In Loving Memory · 1983 – 2024
Jaclyn "Jax" Leigh Salzwedel
She lived 41 bold, full, generous years
Jax gave everything she had to everyone around her. She was proud, fierce, and real — a force in every room she walked into. She always wanted to write a book. So we're writing it together — one story at a time.
Who She Was
Jaclyn "Jax" Leigh Salzwedel was the kind of person who made you feel like you mattered the moment you met her. She was a proud, loud, fierce advocate for the LGBTQ+ community — not because it was trendy, but because it was her truth, and she lived it unapologetically every single day.
She grew up tougher than anybody in the neighborhood. Kids learned quick: Jax was tougher than any of them. And she'd still be the first one at your door when you needed someone there.
She dealt with more than most people ever will — torn apart by judgment, worn down by a world that wasn't always kind to someone like her. She faced tears, bullying, and people who didn't understand her. She kept giving anyway. She was tired, boss. She still showed up.
Mental health doesn't care how brave you are. It doesn't discriminate. Neither did Jax's love. She always wanted to write a book about all of it. This is that book — your pages, your memories, your stories. Together we'll make sure her words exist in the world the way she always deserved.
Got probs? Yuuuup. She faced every single one of them with her chin up and her whole heart wide open.
— The way we'll always remember her
Why This Matters
Adults in the U.S. experience mental illness in any given year
Higher suicide risk for LGBTQ+ individuals compared to their peers
Years Jax fought, loved, gave, and lit up this world. It wasn't enough time.
The Living Book
These are the chapters she deserved. Shared by the people she touched. Every story is a page in the book she always wanted to write.
A message from her family
Salzwedel Family
Jax — you were the loudest laugh in any room, the first call when things went sideways, and the toughest person we've ever known. You carried so much for so many people. We're carrying you now. This site is yours. Got probs? Yuuuup. But we've got you, always.
With all our love
Your story could live here
Friend · Neighbor · Anyone she touched
Did she show up for you? Did she make you laugh until it hurt? Did she say exactly the right thing at the worst possible moment? Share it below. Every memory counts. This is how we write her book.
→ Scroll down to add yours
Jax's story is one millions carry. The strongest, most giving, most vibrant souls can be fighting battles no one around them can see. If you're struggling — or someone you love is — please reach out. You deserve help. Jax would want that for you.
If you need help now
988
Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Call or text · 24/7 · Free & confidential
Crisis Text Line
741741
Text HOME to connect
with a crisis counselor
LGBTQ+ Support
Trevor Project
1-866-488-7386
thetrevorproject.org