Esposito, Grace Elizabeth

 

Grace Esposito 20130211

 

Doctors cannot explain how she survived her first 24-hours of life. She astonished them with her ability to overcome multiple operations and complications. She inspired countless other patients and families with medical challenges of their own. She motivated thousands to support construction of the new Golisano Children’s Hospital at Strong. And all the while she showed love and appreciation for all who cared for her. She was Grace Elizabeth Esposito, known to many as “Amazing Grace.”

Grace died early Saturday morning from complications following surgery at the age of 16 months. Grace was born with a congenital diaphragmatic hernia that allowed her abdominal organs to migrate into her chest while still in the womb. The abdominal organs pressured her heart and lungs, raising questions how she could breathe when she was first born. This was the first of many challenges that Grace faced, and her fighting spirit won the hearts of all who knew her. “Grace had a way of looking into you, at your very soul.” She was a 2012 Golisano Children’s Hospital “Miracle Kid.”

Grace was the daughter of Vincent Esposito (Empire State Development) and Jennifer Johnson (13WHAM News) of Irondequoit. She is survived by her big sister and dance party partner, Avery, her grandparents Dominic and Camilla Esposito (Fairport, NY), David and Karen Johnson (Roanoke, VA), godmothers Jill Johnson and Elsbeth Ruder Ebenhoe, three great grandparents, and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. A memorial service will be held Sunday, Feb. 24th at 4:00 at Asbury First United Methodist Church. Please make donations to Golisano Children’s Hospital in Grace’s name so that more miracles can happen.


Comments

One response to “Esposito, Grace Elizabeth”

  1. Nina Walker Avatar
    Nina Walker

    Vinnie and Jennifer,
    Please accept my deepest sympathy on the loss of your beautiful daughter. My thoughts and prayers are with both of you and your families as you go through this difficult time.
    Sincerely,
    Nina Walker
    (Vinnie’s middle school Spanish teacher)