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- Raina Joy Manders, baby daughter of Jason and Spring (Hongisto) Manders (De Pere), earned her wings on Monday, April 4, 2016. She was in the arms of her mommy, surrounded by her daddy and siblings. Raina made every moment of her 38 days, 7 hours and 22 minutes count to the fullest. She brought more love and joy to the world than many do in an entire lifetime.
Our little love, Raina, feistily entered the world on February 26, 2016 at 38 weeks. She weighed 7 lbs. 9 ounces and measured 19 ¾ inches. Besides Daddy and Grandma Marie, a party of dedicated staff from both Froedtert and Milwaukee Children's Hospital were there to welcome Raina. Raina's family was prepared for her arrival knowing the challenges she would face. They had prenatally learned that she had Tetralogy of Fallot and duodenal atresia, both requiring surgery. They were also excited to become a part of the Down syndrome community knowing that Raina rocked an extra chromosome. Since her first breath, the best words to describe Raina have been "pure perfection."
Seven hours of blissful happiness changed quickly as a routine ultrasound and MRI discovered a rare, aggressive, massive choroid plexus carcinoma tumor in Raina's brain. This is a terrible, cancerous type of tumor that has not been seen in newborns. Raina would not be able to survive any of the treatments and/or surgeries. Through many miracles and the caring expertise of her extensive team at Children's Hospital, Raina was escorted to her family home when she was 3 days old. Her knights in shining armor, the handpicked EMTs, accompanied her to De Pere in her chariot ambulance, where her big siblings, Elianna and Levi, anxiously awaited her arrival.
Raina had many first experiences with her family. Among the favorites were playing (or sleeping) on the jungle mat, celebrating the reaffirmation of her baptism, bedtime and prayers with her big brother and sister, a nap in her crib, dance parties, rocking in her nursery, coloring Easter eggs, a haircut, ice cream parties, picnics, arts and crafts, hand and feet stamps, camping in a tent and her own personal children's sermons from Pastor Lori. Raina especially loved the short stroller ride outside on the one and only warm day, Elianna reading books and singing to her and Levi's pokes and kisses. Her special song was Jason Mraz's "I Won't Give Up" which she loved hearing Mommy and Daddy sing. Raina enjoyed snuggles from everybody, but her favorites were from Daddy, Elianna, Levi and, of course, Mommy, who logged in the most hours. Raina rocked numerous hats, many lovingly created by her Grandma Marie and Great Auntie Liz.
Raina captured everybody's heart, whether in person or through various social media outlets. She had over 850 followers on CaringBridge alone. Raina elicited prayers from thousands of prayer warriors around the world. Raina was absolutely beautiful. She was described as spunky… a tough cookie… a fierce warrior... a feisty fighter… a strong little girl who followed "Raina's Way"- defying logic for love.
Raina's most special people were her Godparents: Mommy and Daddy; big sister Elianna; big brother Levi; both sets of grandparents: David and Marie Hongisto, Albert and Vicki Manders; Uncle Dallas and Auntie Missy Hongisto (Nikolai, Aubrey and Ryker); Auntie Cassandra; Uncle Aaron and Auntie Sarah Manders (Cam and Diem) and Pastor Lori Swenson. Raina was blessed to have met her only surviving Great Grandma, Marlene Hongisto. She was also survived by Amy Stevens and numerous adoring family members.
Raina was guided to Heaven by her big sister Aliina Alice and was welcomed with open arms by her Great Great Grandma Backman; her Great Grandparents: Rudolph and Aina Jarvi, Richard Hongisto, Cullie and Alice Heuvelmans, Albert and Prescilla Manders. There is a mile long line of angels waiting to give Raina Joy a snuggle.
Special heartfelt acknowledgments go to Spring's prenatal experts, especially Dr. Erich Metzler and Leah Hongisto; Raina's team of doctors, specialists and NICU nurses at Children's Hospital of Milwaukee, especially Laurie with Palliative Care; Aurora Hospice, especially Val and Jessica; the families at Syble Hopp School and Ascension Lutheran Church; Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep organization; Erin Jean Photography; Jenn Koss Hanson Photography; Ryan Funeral Home, especially Joe Schinkten and all the family, friends and strangers who supported and lifted Raina and her family in prayer.
Raina's funeral service will be held Saturday, April 16, 2016 at 1:00 pm at Ascension Lutheran Church, 2911 Libal Street, Green Bay. Pastor Lori Swenson will be officiating. While there will not be formal visitation prior to the service, there will be hugs and desserts following. Please visit www.ryanfh.com to send online condolences to the Manders' family. Ryan Funeral Home of De Pere is assisting the family with arrangements.
A fund has been set up in memory of Raina Joy to continue what she does best: spread joy and fight cancer. Checks can be made out to "Raina's Way" and deposited at any Associated Bank location or mailed to 206 N. Wisconsin Street, De Pere, WI 54115.
Raina Joy Manders, you knew only BIG love and we know you will continue to do only BIG things! We cherished every moment we had with you and will hold you in our hearts forever.
Published in Green Bay Press-Gazette from Apr. 13 to Apr. 15, 2016
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2016 - 2016 (0 years)