In Memoriam: Jessy | Branden Bauer

Some people come into our lives and leave footprints on our hearts, and we are never the same.

Her Story

Early Life & Spirit

Jessy was born in 1985 in Sterling, IL to parents, Regina and Raymond.

After her teen years, she moved to Rockford to build her life. A truly vibrant spirit, Jessy poured her heart into her community in every way possible.

Community & Compassion

She was a dedicated middle school volunteer, helped with local cheerleading, and was known for her generosity — regularly donating to the homeless and those in need.

Beyond her daily acts of kindness, Jessy was a powerful advocate for change. Her story and determination were the deciding factors in the legalization of medicinal marijuana in Illinois.

Whether she was dancing, singing, or fighting for a cause, Jessy always had a way of stealing the center of attention with her bright and beautiful soul.

Love & Devotion

October 31, 2011

Jessy married Branden on October 31, 2011, after nearly two years together. Just two weeks later, she received her stage 4 cancer diagnosis.

Her first thought wasn't for herself — she offered him an annulment, wanting to spare him the pain of what was to come.

He stayed. Regardless of how much life she had left, they would live it together, to the fullest. No regrets.

For nearly twelve years, they faced everything together — the treatments, the advocacy work, the hard days and the good ones. Their love endured until her final breath.

A Voice for Change

Jessy advocating for medical marijuana legalization

When Jessy was diagnosed with stage 4 neuroendocrine pancreatic cancer, she didn't retreat from the world — she stepped forward to fight for others facing the same battle.

Working with the Marijuana Policy Project (MPP), Jessy became a key patient advocate for Illinois' Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Pilot Program Act. Her testimony and tireless advocacy helped convince legislators that patients like her deserved access to medical cannabis.

On May 17, 2013, the Illinois House passed the bill 61-57. State Representative Lou Lang mentioned Jessy's story on the House floor during the historic vote.

News Coverage

Jessy's story was covered by multiple media outlets across Illinois:

• Rockford Register Star — Local print coverage
• WREX-TV — Local TV interview (Rockford)
• WAND TV — Statewide news coverage (Springfield)

Press & Documentation Archive

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Email • April 17, 2013

MPP Victory: 61-57

House passes the bill. Lou Lang mentions Jessy's story on the floor.

Email • April 17, 2013

Official Patient Testimony

MPP's official quote prepared for legislative advocacy.

News • WAND TV

Statewide News Coverage

"When I'm on chemo I'm so tired I can't play with my five year old daughter."

Email • Register Star

Local News Follow-up

Reporter Melissa Westphal follows up after Sunday edition interview.

Email • WREX-TV

TV Interview Request

Local Rockford station requests interview the day before the vote.

Coming Soon

Audio • Radio

Radio Interview

Jessy's radio interview discussing her advocacy and story.

In Remembrance

Jessy passed away August 2nd, 2023, at 9:39 PM after years of fighting stage 4 neuroendocrine pancreatic cancer and heart disease.

Survived By

♥ Regina McGlown & Raymond Yeager (Parents)
♥ Branden Bauer (Husband)
♥ Jalynn Stephenson (Daughter)
♥ Cory McGlown, Billie Jo Vargas (Nico Simmons), Chad Yeager (Krystal Yeager) (Siblings)
♥ Jasper, Chasity, Mikay, Terrel, Daymeion, Juan, Alexandrea, Samuel, Jade, Nakita, Chad Jr, Reggie (Nieces & Nephews)
♥ As well as numerous other friends and family