Schools
A Young Orindan's Short Life of Grace and Peace
Jenna Bockmiller was only with us for a short time, but she managed to leave her mark on those who knew her.
Jenna Bockmiller, a 20-year-old UC Berkeley junior from Orinda, lost a valiant battle with melanoma Nov. 6.
Described as a "sweet spirit" by Jim Rueb, senior pastor at Moraga Valley Presbyterian Church, Bockmiller was determined to find a cure not only for her own cancer, but that of others.
Jenna Bockmiller's Fundraising Page, which she established under the Melanoma Research Foundation's umbrella, details her story.
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Diagnosed at age 14, Bockmiller considered the cancer something that would disappear quickly. Sadly, radiation treatments damaged her spinal cord, rendering her unable to enjoy running. Instead, she pursued her interest in music, teaching herself to play guitar and piano and helping with her brother's band. And, despite the frequent doctor's visits and painful treatments, she was able to complete all of her requirements and graduated with her class in 2008.
"She was experiencing some serious treatments, and yet she was able to function with aplomb," Rueb said. "'Handling' and 'coping' are not adequate terms to reflect the grace and peace she demonstrated."
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Rueb credits her parents, Doug and Lauren, with much of the inner light emanating from Bockmiller. "Her parents led her through this with tremendous heart and love and competence. They pursued every possible path in an absolutely persistent and stellar way."
He continued, saying, "The thing that was so remarkable was how incredibly well she lived through a very perilous journey. She had a strong faith. She was at peace. Especially for someone so young, it was remarkable."
Bockmiller wrote on her Facebook page with wisdom beyond her years: "Even though melanoma has taken these things from me, it has also given me a lot. I have an appreciation for life that many other people my age don't. I look at every day as a blessing and the things that I do, no matter if it's something I want to do or not, is something I get to do, and am therefore grateful."
Her memorial service will be held 11 a.m. Saturday at .
