17yo Jenni Lake Died So Her Unborn Baby Could Live

[Whisper]

POCATELLO, Idaho -- The story of a Pocatello teenager who died to give birth to her son has soared to the national stage.
Jenni Lake, 17, died after battling brain cancer and forgoing treatment in order to save the life of her unborn baby.
"I think it freaking rocks that it went nationwide, because I think the world needs to see that not everybody is selfish,” family friend Heather Cossaboom said.
It's that message of selflessness that Jenni's family and friends hope people across the country learn from her death.
She died on Nov. 22, but the battle for her life started in Oct. 2010. Jenni was diagnosed with Grade 3 brain cancer and given two years to live.
"That's where they told her that she might not ever be able to have kids," Jenni's mother Diana Phillips said.
In March, the family found out her tumors were shrinking, but one night, Phillips heard Jenni crying in her room after her boyfriend Nathan Wittman took her to the emergency room.
Jenni was pregnant.
"She was pretty scared, because the baby had been through two rounds of chemo from March and April, and she was just about to start another round," Phillips said.
Scared of the effects and committed to the life of her child, Jenni decided to stop chemotherapy.
She gave birth to her son, Chad Michael, on Nov. 9. He's named after Jenni and Nathan's fathers.
But after the blessing of a healthy baby, Jenni's family got the worst news of all. Her brain tumors had progressed and no amount of treatment could save her.
"I mean, I'm so glad that we have Chad, but I want Jenni here to take care of him,"Phillips said through tears.
Through those tears, it is Jenni's humor and toughness the family remembers and the pride they feel for that message of selflessness she sent to the world.
“(If I could, I'd tell Jenni) how proud of I am of her, and how much I love her," Phillips said.
Nathan is raising baby Chad with the help of his and Jenni's families.
[...]http://www.localnews8.com/news/30093080/detail.htm

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Jenni
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Jenni,Chad and Mom Diana
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Jenni and Mom
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Chad Michael
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Jenni and Chad

[VXIII]

So sad but I understand what she did...

[princessgrandma]

What an amazing love she had for her child. I can understand it myself. I too was told I would not be able to have children after some medical issues, but I found out I was pregnant during a physical in the Army. At the moment I knew that baby existed, I realized that nothing would stop me from doing whatever I had to do to bring him or her into the world and my life.

I know that her family has to have loved her beyond belief, and I am sure they will make sure every single day that little Chad knows just how much his mother loved him and wanted him.

My children and my grandchildren are the sun that my life revolves around. They are the most of my reason for anything I ever do, and if I have never accomplished anything well in my life, I have been and will always be a loving and devoted mom.

[GGsMum]

What a sad but amazing and inspiring story....thank you for sharing, reading this made me tear up :proud:

[Obsolete]

My neighbors were arguing over this story. One was saying she was brave and unselfish, for giving up the remaining time she had on earth to give birth to her baby. The other was saying she was selfish and stupid for intentionally bringing a motherless baby into the world for other people to care for.

[Mommyof2]

I can only speak for myself but if this was my child I would be sad my daughter was gone. But on the flip side I would feel so blessed to have a piece of her left on this earth. I think this child was very wanted and loved and despite the fact that he has no mother he will have all the love in the world from his dad and and grandparents.

[62julietandvoid]

My neighbors were arguing over this story. One was saying she was brave and unselfish, for giving up the remaining time she had on earth to give birth to her baby. The other was saying she was selfish and stupid for intentionally bringing a motherless baby into the world for other people to care for.


Would they rather had her go and get it cut apart and scraped it out? Not like she planned the baby.

A girl I went to school with and lived in the same neighborhood(Bonnie) had three children before she found out she had brain cancer. She died not long after I moved back in the area. Her parents, grandparents, whole family friends with ours and have been for many, many years. After she died, her mom adopted all three children. Her mother's husband was down at my place one afternoon to put a window in. He had some weed, so did I, but his was homegrown so we sampled his. We were talking about shit around the neighborhood when I asked about the kids. He said this and that and then out of the blue said "she ruined my life dying". He meant because he couldn't go out and party or whatever. That really fucking floored me and I have never looked at him the same since. I don't dislike him. It was just weird.

[Obsolete]

Would they rather had her go and get it cut apart and scraped it out? Not like she planned the baby.

If you're referring to her having an abortion, then yes, that's what one neighbor was suggesting she should have done. Although I'm sure he meant via the normal way, by taking the abortion pill (assuming she found out in the first month), not the cutting and scraping that you described.


We were talking about shit around the neighborhood when I asked about the kids. He said this and that and then out of the blue said "she ruined my life dying". He meant because he couldn't go out and party or whatever. That really fucking floored me and I have never looked at him the same since. I don't dislike him. It was just weird.

While I admire his honesty, I hope he never let the kids know he felt that way.

[62julietandvoid]

If you're referring to her having an abortion, then yes, that's what one neighbor was suggesting she should have done. Although I'm sure he meant via the normal way, by taking the abortion pill (assuming she found out in the first month), not the cutting and scraping that you described.



While I admire his honesty, I hope he never let the kids know he felt that way.



Ah k, I forgot all about the pill.
Despite what he said I do believe those kids are treated like gold. He has 2 kids himself(Bonnie's half siblings) living there, the oldest just graduated maybe 2 years ago and the other is about to. He is Bonnie's uncle by blood.

[Deja]

I think it was the most selfless thing she could have done - she and the baby were blessed for the short time they got to spend together, and she has loving family to raise the child after she passed. Sounds like the family feels like they have a piece of her to carry on - and not to sound callous, but Jenni probably wouldn't have lived much longer with or without the additional chemo - she left a beautiful gift for her family. I pray the baby has no effects from the chemo she received while pregnant.

[carolinablue]

Jenni was everything a mother should be; she gave her life to save her child. She is now one of my heroes and I will remember her whenever I'm called upon to make a sacrifice; she gave her life, I can give up some comfort, convenience and luxuries. She's an inspiration.

[Rockin Ma]

I think if I were in her position I would be aware of my odds of living, with or without treatment. I think I'd also be ready to go and done fighting knowing the odds and would probably have done the same thing. Deja I think said it just like I'm thinking.

[Whisper]

When my mom was preg for me she didnt know b/c she was dying of Aplasic Anemia
Her blood wasnt working drs said she couldnt get preg
She found out at close to 7 months and refused to allow them to terminate the preg,she refused treatment,they were pissed and told her to go home and make funeral arrangements for both of us
It couldve gone either way but many years later we are both still here
I have had a friend with breast cancer refuse treatment and died within a month of Morgans birth
When I was younger I didnt realize what my mom did for me to be here and now that Im older & shes got alzheimers and doesnt understand enough for me to tell her thanks she really doesnt know what Im talking about
No reason why we both are still here,someone had diff plans I guess
So I have seen both sides and Id like to think Id make the same choice

[GGMon]

You know what the saddest thing might be? She would have probably been a better mother than any of the hambeasts mentioned on this site. It makes me think that God has a twisted sense of humor.

[Silvahalo]

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This really warmed my heart.
There are few things that move me more than the love of a mother for her child. At 17 Jenni showed more love and compassion for her child than many woman double her age do. It makes sense to give life to her baby as her's was ebbing away, still, it couldn't have been an easy thing to do. With love and support Chad has a fair chance at a good life, a happy life. What a legacy she leaves behind. I'm in complete awe of this young lady.
Jenni Lake rest in peace, the heaven's embrace your grace.