Riley Bridget Fessenden was born in Beverly, Massachusetts on April 9, 2007. She is the daughter of Todd and Kamie Fessenden and sister to Drew, Meghan, and Daniel Fessenden. Riley wanted to be a preschool teacher when she grew up. She was the most positive little girl and she always had a smile on her face.
Shortly after Riley’s 6th birthday she was diagnosed with stage four Esthesioneuroblastoma, a rare form of cancer affecting the nasal and brain cavities. When Riley was diagnosed the doctors told her parents she had three months to live. After 3 years, 104 radiation treatments, 14 rounds of chemotherapy, too many hospital stays, medications, and blood transfusions Riley was still fighting with courage and bravery that no child should have to express.
Riley was a cheerleader, softball player, and Irish step dancer. She often went straight from radiation to cheer practice. She spent birthdays, holidays, and multiple fundraisers donating toys, giftcards, and money to the hospitals and organizations that were a part of Riley’s battle. She told her story and did whatever it might take to make others smile.
The summer after Riley turned nine years old she passed away. The impact she made on others is truly remarkable. Days were named after her and parks were created in her memory. Tens of thousands of dollars continue to be raised for cancer research in her honor. Riley became a hero to so many. Riley may have lost her battle but she has taught us that there is always HOPE.
We support families fighting those same battles. Riley is just one story. One of way too many. We raise funds so that kids don’t have to spend summers inside a hospital. So that little girls don’t have to worry about covering up their bald head. So the next little girl who just wants to grow up to be a preschool teacher, can.