"What though the radiance which was once so bright
be now forever taken from my sight,
though nothing can bring back the hour
of splendor in the grass, of glory in the flower;
we will grieve not, rather find strength in what remains behind"

Former Chesterbrook Academy, Sycolin Creek Elementary and Balls Bluff Elementary School Student, Dianne "Reiley" Formoso-Bagatsing, 11 years old of Leesburg Virginia was granted her angel wings on Saturday March 19, 2016 at Inova Landsdowne Hospital.

Born on July 21, 2004 at Inova Fairfax Hospital, "Reiley" as she prefers to be called, was born to and survived by her parents Reinaldo Bagatsing Jr & Rhoda Formoso, her big sister and protector Reivin Alexis, Irish Twin sister Xandrine Foxfire and co-conspirator, constant companion and BFF little sister Sabrina Reine.

Reiley was the second child to be baptized in the history of Medstar Georgetown University Hospital Chapel, second to John F. Kennedy Jr where she lived and celebrated all of her first milestones in life. From her first Easter eggs hunting, trick or treating, first Christmas and many birthdays till she received her Liver and isolated small bowel transplant on April 14, 2007 performed by surgeon Thomas Fishbein under the care of gastroenterologist Dr. Stuart Kauffman.

Reiley's life would seem too short to many, but those who were touched by her, understood that the quality of existence far exceeds the length of time in which one lives. The expression "Living the life of Reiley" suggests an ideal contented life and that's exactly how Reiley lived her life. She always tried to look for something positive even in the most negative of situations. She always has a smile to share and would never allow anyone near her to be sad- even strangers! She always had a pocket full of love and sunshine to give and share to others.

Although she was so tiny and frail, she gave us all such courage and hope and showed us what real bravery is all about and reminded us of the preciousness of life. A true princess, she had grace even under pressure that even if she's late for school, she would never run or rush because to her "Fashionable late" is the motto to live by, she always makes sure to walk the hall where her dear Ms. Piper will be so she can do her cat walk and show off her "fashion of the day". The only kid who goes to school with a tiara, fairy wings and a matching sparkling boots. And when faced with some mundane work not suitable for a princess, she would gracefully excuse herself so she can go take a nap just like sleeping beauty.

Reiley was a Fashionista, Artist, Author, Sculptor, Singer, Dancer, Fashion designer, Virgin Mary devotee, gardener, farmer, Baby chick defender, blue bird watcher, cupid matchmaker, life coach, motivator, Hershey kisses lover, cheese connoisseur and Psychiatrist to anyone who has a problem and "a hug and a kiss" to give as payment.

Reiley lived her life to the fullest as best as she could, what physically she was incapable or limited to do; her imagination allowed her to cross that barrier. She is very spirited that there is just no way you can confine a spunky and spirited girl like her in the 4 corners of any room.

At home, she was the heart and soul of her family, Reiley was a very loving daughter. Her favorite thing to do was to wake up early in the morning before anyone can so she can make a cream cheese with potato chips sandwich and give her Mommy breakfast in bed. Her favorite moments are those spent in bed cuddling with her Mommy, or listening to music while they sing. And to her Dad, she was the son he never had as they bond over robots, cars, comic books and super hero's- but there is no super hero in her eyes better than her dearest Daddy. To her sisters she was the cheerleader, the advocate, the supporter and the shoulder to cry on and lap to sleep on for her little sister. Never one to judge, she could listen endlessly to all her sisters rants and raves and would always surprise everyone with her perfectly timed punch lines and humor filled wisdom advice that you'd never thought you'd hear from a child. She would often declare that she got her sense of humor from her doctor that she would secretly call Dad or Grandpa behind his back, Dr. Kaufman.

As a big sister, Reiley was very loving, patient, gentle, forgiving and nurturing. She takes great pride in being Sabrina's big sister- always trying to set a good example and making sure Sabrina's doesn't get in trouble. She was very protective over her that when Sabrina has issues at school, Reiley would always take the liberty of fixing things for her. She would march down to the Principals office to complain and advocate for her baby sister. Reiley would never allow Sabrina to have a boring moment. She would push aside everything to play with her, because to Reiley, Sabrina's happiness meant the world to her. Always together like two peas on a pod, they live, sleep, breath together since Sabrina was born. Even when Sabrina grew to the same size as she was, she would still allow Sabrina to sleep in her lap and Reiley would sit still for hours to make sure Sabrina got the rest she needed to grow.

