Mercede Joy was a vibrant little girl who loved animals, especially horses, dogs, and guinea pigs. She loved to paint and create art. She loved to run and play outside. She made everyday a celebration, always finding a reason to have cake and give presents.

Just a month and a half after her ninth birthday, Mercede was diagnosed with cancer. Her diagnosis required that she be hospitalized for her chemo treatments which meant that she spent months at a time in the hospital. During her first round of chemo, friends and family asked what Mercede needed while in the hospital. Her reply was, “I would like gifts to give to the other children here.”

So people sent gifts and Mercede gave them away, going door to door to pass them out to children who were hospitalized, too. This continued for almost nine months. While Mercede fought with everything she had in her, she looked for ways to give, to put smiles on the faces of the children around her.

Her fight ended on February 13, 2012, when she went to heaven. Her love for others and her kindness will never be forgotten. Her mission continues.