Beverly Inspiration Riley Fessenden Passes Away

• Photo courtesy of Abby Archer Photography

BEVERLY, MA – Riley Fessenden, the young girl whose well-documented battle with cancer inspired thousands, passed away Wednesday afternoon.

In a Facebook post, the Fessenden family said that Riley was surrounded by friends and family and she "did not suffer and is at peace."

In 2013, Riley was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer called esthesioneuroblastoma after being brought to the hospital with a runny nose, swollen glands and swollen left eye. She was six at the time.

For three years, thousands followed Riley's fight against the disease on Facebook on the page Riley ROCKS, as Beverly residents came together to hold fundraisers for her treatment.

But Riley remained active through it all, whether it was showing up at cheerleading practice straight from radiation therapy, giving her blessing to a Blizzard named after her at Dairy Queen, vacationing with her family on the Cape, or receiving the Key to the City.

News of Riley's passing was met with an outpouring of support from those who followed her adventures on Facebook and offered words of encouragement throughout her fight.

My heart as a parent breaks for your family.. Your families strength especially Riley's thru this battle has been nothing short of remarkable ..thank you for allowing us to follow your families journeys ups and downs thru the biggest fight of your lives and from what we've seen on here she was the biggest fighter..thinking of you and your other children during this difficult time," wrote one well-wisher.

Another echoed, "Riley was and will continue to be an inspiration unlike few I've known before. Sincerest condolences and strength to your family."

A third summed up what Riley's fight meant to the community, "Your family inspired a generation of Beverly to embrace life. Your daughter's strength resonates in our community spirit. Big hugs and love to your family, I wish you peace."