Even in life she could always paint a better picture and fill all the gray sky of wonderful colors that life was meant to be lived. She's an author of her own life… always a story teller, when she would look back to certain events of her life she would recreate certain things in history and when you tell her "Reiley, that's not how it went- she would give you the biggest smile ever and say I know but that was boring and this is better". She wrote a book of a little cactus who wanted a hug and the journey the little cactus had to take to get the hug he wanted. She spent many days trying to figure out the perfect shade of green to capture the true essence of her little cactus. When she's not coloring or painting, you will find her submerged in her dreamland. A place her heart created to escape the reality of things. A place where only she & her Mommy can go; where everything is purple for her and pink for mommy… where houses are made of cheese, chocolates and clouds are made of cotton candy and jello beds not meant to be slept on but meant for kids to jump on. In that dreamland, there is no pain only happiness, no autumn only spring and summer where flowers are constantly in bloom, a place where she would ride her purple & gold unicorn and pegasus.

The time she spent out of dreamland, she spent sculpting clay and making tiny cheeseburgers, cheetos, cheese, pizza, pies, Totoro & Ponyo characters and all the betweens with her big sister Reivin. Or making dioramas and tiny fairy houses with her little sister Sabrina and Mom. Or planning for world domination with her Irish twin sister Xandrine in her little city of dollhouses where My Little Ponies, Lalaloopsy, Littlest Pet Shops and Shopkins can live in perfect harmony. A world where she was the super hero and no villain ever existed. You will know a place that Reiley has been or have lived in not by the crayon marks on the wall, but by the trail of many dollhouses. She never liked playing on table tops instead she would line up all the houses the floor and create a whole city- a world if there is enough space for it.

Life as Reiley saw it was never meant to be complicated, never meant to be rushed, she has no concept of time- she goes by the season and moments to be celebrated and to her that was every day. She lived in full colors, her life, she made it a point to be like a music video montage. Music means everything to her; there is always a melody, a song that she would pick to capture that one particular moment in her life. She would try her best never to complain- but the way to know what is her heart is through the music she would sing.

Even as a baby, she always had a sense of flare and fashion… she likes to be dressed up in bright Easter dresses everyday and to sleep only with pink princess nightgowns with her pink fluffy bunny slippers. The only way she'll have a bad day is if you leave her wearing a hospital gown. And before she could speak she can sing to her heart's content as she hums to the tune of under the sea and a whole new world till she learned how to speak and sing with lyrics.

Her final days were spent surrounded by her family and best friend Sienna Hahn doing what she has always wanted to do, to see and play with her dear friend Daniel and favorite teacher Ms. Dena Breedan. Hang out and play video games with her big sisters "cool high school kids", trying to replicate the movie "UP" with dozens of balloons with her Mom so she can hide from her doctors in the sky. Picking up her little sister at the Bus Stop so she can be the first to ask how her day went. Having balloon parade with Sabrina and Sienna and her last request was to go to Michael's so she can buy dollhouse furniture and accessories, particularly a tiny bible- because no house should do without.

The months succeeding before her final departure when she is not at home, she was surrounded with love by her nurses at Medstar Georgetown Hospital. Though she loved each and every nurse she ever had and would pray for them each night, thanking god for all that they do to make sure all kids at C51/transplant are okay. She loved her nurses Marianne and Kat (whom she asked to be her valentine) the most and would say a special prayer for them. She loved her weekly karaoke time with the volunteers, spying and eavesdropping on Doctor Kaufman and Dr. Yazigi's rounds with other kids, Bingo days every Friday and always look forward to the weekend to have her special walks with childlife specialist Lerin. Reading Harry Potter, exploring with her imagination and sharing thoughts and feelings with her constant companion Childlife specialist Jessica Uze. Every night she looks forward to Sandra Thompson's visit where she would get a kiss in the forehead and a hug because to Reiley she was more than a Nurse Tech she was a family that she has known since she was a baby at C53. And with Chaplain David and Lucy whom she welcomed with open arms and gave the spiritual guidance and prayers she always wanted. And other people at C51 that Reiley had touched in some way throughout her short yet memorable life.

The 11 years of life she had, she made sure she lived each day to the fullest as though it was her last. She filled the days of those that surrounded her with love and happiness before she said goodbye the last song she would sing was a "Whole New World".

A whole new world
A new fantastic point of view
No one to tell me no
Or where to go
Or say I'm only dreaming

A whole new world
A dazzling place I never knew
But now from way up here
It's crystal clear
That now I'm in a whole new world with you

Unbelievable sights
Indescribable feeling
Soaring, tumbling, freewheeling
Through an endless diamond sky

A whole new world
A hundred thousand things to see
I'm like a shooting star
I've come so far
I can't go back to where I used to be

Last July 2015 Reiley shared with her family a vision that she had. Where was welcomed with open arms in heaven by her older brother Maverick Rein and Grandmother Diana Atizado and her pink Maltese dog cuddles, in there she said there was no pain, only happiness and she will live permanently in a beautiful little cottage under a big Magnolia tree & surrounded by cherry blossom trees with a duck pond, a meadow and a small garden filled with purple and gold flowers she will be tending and a playground for her to play in when she is not busy painting the clouds pink and the sky purple with glittering stars. She will continue to be a life advisor, matchmaker, motivator cheering squad, wearing her sunglasses, high heels or boots, tiara's and hats with her new purple: GIVING ANGEL WINGS, as she promised to be continuing to give love, comfort to all her loved ones here on earth.

