Albany County Correctional Facility for Children's Benefit Albany NY

In Memory of Reese Johnson

Obituary for Reese Meadow Johnson

Reese Meadow Johnson, 14, passed away on Sunday, February 21, 2016, surrounded by her loving family after a courageous two year battle with cancer and leukemia.

A ninth grade student at Ballston Spa High School, Reese enjoyed social networking, SpongeBob, Teen Wolf and Vampire Diaries. She loved to swim in her grandparent’s pool and play with her cat Dakota Rose.

Reese was a loving, caring, compassionate child with a contagious laugh and outgoing personality. She touched everyone she met and brought love and joy to all. She lived life to the fullest in the short time she was given.

Reese is survived by her parents, who were her best friends, Joseph and Shannon Johnson; grandparents Ruthanne and Paul Kilburn, and David Johnson; uncle Shane “Buzz Buzz” Kilburn; aunt Jessica “Jess Jess” Maynard; uncle Heath “Puggy” and aunt Cheryl Johnson; special cousins Nadia Robles and Cassandra Palso; “dog cousin” Mulligan; and her large extended family of cousins, great aunts and great uncles. She was predeceased by her grandmother Sandra Johnson.

Relatives and friends are invited to call on Thursday, February 25, from 2pm to 6pm at the Ballston Spa United Methodist Church, 101 Milton Avenue, Ballston Spa. A service will follow at 6pm.

The family would like to thank the entire staff at Albany Medical Center, Reese’s doctors, nurses and caregivers for the compassion and love given to Reese throughout her illness.

Memorial contributions in memory of Reese may be made at https://www.gofundme.com/qxqq4dy4

Reese Johnson, age 14- Rest In Peace Sweet Princess!

REESE JOHNSON, age 14 was surrounded by her loving family and friends who said their final goodbyes today before bravely taking her rightful place in heaven this evening, just 3 weeks shy of her 15th birthday. Reese, a Warrior Princess during her double cancer battle had touched many, many lives as was witnessed at the hospital today and on her Facebook page- "Courage, Hope & Love for Reese". 

This excerpt taken from Reese's Facebook Page, sums up her families raw pain and understandable hurt at the loss of their beautiful daughter:

"Our beautiful Reese left us tonight at 5 o'clock.... She's no longer in pain. Without a doubt she was the best thing that ever happened to us or anyone. Go with God baby girl we love 'you' and will meet up with you soon."

Reese had waged a courageous battle against two cancer types- Ewing's Sarcoma (malignant tumor of bones) and Secondary Acute Myeloid Leukemia (an uncommon serious second malignant growth of tissue following Chemo treatments). ACCFCB was honored to be counted among Reese's many friends and allies during the last 2 years of her life. We were witness to a family who loved and supported each other through a very difficult and tumultuous time.

It is with a heavy heart that our loss here on earth, is without a doubt heaven's gain! Rest in Peace sweet princess, you will never be forgotten!

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In Memory of Logan James Siciliano

Obituary New Comer Funeral Home

Loudonville- Logan James Siciliano gained his angel wings on February 15, 2016 following a lifelong illness. His final days were surrounded by family and friends that Logan had touched in some way throughout his short, yet very memorable life.

Logan’s life was short, but to those who were touched by him understood that the quality of existence far exceeds the quantity of time in which one lives. Although Logan’s illness made him appear frail, he possessed strength, perseverance, and an ability to overcome incredible challenges. With his courage he led us to believe that each day was a blessing and an opportunity to create lasting memories.

He loved Mickey Mouse and all things Mario Bros. He loved the color red, music, dancing, reading with mommy, and going to the playground with his daddy. Logan spent summers in Rhode Island where he loved to play in the sand, go on treasure hunts, and playing in the ocean.

With Logan’s passing we remind others that his life is to be celebrated. Although we will miss him every day, especially his big eyes, contagious smile, and boisterous voice, he will forever remain in our hearts. Through his teachings about life we were able to create wonderful memories. It has been a privilege to be his parents.

Logan leaves behind many wonderful friends and caregivers that provided love and support that enhanced his quality of life. Logan’s love extends to his amazing therapists Ginny, Kim, and Linda (Lala), and his teachers Shannon, Jenna, and staff at The Spotted Zebra. There is a special place in our hearts for each of you. Because of your continued dedication, love and support, Logan was able to overcome some of his toughest physical and emotional challenges. All of these people provided Logan with love and dignity in his life and also in his death.

Logan is survived by his loving parents, Mark and Stephanie Siciliano of Loudonville; Big brother and best friend Connor; Paternal grandparents Peter and Nancy Siciliano of Loudonville; Maternal grandparent, Thomas Campbell of Nokomis, Florida; Uncle Pete and Aunt Kim of Glenville, NY and their children Nick, Nate, and Nevan Siciliano; Uncle Bob and Aunt Amy Picard of Latham, NY and their children Oliver and Logan’s very special friend Liam; Aunt Becky and Uncle Lorne Wiggins of Rome, NY and their children Gage and Ares; and Aunt Jessica and Steve Sobel of Rome, NY and their child Orion Schaller; and many special cousins and great aunts and uncles.

