On December 10, 2012, Kelsey seemed completely healthy. She had a normal day at school, did her homework, and practiced piano. At dinnertime, she immediately complained of a terrible headache. Lying down on the couch, she felt nauseous and dizzy. Within a few minutes, she lost consciousness and was rushed to the ER.

Kelsey's diagnosis was a grade 3/4 AVM on her cerebellum. AVM is arteriovenous malformation where the arteries and veins are not organized as they should be, but tangled and poorly aligned causing the possibility of rupture. She has most likely had this since birth and there is no way to know why it ruptured that night.

Over the course of 10 days, the Jensen family endured a prolonged and difficult goodbye as it slowly became eminent that Kelsey's brain damage was too extensive for her to survive.  Kelsey's kindness and generosity has inspired many.  She will forever be remembered in the lives of those who knew her and even in the lives of those who will never know her through her final gift to this world as an organ donor.

Kelsey's short time on this earth reminds us that life is a fragile and precious gift. It is our hope that Kelsey's tragedy may be many small gifts for some other wondrous children.  

Kelsey was an avid lover of skiing and school.  We have created a memorial fund and plan to use these funds to commemorate her short yet meaningful, passionate and inspiring life.

We ask that you hold your loved ones tight this holiday season and contribute to our loved one if you can.

We love you so much Kelsey Kathryn Jensen.