During her later teenage years, Jeanna began suffering with schizoaffective disorder. Results from medication, counseling and hospitalizations had limited success. Her best relief was found in nature. She loved being outdoors and spent hours walking in the community, where people often recognized and looked out for her. She loved everyone, but was especially aware of those with social or cultural differences.
Jeanna wanted to work and go back to school and find solutions for herself and her sister, Emily, who has the same disorder. Emily was committed to the Utah State Hospital in 2011, by the local Behavioral Health system. This situation was heartbreaking for Jeanna. Her family has sought diligently to understand mental illness and has been sustained by the love and prayers of many. They pray Jeanna will now be able to help Emily and others as an ‘angel of mercy’ beyond the veil.