Children's book honors Utah man's life

Children's book honors Utah man's life

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WOODS CROSS — A new children's book honors the life of a Utah man who recently passed away after an almost four-year fight against cancer.

Marshall Jensen was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in January 2012 and faced death many times, his wife, A.J. Jensen, said.

"He survived so many things that no man should ever survive," A.J. Jensen said. "He was seriously like Superman."

Marshall Jensen survived a biotherapy trial called Blinatumomab in 2013 in Houston. It has since been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and has come to Utah, A.J. Jensen said, adding that she thinks her husband has made a difference in cancer treatments.

As part of Marshall Jensen's cancer treatment, doctors removed billions of T-cells from his body. The DNA in those cells was then altered with a disabled HIV virus before going back into his body.

Marshall Jensen went into remission after that treatment, but relapsed five months later. He passed away Nov. 18 before undergoing a second T-cell treatment in Philadelphia.

A.J. Jensen stayed by her husband's side every step of the way. Just five days before he died, the two celebrated their sixth wedding anniversary while eating a dinner a doctor catered for them at the hospital.

"I will just cherish that memory," A.J. Jensen said.

The couple's sister-in-law, Melanie Jensen, wrote a 40-page children's book in poem form to honor his life.

Titled "Because We're so Lucky It's Time that we Shared," the book features an ungrateful little boy who meets a little girl with leukemia and learns some perspective from her positive attitude.

Melanie Jensen said her brother-in-law was always so positive, and even though he was in incredible pain, he was still playing music and making others feel good.

The author of the book plans to print 1,000 copies and donate the proceeds to A.J. Jensen.

(Photo: Courtesy of Melanie Jensen)
(Photo: Courtesy of Melanie Jensen)

In order to earn money for printing costs, she set up a GoFundMe account* with a goal of raising $5,000. Those who donate $50 on GoFundMe will receive a book.

"He was always about other people, and so this book helps kids to notice that there's people beyond them and that they really are lucky, and they need to appreciate not only their own health, but also the fact that there's other people who could use their help," Melanie Jensen said of her brother-in-law. "And in the end, the little boy wants to donate all his toys."

Those who wish to donate to the Marshall Jensen Memorial Fund can do so at Giveforward*. Individuals can also donate to The Marshall and Amanda Family Trust at any Wells Fargo bank or to the Marshall Jensen Memorial account at Mountain American Credit Union for his 4-year-old son, Kezman's college fund.

A.J. Jensen said she thinks her husband's biggest influence was through his music. Marshall Jensen lived a full, complete life and wanted to make a difference, his wife said.

*KSL.com does not assure that the money deposited to the account will be applied for the benefit of the persons named as beneficiaries. If you are considering a deposit to the account, you should consult your own advisors and otherwise proceed at your own risk.

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