Reiley's life seen through the eyes of those around her:

Reiley, or "Lil Miss Sunshine" as I like to call her, was a very loved and special student during her third grade year. When she entered the classroom in the morning, no matter what she may have been feeling, she lit up the room with her beautiful smile and oh-so darling hair-do's and attire—from cool shades, matching headbands or bows to the bling on her toes. She loved being a "fashionista" and took pride in displaying it! She enjoyed cracking jokes to the class, hearing everyone's laughter, sitting different things on her desk that made her happy, helping others, drawing beautiful pictures, hearing fun stories during shared reading and using her incredible mind to write the best stories ever. Little did she know—she told the Best Story Ever! Towards the end of the year she wrote "Her Story" and wanted to share it with the class stating, "I'm ready for everyone to find out…". Mrs. Piercy and I tried fighting back tears that day while listening, but there was no force here on earth that could stop them. We hugged her a little tighter that day, and told her what a courageous and brave little girl she was. Last year was beyond a doubt the most memorable and special year for me working in the school system—All because of one little girl named Reiley! She taught me more than I have ever taught any student—the importance of Living—Perseverance and Finding your Own Happy Place!! I will always treasure the time I had with Reiley and be thankful for her presence in my life from the very first day I met her until just a few days ago when she continued to lift everyone's spirit with her laughter and smile that was bigger than the sun shining! Blessings and Hugs to Heaven Sweet Angel….Mrs. Breeden.

***

Dear Family (and Friends) of Reiley:

It has been a rich blessing for me to know and serve Reiley here at MedStar Georgetown. I first met Reiley a year or so ago. Others at the hospital have known her longer than I. I recall her bright smile and friendly expression when I first stood in her doorway and introduced myself as a chaplain. She welcomed the visit with, "Sure! Come on in! You can say a prayer for me!" And, she was bowing her head and closing her eyes to receive a prayer and blessing even before I entered the room. She was a deeply spiritual girl with a profound faith and trust in God. Over time, I came to know Reiley's family were devout Catholics who valued spiritual support and wanted it for Reiley and for themselves. They would reach out for pastoral care when they visited the hospital.

I experienced Reiley as someone with a keen awareness that she was loved…by family, caregivers, and most especially by God. And she loved back. In some ways, she was very mature and adult, finding it easy to express herself directly and clearly to adult visitors like me. I felt she knew herself well and exactly what she needed or wanted. And, she had no trouble ASKING for what she needed or wanted and saying NO to what she did NOT need or want! I can assure you, there were days when I would approach the doorway and for whatever good reason, such as pain, tiredness, watching a movie, playing a game, or being fully occupied with the "Reiley Worlds" she could create with her vivid imagination, she would politely but firmly say, "No thanks! Not today." Which was perfectly fine. She was busy taking care of Reiley.

However, there also were precious days (to me), when Reiley would size me up and then say with that wonderful, somewhat wary smile, "Sure! Come on in!" And then she would proceed to tell me about her characters living in the house or landscape she had created. In one visit during the weeks just before the completion of her life, Fr. Jerry Hall, who was serving in our staff on a temporary assignment, asked to go with me to see what it was like to serve kids on the Transplant Unit of our hospital and to meet and pray with some of them and their families. On this occasion Reiley was with her sister and sitting up proudly in her bed. She had a magnificent display with a model "dollhouse" fully furnished set before her. It had "My Little Pony" characters standing about whom she named for me and then explained what they were doing. To her left was what she described as a "dance hall" where the ponies and she could go to dance. We talked and laughed as she imagined being in that place which reminded her of home and in that hall where she could kick off her shoes and feel free to dance with friends, family, all those she loved, to lively music offered by a DJ.

Yes, Reiley was precious and special to those of us who served her. More than once as I passed through the C51 Unit I would be amazed by all the colorful expressions, such as purple or multi-colored cloth canopies or curtains draped above and around her bed, paintings displayed on walls or windows, or some other creation in her room. There, Reiley would sit regally in the midst of it all, smiling, and I would imagine her a little queen directing her queendom! The last time I saw Reiley, about a week before her passing, I walked by her room and through the doorway saw her sleeping peacefully, and I thought, "Sleeping Beauty." So, Reiley would spark our imagination with her imagination.

