Abigail Goss

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Abigail Goss

Birth
Arizona, USA
Death
15 Jul 2013 (aged 4)
Mesa, Maricopa County, Arizona, USA
Burial
Mesa, Maricopa County, Arizona, USA GPS-Latitude: 33.4373857, Longitude: -111.8363646
Memorial ID
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In the brief span of her life, Abigail Goss stood as a testament to the strength of the human spirit. Born on June 12, 2009, in Arizona, she began her mortal journey with the exuberance and innocence that childhood bestows. Tragically, her journey was cut short when she passed away at the age of 4 in Mesa, Arizona, on July 15, 2013.

Abigail wasn't just any child. Her spirit was indefatigable, her joy infectious, and her resilience unmatched. Despite facing life's harshest challenges, she emanated a unique light that touched everyone around her. To say that Abigail had an affinity for life's simple joys would be an understatement. Animals, carousels, the zoo, and even the playful tunes of Barney resonated with her deeply. But her true joy came from the warmth of her family. From playing with her siblings to cherishing moments with her mother, with whom she shared a special bond, especially over her mother's hair.

Life took a sudden turn for Abigail and her family shortly after they ushered in the New Year in 2011. What was initially dismissed as a seasonal flu took a devastating turn when a lump was discovered on her neck. The diagnosis was neuroblastoma cancer, a formidable foe that affects the sympathetic nervous system. Abigail's journey into the world of hospitals, treatments, and medicines had begun.

Despite the dire prognosis, her parents, Aaron and Annabeth, displayed remarkable resilience and determination. They ventured into various treatments, from chemotherapy to alternative medicine, ever hopeful for a ray of positive news. And their efforts bore fruit. In May 2011, Abigail was declared to have "no evidence of disease." But the respite was brief, as Abigail relapsed in December 2012.

Yet, even as her body waged war against her, Abigail's spirit remained unbroken. She taught everyone around her lessons in enduring love, happiness, patience, forgiveness, hope, and faith. It was clear that her testimony of Christ was profound, much deeper than one could fathom from someone so young.

There's a saying that it takes a village to raise a child. In Abigail's case, it took a village to support her. From fundraisers like the "Run for Abigail and Friends" to the touching gesture of young boys shaving their heads in solidarity, the outpouring of love and support was overwhelming. Her story was shared far and wide, from local news articles to a YouTube video that showcased her journey. Her mother, Annabeth, poignantly pointed out that knowing someone is thinking about you during such times can mean the world, and indeed, the community stood with the Goss family every step of the way.

When traditional treatments seemed to reach their limits, the Goss family turned to Dr. Giselle Sholler and the pioneering study she led, which took a personalized medicine approach to treating children's cancer. Hope rekindled as Abigail became the first patient in a clinical trial that looked to understand a tumor's molecular makeup to provide the most effective medications.

In the face of adversity, the Goss family leaned on their unwavering faith. Their gratitude for every single moment, the "today" they had with Abigail, was deeply rooted in their belief in God. Even in the darkest hours, they found solace in His peace.

While Abigail's earthly journey ended, her spirit undoubtedly continues to touch lives. To have known her story is to have been reminded of life's fragility and the profound strength of the human spirit. It's to understand the depth of parental love, the compassion of a community, and the importance of hope even in the direst circumstances.

The public was given a chance to pay their respects on July 18 and 19, 2013, at the LDS Hillside Ward in Mesa. One can only imagine the profound sadness of such a moment but also the beautiful celebration of a life that, in its short span, changed many.

Abigail Goss was, and remains, a beacon of love, strength, and faith. She has left an indelible mark on this world. Through her story, many have been reminded to cherish the little moments, to persevere through challenges, and above all, to love deeply and unconditionally. Abigail's spirit, undoubtedly, continues its mission, teaching and inspiring in ways beyond comprehension. Rest in peace, dear Abigail. Your legacy will live on forever.

Written by: Alan Owen
In the brief span of her life, Abigail Goss stood as a testament to the strength of the human spirit. Born on June 12, 2009, in Arizona, she began her mortal journey with the exuberance and innocence that childhood bestows. Tragically, her journey was cut short when she passed away at the age of 4 in Mesa, Arizona, on July 15, 2013.

Abigail wasn't just any child. Her spirit was indefatigable, her joy infectious, and her resilience unmatched. Despite facing life's harshest challenges, she emanated a unique light that touched everyone around her. To say that Abigail had an affinity for life's simple joys would be an understatement. Animals, carousels, the zoo, and even the playful tunes of Barney resonated with her deeply. But her true joy came from the warmth of her family. From playing with her siblings to cherishing moments with her mother, with whom she shared a special bond, especially over her mother's hair.

Life took a sudden turn for Abigail and her family shortly after they ushered in the New Year in 2011. What was initially dismissed as a seasonal flu took a devastating turn when a lump was discovered on her neck. The diagnosis was neuroblastoma cancer, a formidable foe that affects the sympathetic nervous system. Abigail's journey into the world of hospitals, treatments, and medicines had begun.

Despite the dire prognosis, her parents, Aaron and Annabeth, displayed remarkable resilience and determination. They ventured into various treatments, from chemotherapy to alternative medicine, ever hopeful for a ray of positive news. And their efforts bore fruit. In May 2011, Abigail was declared to have "no evidence of disease." But the respite was brief, as Abigail relapsed in December 2012.

Yet, even as her body waged war against her, Abigail's spirit remained unbroken. She taught everyone around her lessons in enduring love, happiness, patience, forgiveness, hope, and faith. It was clear that her testimony of Christ was profound, much deeper than one could fathom from someone so young.

There's a saying that it takes a village to raise a child. In Abigail's case, it took a village to support her. From fundraisers like the "Run for Abigail and Friends" to the touching gesture of young boys shaving their heads in solidarity, the outpouring of love and support was overwhelming. Her story was shared far and wide, from local news articles to a YouTube video that showcased her journey. Her mother, Annabeth, poignantly pointed out that knowing someone is thinking about you during such times can mean the world, and indeed, the community stood with the Goss family every step of the way.

When traditional treatments seemed to reach their limits, the Goss family turned to Dr. Giselle Sholler and the pioneering study she led, which took a personalized medicine approach to treating children's cancer. Hope rekindled as Abigail became the first patient in a clinical trial that looked to understand a tumor's molecular makeup to provide the most effective medications.

In the face of adversity, the Goss family leaned on their unwavering faith. Their gratitude for every single moment, the "today" they had with Abigail, was deeply rooted in their belief in God. Even in the darkest hours, they found solace in His peace.

While Abigail's earthly journey ended, her spirit undoubtedly continues to touch lives. To have known her story is to have been reminded of life's fragility and the profound strength of the human spirit. It's to understand the depth of parental love, the compassion of a community, and the importance of hope even in the direst circumstances.

The public was given a chance to pay their respects on July 18 and 19, 2013, at the LDS Hillside Ward in Mesa. One can only imagine the profound sadness of such a moment but also the beautiful celebration of a life that, in its short span, changed many.

Abigail Goss was, and remains, a beacon of love, strength, and faith. She has left an indelible mark on this world. Through her story, many have been reminded to cherish the little moments, to persevere through challenges, and above all, to love deeply and unconditionally. Abigail's spirit, undoubtedly, continues its mission, teaching and inspiring in ways beyond comprehension. Rest in peace, dear Abigail. Your legacy will live on forever.

Written by: Alan Owen