Tessa was diagnosed with DIPG when she was 7 years old. She battled DIPG for almost 12 months. Tessa has an older brother named Aiden and an older sister named Ella. She was our baby girl.

Tessa loved all animals. Her favorites were dogs, cats, horses and frogs! She began horseback riding as therapy during her battle and fell in love with it. I could see how soothing it was for her soul. Tessa loved school, socializing, playing field hockey and lacrosse. Tessa had lots of friends at the ice rink where she watched her older brother and sister play hockey. Tessa was full of life. Her positive attitude and sense of humor were infectious! She was pure joy before she got sick and after!

Tessa’s illness touched our community. She changed lives with the courage and grace that she showed during her battle. Tessa never complained, even once. It broke our hearts to see her getting so sick, even though she was doing everything humanly possible to get better. We were so blessed to have had her in our lives and honored that we could stand by her and fight.

To read Tessa’s story from the very beginning you can visit her Caring Bridge page under “Purple for Team Tessa”. https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/purpleforteamtessa

Submitted by Tessa’s mom, Melissa Tarasovich.

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