Obituary: Addison Puma

Addison Lily Puma was not old enough to go to kindergarten, but her courageous battle with cancer inspired an entire elementary school to rally around her, her family and the hospital where she was being treated.

Addison Lily Puma was only 4-years-old when she was diagnosed with brain cancer and traveled to St. Jude Hospital Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, Tenn., for treatment.

While she was receiving treatment, an organization of parents and children at —where her father Vincent is a fourth-grade teacher —organized a for the hospital. 

The community event organized by Kids Who Care raised $7,646.27 for St. Jude through donations, raffles and registration.

Addison Lily Puma lost her battle with cancer on her fifth birthday, Saturday, June 9, 2012. 

"Addison will be remembered for her strength, bravery, determination, sense of humor, positive attitude and zest for life," her family wrote in an obituary.

She is survived by her parents Vincent and Melissa; brother, Brewer; sister, Harper; grandparents Albert and Donna Puma and Paul and Polly Wargo; great-grandfather Matthew Peplinski; great-grandmother Helen Quinn and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Visitation was at the Kaul Funeral Home in St. Clair Shores, and a funeral mass was celebrated Wednesday at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church.

The family asks in lieu of flowers, or monetary contributions, donations be sent in Addison's name to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN, 38105-1942.