Philomena Rose Euhnee Rivera

Our family is devastated to announce that the center of our universe, Philomena Rose Euhnee Rivera, died August 30th after a brief battle with sepsis. She had just started Kindergarten at Anderson Grove Elementary and was quickly on her way to become Little Miss Popular.

Mena has been filling people’s hearts with love ever since she was born on February 7th, 2018, despite her own heart needing some help from the skilled hands of Children’s cardiologist Dr. Christopher Curzon.

Philomena’s first years were nourished by a village of moms from across the country, who donated milk to help her grow and thrive. When we reflect on the generosity Mena attracted into her life from the very beginning, we are moved beyond words. We always knew she was unique, and our instincts were confirmed when she received a diagnosis of partial trisomy 16q. No one else in the world had her duplication. She was one of a kind.

Mena took her extra DNA, and focused solely on the “extra.” Sweet, silly, and sassy, Mena lived life on her terms. She demanded attention from her older brothers, Taj and Donovan, who have protected her and included her from birth. You’d often hear our family saying “this is Mena’s world, and we’re just living in it.”

She never let her disabilities stand in her way, and she found ways to advocate her needs even without verbal communication. Anyone in her world who took the time to pause, listen, and stay in the present was rewarded with pure joyous magic. We will all miss her magic, including her parents and brothers, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, teachers, therapists, and friends. And we can’t forget her beloved bulldog and best friend forever, Bubbles.

A Celebration of Life will be held in Mena’s honor on Saturday September 9th at Falconwood Park. The family will receive condolences from 10:30-11:30. A sweet, silly, and sassy service will begin at 11:30 with food, drink, and activities immediately following. In lieu of flowers, consider donating to Philomena’s memorial fund as our family considers the best ways to honor her short 2029 days on Earth. (https://www.mealtrain.com/trains/0eowo9)

It’s still Mena’s world, and we are going to keep living in it.