This week, as we have been grieving her loss, I continued to imagine her. Given her imagination, I think Reiley would appreciate us using ours about her. Imagining those we love is a form of prayer, I think. As I drove to work one morning I imagined Reiley no longer sick or hurting. I imagined her happy, comfortable, safe in the arms of the God she worshipped and loved. I imagined her body perfect, her legs strong. I imagined her in the most magnificent of homes, ruling a shiny silver castle under clear blue skies with lush green land all around, and having dominion over EVERYTHING! And, I imagined Reiley at a dancehall made of rainbows, with floors of glittery gold, dancing with all the angels and saints, even tiring God out as they laughed and pranced. For you see, I am confident, absolutely certain, that Reiley is with God in a home that fits her, that is perfect for her.

We have been blessed to know Reiley. In Scripture, there is a moment when Jesus tells the disciples and adults not to shoo children away but instead to let the children come to him. He sets them up as examples of how we are to be. He explains how we all are to be trusting, innocent, pure, blameless, good, just as children are. Reiley showed us this. I learned much from Reiley. We all did.

Certainly I, all of us at the hospital, were shocked and sad to hear the news of Reiley's loss. We treasured our time with her. We loved Reiley and will miss her. We will never forget her. God bless you and strengthen you in your grief, and I hope these words and imaginings afford some comfort in this difficult time. She was precious. Thank you for sharing her with us.

***

Everyone at Georgetown loved Reiley, especially the staff up on C51. She made it pretty hard not to. Even on her darkest days, she was brave and kind. She may have been small for her age, but there was nothing small about the love and imagination that she couldn't help but share with everyone who was lucky enough to know her.

Reiley was a superstar, and she wasn't afraid to show it. Every time an athlete, local celebrity, volunteer group, or other special visitor came to see the children at Georgetown, it was Reiley who ended up in the spotlight. She could steal any show with her stories and one liners, and it usually took more than a little bit of gentle prodding to get her guests to move onto the next child. Volunteers would often disappear into her room for hours, only to re-emerge with their heads full of stories about ponies, fairies, blue birds, candy houses and, inevitably, a mischievous little girl named Sabrina.
However, one thing that stood out even more about Reiley was her genuine interest in others. She was a social butterfly and always wanted to get to know the other kids on the unit. Even when she was on isolation and couldn't leave her room, she managed to make friends. When she was alone in her room, she could often be found drawing a picture, or making a card for another kid who was having a rough time. Whenever there was a party or other special event, she always wanted to know which of the other kids would be going, and made sure to remind her child life specialist to bring something back for the kids who weren't able to leave their rooms. She also loved to play match maker…especially for her sister Reivin, who gave up countless Friday and Saturday nights to be at Reiley's bedside.

No matter how hard things got, Reiley always found a way to be brave. She used her incredible imagination to escape into the worlds of Harry Potter, Tinkerbell, or My Little Ponies during dressing changes, CT scans, X-rays, and MRIs. Her imagination also helped her drift off into her very own "dreamland" whenever she had to go under sedation. During her down time, she enjoyed countless creative art projects, watching cartoons, going on walks, pretend play with her many toys, and socializing with staff and volunteers. Sometimes though, even that wasn't enough to distract her from the pain. During those times, she relied on the only thing that was bigger than her imagination: her heart.
Reiley knew how much she was loved and she knew that her family would always be there if she needed them. Even when they weren't physically there (and she wasn't on the phone with one of them…which was rare) they were ever present in her stories and thoughts. There may have been uncertainties in her life, but her the love of her family was never one of them. Ultimately, that is what gave her the strength that she needed. She wasn't afraid to cry, ask for help, or talk about how she felt because she knew that was part of being brave too. Her "transplant life" wasn't easy, but she was determined to make the best of it, and she did, right up until the very end.

THE LIFE OF DIANNE REILEY FORMOSO-BAGATSING
Written by: Reiley in her Journal at Balls Bluff Elementary School 2014-2015

My name is Diane but I go by Reiley. I was born in George Washington Hospital on July 21,2004
My greatest accomplishment is making it to Grade 3.
I was born differently because someone has to die for me.
I needed something in my body because I was about to die.
At that time I was alive healthy baby because a little girl gave me what I needed to stay alive.
After that I was able to come home.
There was a welcome party for me.
Mommy was the happiest !

My life now is much better than in the past, I am happy!

… to Reiley, her biggest accomplishment is making it to Grade 3, to the rest of us who knew and loved her, her biggest accomplishment is how she was able to bring so much joy and light into our lives.

Family and friends are invited to visit on Sunday, March 27, 20176 at the Colonial Funeral Home, 201 Edwards Ferry Road NE, Leesburg, Virginia 20176 between 4:00 pm and 8:00 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled for Monday, March 28, 2016 starting at 1:30 pm at Saint John the Apostle Catholic Church in Leesburg, Virginia. Interment in Saint John Cemetery following the service.