“Jenny was more than our daughter’s best friend — she was family. Raised as one of six children by a devoted single mother, Jenny carried more than her share of burdens from a young age. Her father was rarely present, and with a brother who had Down syndrome, life asked a lot of her. Yet Jenny never let that define her.”

She spent countless hours in our home — sharing meals, sleepovers, laughter, and quiet moments. She was like a sister to our daughter, and to us, she felt like one of our own. Jenny was a gentle soul, reserved but radiant. Her smile and giggle could light up the darkest room. She had a kind heart and a special love for animals, especially dogs. Like many girls her age, she adored makeup, loved to sing in the school chorus, and kept up with the latest music. She seemed happiest when she was with us — and perhaps that’s why we never saw the pain she carried. The sadness she hid. The battles she fought alone. -She will forever be 17 years old.

We think of Jenny often. We wonder who she might have become — what dreams she would have chased, what career she would have pursued, whether she would have married or become a mother herself. These questions linger, but one truth remains: Jenny, you are still loved, missed and will never be forgotten.

We are honored to walk in memory of Jennifer “Jenny” Hernandez.