When nine-year-old Jennavieve, Evie for short, was diagnosed with DIPG, a rare and terminal brain cancer, in January 2023, her parent’s world changed forever. Now, her grieving parents, Tiffany and Jorge, have transformed their devastating loss into a touching initiative that's bringing comfort to families facing similar journeys – Evie's Heartbeeps.
A Heart That Continues to Beat
Before her passing, Evie was the epitome of childhood joy – a dedicated Girl Scout, gymnast, and movie buff who could perfectly quote films to make everyone laugh. Her vibrant spirit touched everyone around her, and though she left this world way too early (and just three months after her diagnosis), her legacy continues to pulse through a unique partnership between Bond Touch and the foundation created in her memory.
The inspiration came through another mother's story. "I first learned of Bond Touch from a dear friend of mine, Erin," Tiffany shares. "Her daughter Hadley, age 7, was diagnosed with DMG, also a terminal brain cancer, in the same month as Evie, and sadly passed less than seven months later. When Erin and I finally met in person, she showed me her Bond Heart necklace and shared how much it means to her to have her beautiful daughter's heartbeat with her forever."
This touching moment sparked the creation of Evie's Heartbeeps, an organization dedicated to providing Bond Heart necklaces to families facing terminal childhood cancer diagnoses. These aren't just pieces of jewelry – they're precious memories captured in time.
More Than a Necklace
"These necklaces are not just a piece of jewelry. They are not just a cute gimmick," Tiffany emphasizes. "We believe they are a vital part of the grieving process. They are a comfort we can provide to these families who are sadly and inevitably going to lose their child. These necklaces give them a physical piece of their child, their heartbeat, that they can hold on to forever."
The impact speaks for itself. Having gifted necklaces to 25 families so far, the feedback has been profound. One recipient shared, "It's a gift I never knew I needed" while another expressed, "We are thankful to know no matter what the future holds we will be able to feel Ryland's love for us beat through the pendant."
Finding Purpose in Pain
The organization's name itself came from a touching moment – a young boy named Crew, diagnosed with DIPG at age six, who lovingly called the necklace pulses "heartbeeps" while setting up the device with his mother.
Today, Tiffany and Jorge volunteer as ambassadors for The Cure Starts Now, channeling their grief into action by raising awareness about pediatric brain cancer research. Through this connection, they help identify families who could benefit from receiving a Bond Heart necklace.
Words of Comfort
For those navigating similar losses, Tiffany offers gentle wisdom: "Everyone's grief journey is unique... Grief is a roller coaster and even if you have a good day, it's ok if you're not ok the next. My emotions can change day to day, hour to hour, even minute to minute. Any emotion you feel is the right one. Don't let anyone dictate your journey. Be kind to yourself."
*To learn more about supporting Evie's Heartbeeps' mission or to contribute to their cause, visit this website. Together, we can help more families capture and hold onto precious heartbeats that mean everything.*
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