Meet Crystal Jennings

We were lucky to catch up with Crystal Jennings recently and have shared our conversation below.

Crystal, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?

Resilience, to me, is about finding strength in the hardest moments, pushing forward even when life feels impossible, and using those experiences to fuel a purpose greater than yourself.

Growing up, I learned resilience at an early age. When my parents divorced at 13 due to my mother’s struggle with addiction, I had to step up in ways most kids don’t.

This meant babysitting, helping with meals, and taking care of my younger sister’s daily needs. At times, it also meant bringing her along when I wanted to spend time with friends or even missing out on outings with kids my own age.
But with that responsibility came something even greater—the unbreakable bond I built with my dad and sister. My sister felt like both my daughter and my sibling, and that unique relationship shaped me in ways I never expected. To this day, we remain incredibly close.

These experiences taught me the importance of sacrifice, love, and perseverance—that sometimes, stepping up for others builds a strength within yourself that you never knew you had.

My greatest test of resilience came when my husband and I lost our four-year-old daughter, Trinity, on December 31, 2023, after a 56-day battle with Balamuthia, a rare disease.

During her journey, I had to summon the energy and strength to be a medical parent—collaborating with her care team, making decisions alongside my husband, and advocating for her every step of the way. At the same time, I had to be present for our older daughters, trying to love on them while shielding them as much as possible from the weight of what was happening. Balancing the roles of mother, advocate, and protector while my heart was breaking was one of the hardest things I have ever done.

Saying goodbye to Trinity was the most painful moment of my life, but watching my daughters break in grief and trying to hold them up while I was falling apart myself was just as difficult. No parent should have to navigate that kind of loss, yet so many do.

Out of that grief, my family and I founded the Traces of Trinity Foundation to honor her legacy and support families experiencing long-term hospital stays. We also work to bring awareness to rare diseases, ensuring that children like Trinity are never forgotten and that other families don’t feel as alone.

Turning pain into purpose is at the heart of what we do—but that doesn’t mean the pain is gone. We are only one year into this journey, and we still have hard days, we still feel triggered, and the grief is always present. But through this work, we are able to smile through the sadness, to find moments of light in the darkest spaces, and to ensure that Trinity’s strength and spirit continue to shine through every challenge.

I also want to acknowledge my husband, who has been my rock through every step of this journey. His love, strength, and unwavering support have made it possible for me to keep going, to build this foundation, and to turn our pain into something meaningful. Without him, I could not do this. We walk this path together, carrying Trinity’s light forward in everything we do.

These experiences have shaped me into the person I am today—someone who stands strong in the face of adversity, who believes in the power of community, and who will always fight to make a difference. Resilience isn’t something you’re born with; it’s something life teaches you. And through every challenge, I’ve learned that strength comes from love, from purpose, and from never giving up—no matter how hard the journey may be.”

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I am a wife, mother, and passionate advocate for children and families. After the loss of our four-year-old daughter, Trinity, to a rare disease, my family and I launched the Traces of Trinity Foundation in July of 2024—during Trinity’s fifth birthday week. Our mission is to support families navigating long-term hospital stays, raise awareness about rare diseases, and bring comfort to those in need. We do this through initiatives like providing parent support totes, organizing events for hospital care teams, and partnering with other organizations to help bring resources and relief where it’s needed most.

The work we do is incredibly special because it allows us to turn our grief into something that honors Trinity’s legacy while making a tangible difference in the lives of others. I believe that even in the darkest times, small acts of kindness can bring light. It’s what keeps us going—seeing families smile, knowing that they are supported, and understanding that they are not alone on their journey.

Looking ahead, we are excited to host our first annual fundraiser, Pancakes with a Purpose, in July of 2025—during Trinity’s birthday month—to honor her, raise awareness about rare diseases, and generate the funds necessary to continue our initiatives. We’re also expanding our Tote Initiative with a goal of donating 200+ support totes per quarter to families experiencing extended hospital stays. Additionally, in February, we will launch Rare Disease Awareness Kits for children in hospitals with zebra-themed care packages, as the zebra represents the national symbol for rare diseases.

Outside of the foundation, I also serve on the board of West Sac Play, an organization dedicated to raising funds for West Sacramento Parks, specifically for the installation of shade covers and hydration stations. It’s another way for me to make a difference in my community and advocate for resources that improve quality of life for others.

At the heart of everything I do is a deep belief that no matter what challenges we face, we can find purpose in the pain and use that strength to uplift others. Trinity’s light continues to shine through the work we do every day, and it fuels my drive to keep moving forward.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Resilience:

When I look back on everything I’ve been through—losing Trinity, raising my sister when I was still a kid myself, and all the challenges in between—what I’ve learned is that resilience isn’t about bouncing back perfectly. It’s about finding a way to keep going, even when things seem impossible. It’s about getting up every day and doing what you can, even if it’s just one small step forward.

Advice: Take it one day at a time, and don’t expect yourself to always be strong. Some days will be harder than others, and that’s okay. Ask for help when you need it and give yourself grace. Resilience grows the more we practice it, so even if it’s just getting through today, you’re building that strength.

Compassion:

I’ve learned that compassion is key in everything I do, whether it’s with my family, friends, or the families we support through the foundation. Being able to truly listen to people, understand their pain, and offer a little bit of kindness makes all the difference. It’s what drives me to keep pushing for the foundation and to support others through their hardest times.

Advice: Be present for others, and try to see the world through their eyes. Even a small act of kindness can make a huge impact. Don’t be afraid to show your heart—it helps you connect with others in meaningful ways.

Faith:
I truly believe that it was through my faith that I was able to make it this far. My faith gave me the strength I needed during the darkest times, like when we were on Trinity’s journey and after we lost her. It’s my belief in something bigger than myself that keeps me going, even when the pain feels unbearable. Knowing that Trinity’s spirit is with me every day brings me peace and helps me stay strong.

Advice: Lean on your faith, whatever that looks like for you. It can provide comfort when nothing else can. Having that deeper connection, whether through prayer, meditation or simply trusting in something greater than yourself, can help you find peace and strength in ways you might not expect.

Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?

Two people who have been instrumental in helping me overcome challenges and develop the skills and qualities I needed to be successful are my dad and my husband.

Watching my dad as a single parent continue to do whatever it took to care for his children—providing a home, food, and ensuring we had the education we needed to thrive—was incredibly impactful. He instilled in us a strong work ethic, showed us unconditional love, offered emotional support, and made sure we knew how proud he was of us every step of the way. His resilience and dedication to our family shaped who I am today.

In terms of my husband, we met when we were young, and he’s been my biggest supporter for the past 20 plus years. He uplifts me in everything I do, constantly reminding me of my strength, honoring me as his wife and the mother of our children, and always being my best friend and biggest cheerleader. His unwavering love and support have helped me face many challenges, and he’s been by my side through all of them, helping me become the person I am now.

Both my dad and my husband have been foundational in my growth. They’ve supported me through difficult times and encouraged me to be successful, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without them.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://tracesoftrinityfoundation.com
• Instagram: @crystal1431
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/crystal.jennings.37?mibextid=ZbWKwL

Image Credits

Outdoor non-wedding photos were taken by

https://www.aprilandersonphoto.com/about.html