Poems for the Dark

I [Pam] never got the opportunity to meet Jane. However, that didn’t stop her from barging into my life, thanks to the algorithms of social media. I’m a sucker for life changing and inspirational stories, so when I saw Simon Cowell’s Golden Buzzer Winner written across my feed, I clicked.

Jane Marczewski, known artistically as Nightbirde, auditioned for America’s Got Talent in 2021. I watched as Jane sang an original song, “It’s OK,” about the last year of her life. While the song suggested lightheartedness, Jane was battling metastatic breast cancer, with a 2% chance of survival. In spite of her prognosis, she lit up the room with her smile and with her message: “You can’t wait until life isn’t hard anymore before you decide to be happy.”

Those words deeply resonated with me in a particularly dark time in my own life. Her book of poetry, which I purchased upon its release has been a source of inspiration and comfort as I have fought my own battle with breast cancer and as I continue fighting for Nico.

Jane passed away in 2022, but there are many days I go back and watch her audition, to remember a woman I never met, but who has deeply impacted my life.

Recently, I received an invitation to connect with The Nightbirde Foundation, a nonprofit established in Jane’s memory. I had the privilege of meeting Mitch Marczewski, the CEO of The Nightbirde Foundation and Jane’s big brother. He shared his story with me, along with more stories of Jane and her contagious, eternal perspective. Mitch generously offered to donate copies of Poems for the Dark for The Coco Project to include in Buddies Box. It is my honor to showcase Jane’s story, her poetry, and most of all, her rebellious hope. As she said, “Blessed are those who need rescuing, because God is coming.”

Watch Jane’s audition here and learn more about The Nightbirde Foundation.