| Graduation Year | Class of 1988 |
| Date of Passing | (unknown) |
| About | For 2 Days We All Walk in Memory of 1 Jessica Bartell was a wonderful person with a big heart. I am honored to call her my friend! Like many of you, I learned of Jess's death at our 10-year reunion. I was saddened at the news and touched by the moment of silence we, as a class, shared to honor her memory. As the years went by, I regretted letting go of her friendship. I found myself thinking a lot about Jess and the times we shared together, listening to "Heart" songs and talking about anything and everything. One of the last memories I have of her is one I will never forget. It was the end of our senior year and passed me in the D-2nd hallway and gave me a huge smile. "I mentioned you in my yearbook!" I was surprised to learn that my friendship had meant that much to her.. and I still let it go, thinking there would always be time. When Jess passed, it was kept fairly quiet. There was no funeral, no obituary printed in any paper, and since she was cremated. no grave to visit. There was a small gathering of the people who were in her life at the time. We, her friends and classmate who lost touch over the years, had no way of knowing her fate.. no way to celebrate her life.. until now! On May 16-17, Marci Levitan-Bailey and I will be celebrating Jessica's life and spirit by walking in the Avon 2-Day Walk for Breast Cancer. We want you to be a part of our journey! For two days Marci and I will carry the thoughts and prayers of the Class of 1988 in honor of our friend, much like the moment of silence we shared so long ago. It has been a long road to raise the amount required to participate and I am falling short. The money raised from the Boston area walk stays here and is given to local hospitals to fund research and cover medical expenses for those who can't afford it in these tough times. By walking in Jess's honor, we could save so many lives! Breast cancer doesn't have to take away our loved ones. Let's all help find a cure so others don't have to lose their friends and family! Please help us celebrate Jess's life and keep her spirit alive by supporting our Avon Walk. I realize that some of you have already given generously and I thank you from the bottom of my heart. Please share my story with all your friends. Breast Cancer touches us all and we need to find a cure! All my best, ~Kristine O'Reilly~ P.S. I am taking part in the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer - Boston, and will be walking 39.3 miles over two days. As a walker, I'm required to raise a minimum of $1,800 to participate, but I plan to raise much more! To donate to me online, please go to: http://tinyurl.com/KristineOReilly . Thank you very much for your support! |
