Scholarship - With A Twist - Created To Honor Late Somers Student

SOMERS, CT — It's hard to imagine a teenager dying of leukemia at age 15 being described as having "lived a good full life." However, the parents of Genevieve Neiman used exactly those words to paint a clear picture of their daughter's approach to life, including her caring toward those less fortunate than her and the establishment of a scholarship in her memory which will utilize criteria far different from the norm.

Just after completing fourth grade, Genevieve was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. She endured considerable treatment and went into remission, which lasted nearly five years, but was re-diagnosed with the disease this past July. She had just completed her freshman year at Somers High School, making the high honor roll, and was a member of the environmental club, drama club and basketball.

She began treatment on July 13, but lost her battle nearly a month later on Aug. 11 at Connecticut Children's Medical Center.

The weekend prior to her passing, a video of support was produced by neighbor Beth Chase, with dozens of Somers classmates, teachers, friends and supporters offering words of encouragement and love.

"The Friday before she passed, they did a kind of rally for her in the parking lot," Meredith Neiman said in an exclusive interview she and her husband Doug did with Patch at the family home Monday. "They had posters and stuff, and it was very heartfelt. Beth is our neighbor across the street and she was Genevieve's confirmation sponsor too. We had Genevieve confirmed literally the weekend before she went in for her surgery.

"She saw the video, she just played it over and over again and she just loved it. She loved seeing the outpouring of love and seeing her friends and kids she didn't know. We had people at the wake that I didn't know, I had never met and who waited three hours."

Optimism was high for her recovery, but an infection settled into her already-compromised immune system which proved unbeatable.

"It was a complete surprise, everything happening and her death," Meredith said. "We didn't actually know until the day that she died, that she was going to pass. We didn't know until it was too late."

Right until the end, Genevieve's "wicked sense of humor" was evident, including her expressed desire for some of her favorite foods.

"She wanted to escape the hospital, grab an Uber and go to Texas Roadhouse, then sneak back in," her mom said. "She wrote to the superintendent of the hospital asking for food and that no child should be without the food she loves. She was a foodie."

Weeks after her death, the idea of a scholarship in her name was brought up. The initial contributions would be made at the Somers Scarecrow Festival, where a variation of her favorite game was set up. Entitled Genevieve's Sweet Shot game, players would toss dimes onto a wooden game board in hopes of landing one inside one of various colored dots. Successful tosses earned players cakes and pies.

"Pies and cakes were donated by the public, so there was no real expense," Meredith said, adding. the game board and gazebo were donated at no charge.

Delivery of the day's take came in an unexpected fashion on Genevieve's favorite holiday, Halloween.

"We lined the streets with candles and did a bonfire in front of our house because Genevieve loved Halloween," Meredith said. "Beth being Beth, she said you can't miss Halloween. It's Genevieve's favorite night, she's gonna haunt you. We had our drinks and usually we have about 17 kids. We had well over 100, and a whole bunch of high school kids with their younger siblings brought us the money that way."

"The scholarship is really geared towards giving back, so volunteerism and random acts of kindness are what matters," she said. "We want to open it to everyone, not just people who are going into education or furthering their education. Because Genevieve was very inclusive. She was all about everybody. She stuck up for everyone, she just she made you feel like you were her best friend. She loved fiercely. She fought for any injustice that she saw. She was very much wanting to help homeless people. She always worried about them - where do they go? Where do they stay? How do they stay warm?"

Applications for the Genevieve B. Neiman Scholarship are available in the Somers High School guidance office. It will be "awarded to the Somers High School graduate who most exemplifies Genevieve’s dedication to the community and has continuously demonstrated acts of kindness." Applications are due by March 1, 2022.

Shortly before Genevieve died, "there was talk about giving her a bone marrow transplant and she wanted Arnold Schwarzenegger's bone marrow," her mom laughed. "She asked for it and they all looked at her like I was going to contact him. Then she said, 'Well, if I can't have Arnold, can I have Ariana Grande?'"

In her final hours, Doug and Meredith feel their daughter was ready to go.

"She was seeing spirits and seeing people. They were comforting her and getting her ready, and she was ready. She didn't let us know how much pain she was in," they said.

Her mom concluded, "I hope I can be as strong, brave, and insightful as Genevieve. She lived with a smile, loved fiercely, and was so strong."

Doug and Meredith wish to express their gratitude to the entire community. Their heartfelt letter of thanks reads:

Dearest family and friends of Genevieve,

THANK YOU! Thank you for all your kindness, love, prayers, and generosity as we continue to celebrate Genevieve’s life. Genevieve was a spirited and social young lady. She had an infectious laugh, wicked sense of humor, and beautiful smile which she often used to cheer up people and do good things for her community. She loved giving back to people and wanted them to feel loved and happy. Genevieve was the most content and positive young lady. She is missed and her spirit and sparkle are felt everywhere, especially in Somers.

We are so grateful to everyone who donated to the Genevieve B. Neiman Scholarship at the Scarecrow Festival in October. The most awesome committee, spearheaded by Kara Wolters, created a game in Genevieve’s honor. It was a game similar to the dime toss/cake booth at the Four Town Fair that Genevieve loved to play. Her board was custom designed as a cupcake and people tossed their dimes at “Genevieve’s Sweet Shot.” Those who had dimes land on the sprinkles won a special cake or pie donated by the public. Our local Geissler’s helped anyone who was unable to bake. It was heartwarming to see all the people who played the game and donated in honor of our daughter. Genevieve would have loved volunteering and adding her dimes to that game!!! The “icing” on our cupcake was when we received your donations on Halloween. While we were passing out treats curbside, a large group of Somers High School students and their younger siblings dropped off your gift, which will be added to the scholarship. It was a perfect tribute to Genevieve.

Our hearts are broken. We are all grieving the loss of a young lady’s life due to cancer. Genevieve continues to shine down upon us as we see her signs daily. We hope you keep looking for her sparkle and continue to be generous with your acts of kindness. THANK YOU!!!

With much love,

Doug and Meredith Neiman

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