Candlelight vigil to be held for Riley on Friday (7/22) at 7:30 p.m. at Lynch Park, next to the Riley Rocks garden

BEVERLY, Mass. – The Endicott College community is saddened by the passing of nine-year-old Beverly native Riley Fessenden, who became a member of the Endicott softball team through Team IMPACT two years ago. Fessenden passed away on Wednesday afternoon after a strong and courageous three-year fight against a rare form of cancer called esthesioneuroblastoma (ENB).

"One of the highlights of my 23-year coaching career at Endicott was the 'Draft Day' signing of Riley. Her big smile and love for softball and life shined through. When we were paired with Riley, through Team IMPACT, it was apparent right away that she would not be learning from the team, the team would be learning from her," said Endicott softball head coach Mark Veilleux. "Although Riley's time with us was short, she left a mark that will have a profound impact on the players. Through this experience, the team has learned about compassion, understanding, and how precious life is. This is a sad day for the Endicott softball team, and the entire Endicott College community. Fly high with the Angels, Riley, you will always be a Gull."

Fessenden officially became a member of the Endicott softball team on November 1, 2014 after a signing day was held on campus with the entire Gulls program along with family and friends. From that day on, it was apparent that Riley was an integral member of the team, and always would be.

"Riley's strength was a true inspiration to the team," said rising senior Chrissy Gikas. "She will forever be in our hearts and will always be a part of the Endicott softball family."

In a statement made through Team IMPACT's Regional Case Manager Mary Welker earlier this week, the Fessenden Family said: "Riley's dream was to attend Endicott College, and that dream came true!"

Riley received an honorary degree from Endicott in 2014, and the Endicott Community is thankful her dream came true.

"Riley touched and inspired our Endicott community in profound ways, and we were so lucky to have met her and welcomed her as an honorary Gull," said Endicott College President Dr. Richard E. Wylie. "We all feel her loss keenly and our hearts go out to her family."

Riley's funeral service will be held at St. Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church, 253 Cabot Street, Beverly, on Monday, July 25 at 11 a.m. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. Meanwhile visiting hours at the Campbell Funeral Home, 525 Cabot Street, Beverly, will take place on Sunday from 1-5 p.m. Riley's family has asked that those in attendance please wear their colorful Riley Rocks apparel or colors (turquoise or pink). In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to Dr. Jonathan Marron, c/o Dana Farber Cancer Institute, 10 Brookline Place, Brookline, Mass. 02445. Additional information, directions, and condolences can be found/made at www.campbellfuneral.com.

To read more about Riley click here – Riley's Battle With Cancer Inspired Community (via the Salem News).