Reality Rally

By Dion, Jenn's Boyfriend

Jennifer Lyon was known by her family and friends as a fierce competitor and the gritty, yet collaborative, "survivor" she proved to be long before her appearance on the CBS reality show. Few, if any of those who knew her, could deny that Jenn's smile would invariably warm up a room of any size, and that her commitment to friendship strengthening, fun-filled activities with those in her life would always find a special way into peoples' hearts. Her vivacious personality and loyalty to friends reminded us all that nourishing meaningful relationships in our lives is of paramount importance. But in 2005, when Jenn was diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer at the age of 32, it was what she accomplished in the next 5 years that Jenn's true strength and wisdom far beyond her years became glaringly evident. Jenn donated much of her time and energy, amidst exhausting bouts with chemotherapy and other treatments, speaking at various cancer benefit charities. Jenn discovered in her battle against the disease that there is no substitute for true support during such trying times. She also felt that with the increasing cases of breast cancer today, as well as other forms of the disease, cancer research and development is more important now than ever before. Jenn paid particular attention to the emotional experience she faced during her struggle with the disease. She often commented on, and reached out to improve upon the ways in which cancer patients are handled and processed; in her view, much too insensitively. No doubt, as a patient who fought heroically, Jenn would have welcomed and condoned a resource like "Michelle's Place" knowing that while any fight against cancer will inevitably have it's challenges, the benefits gained of having directly applicable, helpful information as well as support with a personal touch, addressing specific emotional and psychological issues could not be overstated. Jenn lost her battle to breast cancer on January 19, 2010, but leaves behind the inspiring memory of a steadfast fighter but beneficent friend, often times thinking of those who might face the same struggles she fought, and how she might improve the lives of others who come to face similar struggles.

Tributes to Jenn

From Sue (her art teacher in junior high school and good friend):

Jen--how radiant could one person be? Never did I come into her presence without feeling the glow of Jen-warmth in me/on me (even in 7th grade...light beams shone all 'round her work table!) Plus, and beyond almost anyone I know, Jen's optimistic love mirrored that quality she found in others, so, "being" with her shot reflections of 'what's good in you' back towards her. That free and genuine smile acknowledged this transfer at all times----and----keeps her present, rather than memory in my heart.

From Mom:

I am thankful to have been a part of your too short life. You have graced me and our family with your love, strength, courage, kindness and joy beyond belief. You showed us how to love without judging, have fun without competing, bear the most unbearable things without complaining. Your courageous beautiful spirit shone through you from the very beginning and continues to shine for me now. Thank you for being so present to each of us; giving everyone you met your all. I treasure the time we had together on this earth and look forward to seeing you again. I found this quote you wrote on a scrap of paper--"The shining spirit of a single individual can change the course of mankind." Ed Scofield (Philosopher) That's you. I love you and miss you Jenni.

Love, Mom

Memories of Jenn by “Jenn’s Dad”

The following, with a little editing, is the letter I wrote to Jenn when she was in Palau for the filming of Survivor: Palau. This brief piece, which I leave in the form of a letter to a beloved daughter, captures the essence of my memories and feelings about her. As you will see, this letter has taken on a timeless quality.

Dear Jenni,

It’s hard to believe I’m writing to you on the other side of the world where you’re doing something so exciting. As you know, I’m not the best at communicating, but I do count on being able to say hi to you every now and then. Even when you’re closer to home, I often think about you, how you’re doing and what you’re doing. Every day now I think about what amazing challenges you’re taking on. I know that you’ll face all of those challenges with the skill, grace and integrity that are you.

Since you’ve been gone on this adventure I’ve spent a lot of time remembering the times we’ve shared over the years. From the time you were the little Sumo wrestler swimmer, all the way through the years of school, sports, music and drama, you’ve always been an inspiration, taking on challenges that I knew were not easy for you, like starring in “Grease!” I watch that video from time to time partly because I know that you’re like me in having to push through the shy thing and let your talents and gifts unfold.

One memory that really stands out for me goes back to when I was still working for the school district and you were still in high school. When my work took me to the high school, I always looked forward to trading smiles with you in the hallway. As I’m sure you’ve been told, you have the kind of genuine smile that warms a person’s heart. I don’t know if I ever told you this, but after you graduated, the first time I went to the high school the next fall and realized I wouldn’t see you there again I suddenly had a really empty feeling, knowing I wouldn’t see your sweet smile there again.

I hope you know that your mom and I value your steadfast support of us through all of the challenges we’ve been through. I don’t know how you’ve weathered them all with such grace and good will; maybe you’ve used them to make you stronger. I hope you feel our support of you at this time and always.

Jenni, the only advice I can give you is to be true to yourself; but I know that advice is unnecessary because you always are. Just know that I love and support you in this and all you do. I am so looking forward to hearing you tell me about this chapter in your life!

Love, Dad

Katie's Tribute to Jenn Lyon

My sweet friend Jenn. I remember the first time I met her, we had a
 conversation in the beautiful waters of Palau. We bonded immediately. She was always my secret weapon, my soul sister and my true friend. She was not only beautiful, intelligent, cultured, unbelieveably kind but truly hilarious!! We have laughed so hard together that we actually had to physically separate ourselves to catch our breath. 
She was always down to dress up in costume with me at the drop of a hat and have a dance party all over the house, just the two of us! She left me with so many beautiful memories and I still feel her spirit with me every day. I know she's dancing in the skies, flying on a Pegasus with the tunes of her favorite Abba reverberating through the clouds! She truly is the most beautiful spirit inside and out and I am the luckiest person in the world to have spent a portion of my life with her. I just hope that I made her laugh every time I saw her, that was my goal. I cherish every day I am here on this earth and until we meet again by the rainbow bridge, I will try and make every day count, spread love, happiness and sunshine and be the best person I can be. I keep a list of quotes from her in my wallet, this is from an e-mail she sent: “Be safe and remember, the greatest accomplishment is to love yourself and let yourself be loved”. If we all do this what a better world we will all live in.

Miss you, Jenn. I know you’ve found the rainbow connection.
- Katie Gallagher (Survivor Palau)