Jelena was a light that the world needed. Her easy smile and infectious laugh from her earliest years drew people to her. Spending her first four years in Stuttgart, Germany, she developed a disdain for wearing shoes and a love of strawberries fresh from the field. When she returned to Virgina, she fell easily into the life of a Charlottesville native, spending summers horseback riding at Triple C, singing in every school performance, becoming an accomplished Irish dancer, and skating as “JellyMean” with her junior roller derby league. Those who knew her were treated to hugs of the greatest joy, unparalleled laughter, spontaneous bouts of dancing, and a true zest for life. Despite her diagnosis, Jelena relied heavily on her Christian faith and continued to live life to her fullest - remaining positive and hopeful, reminding those around her to “focus on the day and time you’re already on,” and never losing her love of telling a bad joke. She also worked tirelessly alongside her mother as an advocate for brain cancer research, raising money and telling her story to spread awareness. The kindness and compassion of Jelena’s many medical caregivers and the pediatric cancer community over her 3 year journey bolstered her spirits and remain an inspiration to her family, grateful for that most cherished of gifts they gave - the gift of time.