This is a tribute to Our Loving daughter Marissa, who was born in Auburn N.Y in  2002. Marissa life was base around love, family and friend. She always had a smile on her face. Marissa knew how to save the day if someone was having an off day. Marissa enjoy so much. She was wiser beyond her years. She had just start out with so many goals that she wanted to accomplish in her life.

    Marissa was a unique young lady who did not allow epilepsy to stop her from living a full productive life. She suffered with seizures from early 2017 until July 11, 2018 at which time, She died due to a fatal seizure. Marissa was able to overcome many personal challenges yet she met all of her challenges and endeavors with determination and courage. Marissa gave one hundred percent to everything she was involved in. She had a kind kindred spirit. She loved to laugh, have fun and help others. She was a beautiful young lady who was full of confidence and understood what it meant to embrace life to the fullest.

    Marissa loved to write creative poetry and carve, paint, as well as create collages, and make jewelry. As a young woman, she enjoyed being in the  Woodworking club of CNY carving group for 4 years, being apart of the Onondaga Cycling Club the last two years, and her dad help her get up to 20-mile bike rides. She also participated yearly in Odyssey of the Mind since 4th grade, loved cosplay, played trumpet in band, drawing, reading, hiking, kayaking, nature and the ocean waves. She loved to write, post fan fiction stories, produced a few YouTube videos on makeup and songs, sang in the middle school talent shows all three years - Let It Go, Firework, and Jar of Hearts; blowing away her classmates with surprise of how good she was. She had a big heart and loved to help others, even when she felt all alone at times. Whether it’s to stop bullying or help buy a lunch for a hungry classmate. She would have been a strong role model and loving mother had she grown up.

   Marissa was also adventurous, her favorite shows were fairy-tale anime and Doctor Who. She loved  walking her dog, love to ride her bike, take walks to see the sunset with her mom. Anyone who had the pleasure of knowing Marissa was fortunate to know a very special young lady who exemplified what it means to be a committed loving trust worthy person. All of us who knew Marissa miss her dearly. She is loved by so many and will always be remembered.

    I would like to encourage other families with children who have epilepsy should consider participating in research such as SUDEP. Such research can only promote a positive outcome in the medical field as we use our collective efforts to investigate and share important information that can help to extend and save precious lives.