Family farewells Jessica Ainscough with heartfelt tribute

JESSICA Ainscough, known as “Jess” to friends, “Jet” to family and “The Wellness Warrior” to a global community of thousands, passed away peacefully.

Tribute to Jess Ainscough from her family:

JESSICA Ainscough known as "Jess" to friends, "Jet" to family and "The Wellness Warrior" to a global community of thousands, passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones at 2:50pm on Thursday 26th of February 2015 on the Sunshine Coast, Australia.

Jess was 29 and looking forward to turning 30 in July and marrying the love of her life Tallon Pamenter in September.

Even on the final evening of her life she was giggling with friends full of love, positivity and shining those sparkly blue eyes.

Her family held a private cremation ceremony on Monday March 2  to be followed by a public service on Friday March 6 on the Sunshine Coast. 

After being diagnosed with the rare epithelioid sarcoma cancer in 2008, Jess always embraced a positive and proactive attitude to her life and health.

Throughout almost seven years with the disease, Jess worked with some of the world's best healers and oncologists undergoing both conventional and unconventional therapies.

Conventional treatments at the beginning appeared to help temporarily.

However when the cancer returned and doctors explained there were no real guaranteed options at that stage, Jess elected to devote herself to unconventional treatments which included Gerson Therapy for two years.

While this did appear to help Jess immensely, after the devastation of losing her mother Sharyn to breast cancer in 2013, Jess' cancer resurfaced once again and was confirmed in 2014.

In the final 12 months of her life, Jess continued her dedicated quest to search for treatment options despite being told that her disease was terminal almost seven years earlier.

Conventional treatment was tried again however was once more unsuccessful for Jess and her rare cancer.

It has been speculated by people who have never met or treated Jess that, had she chosen to amputate her arm or undergo further conventional treatment, her chances of survival would have increased.

Her treating oncologists do not agree with this uninformed view. 

Jess Ainscough - The Wellness Warrior. Photo: Brett Wortman / Sunshine Coast Daily. Picture: Brett Wortman

It has also been said that Jess shunned conventional treatment and doctors, this too is incorrect.

In 2013 Jess' dream of becoming a published author came true as a result of winning a writers workshop award through international publishers Hay House.

'Make Peace With Your Plate' became a best seller and was celebrated by a national sold out tour across Australia.

Whether it was inspiring people to start drinking green juice or practice meditation, Jess was devoted to leaving the world a better place, which she certainly did considering the thousands who have taken to social media over the past week sharing their personal experiences of how Jess touched their lives and inspired them to adopt her mantra Be Kind. Be Brave. Be Well.

Jess Ainscough's book, Make Peace With Your Plate

In the future her family look forward to sharing more about Jess, the girl who rocked the wellness world.

However at this time please respect the devastated family's request for privacy to grieve.

"I'm so proud of my beautiful daughter for her achievements, style, grace, sincerity and affection. I'm devastated although comforted to know that she is now reunited with my wife, Sharyn.

"We are deeply appreciative of all the love and support coming in from around the world." her father Col Ainscough said.

"My heart is broken but I feel incredibly blessed to have experienced a love and connection few are lucky enough to have."

Jess and I shared the highest of highs and lowest of lows, and because of this we developed a love so deep that I will forever be grateful for.

"I thank everyone who has shared their love and messages over the past week, it's a comfort to know the positive impact Jess has had on so many lives," partner Tallon Pamenter said.

"In our lives, countless individuals cross our paths. Few leave an indelible mark. Jess Ainscough was one of those rare individuals. We bless your soul, Jess, and we are blessed that you crossed our path." Leon Nacson, Managing Director of Hay House Australia said. 

Jess Ainscough's public memorial service will be held on Friday March 6 from 10am at Lifepointe Baptist Church, Buderim on the Sunshine Coast.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family has requested donations to animal rescue group Edgar's Mission who have set up a fund in Jess' name: http://www.edgarsmission.org.au/shop/donation-in-memory-of-jess.