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Trumbull's Mia McCaffrey, 6, Fought To Raise Awareness Of Childhood Cancer

TRUMBULL, Conn. — A Trumbull girl who helped raise money and awareness for childhood cancer research died last week at the age of 6.

Mia McCaffrey

Mia McCaffrey

Photo Credit: Contributed

Mia Rose McCaffrey died Friday with her mother Marian and father Jim by her side. She also leaves behind her beloved little brother, James.

After Mia was diagnosed with a rare childhood cancer, she was determined to fight. According to her obituary, she was "as courageous and strong as she was optimistic and beautiful." She was inspired by the three letters in her name to live by the motto #MakeItAmazing.

This spirit was seen last year when she played a leading role in the music video for Taylor Tote's song "Fighter." 

All proceeds from the song go directly toward research to fight childhood cancers. The video was nominated for awards at the Garden State Film Festival and the Toronto Independent Film Awards. She also starred in other videos such as her toy review video "Blind Grab Toy Challenge," which showed her poise and ability to connect with an audience.

"Mia was a natural care giver. She would always look out for anyone who seemed shy, apprehensive or scared. She had a sense for it, most notably with her brother who frequently would find Mia's arm or hand on his shoulder. His strength comes from her. This strength was also significant for her parents, because she showed them what true power was. Even in the final moments of life, she was determined to fight without being held or coddled, despite their attempts. They are so proud of the person she was."

Her father Jim was a firefighter with the Long Hill Volunteer Fire Company in Trumbull, which paid tribute to Mia over the weekend.

"Firefighters are often credited with traits likened to superheroes...the reality is there are those far more deserving of those descriptions. Mia McCaffrey, the beautiful 6 year-old daughter of Long Hill Firefighter Jim McCaffrey and his wife Marian is one of those superheroes. Throughout her fight with Pediatric Cancer, Mia was strong beyond words, courageous beyond description and an inspiration to our entire department," the department wrote.

"We extend our deepest condolences to Jim, Marian, and James as well as their entire family. Mia will forever be in our hearts!"

A wake will be held at Abriola Parkview Funeral Home at 419 White Plains Road in Trumbull on Tuesday from 4 to 8 p.m. There will be a Celebration of Life funeral service at Saint Pius Z Catholic Church at 834 Brookside Drive in Fairfield on Wednesday at 10 a.m. Both are open to the public. The family will have a private burial at Nichols Farm Cemetery in Trumbull following the funeral service.

In lieu of flowers or other gifts, donations can be made to one of the following charities or non-profits that helped Mia McCaffrey and her family:

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