course I have no idea what you are feeling personally, but I DO have an idea of the feeling of support and comfort that a close community can give. And I DO know something of the spiritual strength that we are given at times like these.

    I wish you the best. Annalyn Greer

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  7. Amy, Gary, and Children!
    I love you all and will never forget your wonderful family! And I will definitely never forget how much fun Young Women's was when Amy was one of my teachers! Give Amy a hug for me and tell her thanks for everything!
    Courtney Lamb

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  8. I don't know you, I found this blog while reading some other blogs today. I just wanted to offer my prayers and support to your family at this difficult time. May the Lord bless you and keep you encircled in His love.

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  9. I just wanted to let you and your family know that we are thinking of you and praying for you everyday. I can't imagine what you are going through but I do know that Heavenly Father has a plan and one day we will know why we had to face these trials here on earth. That thought brought me much comfort when I lost my twin nieces last year.

    I don't know you personally but I have heard about your family from many people here in Santaquin who have been touched by your story. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. We wish you much comfort and peace.

    Love,
    The Nielson family

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Thanks for commenting! Amy is truly uplifted by all the words of love and encouragement you share.