Calling hours will be held on Friday, February 26, 2016 from 5-7pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 9am on Saturday, February 27, 2016 St. Pius X Catholic Church, 23 Crumitie Road
Loudonville, New York 12211.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: The Albany County Correctional Facility for Childrens Benefit, 7 Audrey Lane, c/o John Wojcik, Wynantskill, NY 12198 or to The Ethan M. Lindberg Foundation, 12254 Bellingham Road, Caledonia, IL 61011.

Visitation:

Friday, February 26, 2016 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
New Comer Funeral Home
343 New Karner RD
Colonie, NY  12205
518-456-4442

 

Service:

 

Saturday, February 27, 2016 at 9:00 AM
St. Pius X Catholic Church,

23 Crumitie Road,

Loudonville, New York 12211

Logan's Bravery In Life Earned Him Wings

Logan Siciliano age 5, a very brave boy has lost his courageous battle with a serious illness. Logan has been part of our ACCFCB family since 11 months of age.

"It is with the deepest sorrow that I inform you that the world has lost the amazing Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) Warrior Logan James Siciliano. I can't even begin to describe the feelings we are having. He put up a valiant fight and beat so many odds. Unfortunately there isn't an 11th hour surgery to repair a weak heart.  Logan, you can finally stop fighting.  You are everyone's hero." - Mark Siciliano, Dad

ACCFCB Looks Back: Times Union Article October 2013

"Logan, you were a sweet boy full of love and life, a happy boy who never seemed to let your affliction slow you down. The bravery and courage displayed by you and your family while battling your serious illness, was nothing short of inspirational! We rest assured that you knew all the love that your family had to offer you. You've earned your wings young warrior, your passing is a tragic loss to all who knew and loved you, yet is certainly heaven’s gain. We were truly honored to know you and your family during your short life. Rest in peace young Logan, you are missed and will never be forgotten! We extend our deepest condolences and love to your family!" - Albany County Correctional Facility for Children’s Benefit

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Logan was born on January 19, 2011 diagnosed with Marfan Syndrome (MFS)- a genetic disorder of connective tissue which holds all parts of the body together and helps control growth. MFS affects the heart, blood vessels, bones, joints, eyes, lungs and skin.

Logan was also born with leaky heart valves and an enlarged aorta causing congestive heart failure. Logan underwent open heart surgery on September 1, 2011 at Boston Children's Hospital to repair 3 valves and replace part of his stretched aorta. On December 4, 2015, he again underwent open heart surgery in Boston. After coming home from this latest surgery, he was able to celebrate his 5th birthday at home before his health started to decline requiring his admittance to the PICU at AMCH where he lost his courageous battle. 

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Reese, 14 Admitted To Hospital While She Battles Double Cancer Diagnosis

REESE JOHNSON, age 14 is courageously battling two cancer types- Ewing's Sarcoma (malignant tumor of bones) and Secondary Acute Myeloid Leukemia (an uncommon serious second malignant growth of tissue following Chemo treatments).

"She is a beautiful girl in every way and will turn 15 on March 12, 2016. She is a 9th grader at Ballston Spa Middle School. Before her illness took center stage she was a gymnast and a cheerleader. She enjoys spending time with her friends and shopping on the occasional good days. She loves to watch vampire diaries and teen wolf. She has a cat named Dakota Rose that is the apple of her eye. Even with everything she is going through she stays positive and continues to be her spunky little self all while fighting as hard as she can to get her life back. She is a true inspiration to everyone!"- Shannon Johnson (Mom)  

Reese's Battle Timeline-

• March 18, 2014 diagnosed with Ewing's Sarcoma in her left jawbone and had surgery to remove growth.
• January 26, 2015 with just 4 chemo treatments remaining for the Ewing's, she is diagnosed with secondary Acute Myeloid Leukemia (1% contracts this rare side effect from chemo).
• She spent 37 days inpatient and goes into remission.
• Less than a month later it's back again, spends 30 more days in the hospital and on 5/8/2015 she's in remission again.
• She went to Strong Memorial Hospital on 5/20/15 for bone marrow transplant- (out of the 20 million bone marrow donors on the list, not one match). She underwent 6 days of heavy chemo then receives umbilical cord transplant.
• She then had 2 surgeries to remove hemorrhagic cystitis (clots in her bladder wall). She was so sick and traumatized, she went from 120lbs to 180lbs because her kidneys were damaged from medication. She finally came home in the beginning of September 2015 after a 3 month stay.
• She then began hyperbaric oxygen chamber treatments.
• In the beginning of October, 2015 Reese requested to be admitted due to not eating and feeling tired. She had lost her immune system and spent a month inpatient.
• November 19, 2015 saw the return of her immune system. 
• Her hemorrhagic cystitis came back in December, 2015. 
• She goes to the clinic twice/ week for transfusions of platelets and blood due to this being the last to engraft after the transplant. 
• She is inpatient now, February, 2016 in an attempt to stabilize her low Blood Pressure.