For the Diaz family

My name is Anne Montgomery and I am writing this with a broken, shattered heart on behalf of our beautiful sister Jennie Diaz and her family; Jesse, Ada (15), Cruz (6) and Hayes (4).

On Friday, March 29, 2024 Jennie lost her brief battle with cancer. As we mourn her loss, we are also confronted with the reality of the challenges that lie ahead for her family.

Jen had been faced with battling cancer once before and won, showing clean scans as recently as August. Unfortunately, in January of 2024, new symptoms prompted a visit to her doctors and in February they received the news that her cancer had not only returned but was spreading. In spite of an aggressive treatment plan, the cancer proved to be too much and progressed too quickly; Jennie moved on with her mom, dad and Jesse by her side.

There are not enough words in the English language to describe who our sister was, nor is there enough time; we could write forever, and it would never be enough to convey who she was and what she meant to so many. Some have said that she was a "bright light" and that would only make Jen laugh because she hated bright lighting. What she was though was a gift to everyone she encountered; when you were in the presence of Jennie you were her focus. She was so intentional with her engagement and her interactions that if you were in her presence, it was because she genuinely wanted to be there and with you. Nothing for Jennie was ever done out of obligation, it was done with purpose, careful thought, and undevoted attention. Conversations with Jen were always insightful, logical, and you knew that while talking to you she was thinking of nothing else. Her wisdom was always shared with truth, logic, a no bullshit approach, very often tough love but always with focus and just enough warmth and humor. That was Jen's way of letting you know that she was there to support, and that she loved you.

While she was an accomplished doctor, professor, author, scholar, and mentor; the role she most coveted was that of being a wife and mom. Jesse and the kids were her "why" and the center of her focus. She was their foundation, their nucleus, and the cog that kept their daily wheel turning. Her love knew no bounds, as she poured her heart and soul into nurturing her family with unwavering dedication, tenderness and purpose.

As a wife, Jennie embodied the true meaning of partnership and commitment. She stood by Jesse through every trial and triumph, offering unwavering support, encouragement, and unconditional love. Her selflessness and compassion were the pillars of their relationship, fostering a bond built on trust, respect, and unwavering devotion.

As a mom, Jennie was a beacon of strength and unconditional love. She embraced the joys and challenges of motherhood with grace and perseverance, always putting her children's needs above her own. She embraced the privilege of being their first teacher, guiding them with patience and wisdom as they learned navigate the world around them. Her days with Ada, Cruz, and Hayes were filled with laughter, hugs, and countless acts of kindness, as she tirelessly nurtured, protected, and guided her children with boundless patience and affection. From the small, everyday moments to the significant milestones, she embraced her role as a wife and mother with joy and gratitude. She viewed being Ada, Cruz, and Hayes' mom as the greatest privilege and she treated that role with utmost respect and devotion and she worked tirelessly to create a legacy of love that will span generations. Her focus as a mom was to teach her children the values of kindness, compassion, and resilience, and always empowering them to become the best versions of themselves.

Everything she did was done to either directly or indirectly impact her family. Simply put, if it didn't provide something of value for her, Jesse and the kids, it wasn't part of their lives. Now that they are faced at moving on with their lives without her, we are coming together in every way possible to help them move forward.

In a final act of nurturing and protecting Jesse and the kids, it was Jennie's wish to forgo a formal service and allow her family to grieve and memorialize in private. She also requested the creation of this GoFundMe and any financial support to go directly to Jesse and the kids to help in the coming days as Jesse takes time away from work to be with their kids.

We thank each and every one of you from the bottom of our hearts and appreciate whatever support you are willing and able to offer during this time.

"I don't know where I'm going from here, but I promise it won't be boring"

-David Bowie