About Jillian Ann Marie Zuelsdorff

Our sweet Jillian lit up rooms with her smile and her laughter was contagious, and she made everything feel like it would be okay. Her bravery and courage in the face of all her treatments, and everything that seemed so scary was admirable and she always made sure to keep a smile on our faces despite her pain. She was so selfless, and she was the purest, and gentlest soul to grace this earth. Jillian loved bubbles, Elmo, collecting marbles, stickers, and books. Every night, if I wasn't in the hospital with her, my mom had to call me so I could read "Goodnight Moon" to Jillian, and to tell her to take her medicine, as she wouldn't take it if I didn't tell her it was okay! She could be stubborn when she wanted to! The summer after Jillian passed away, I was playing outside when a monarch butterfly started to follow me around, and would land on my hands and not leave. It was that moment when we realized that was how she came back to see us, and we always see her when we need her the most. We still see her and find her in little ways everyday, and our hearts hurt without her here with us. Taking a lesson from our beloved "Jillybean", we chose to be strong and to fight against childhood cancer, to raise awareness in her memory, and work for a future where no child has to fight this battle. Sissy loves you Jillian, we all love you and miss you. We carry you with us every step of the way.