12-Year-Old Long Island Girl Dies After Long Battle With Cancer

Mary Carol Ruchalski, an exuberant girl who could light up a room with her smile, died on March 11 after a year-long battle with cancer. It was just two days before her 13th birthday.

Mary was born on March 13, 2005 to Francis and Carol Ruchalski. The youngest child (a title she shared with her twin brother, John), she grew up in Rockville Centre and attended St. Agnes Cathedral School. It was one of her favorite places, and she loved going to school every day.

"She loved being around her friends," said her sister, Lyndsey. "One of her ambitions in life was to be a teacher. She looked up to her teachers."

Lyndsey said that her sister was a great student, and actually liked doing her homework and working on projects for class. A very hands-on and creative person, Mary spent a lot of her free time making things. She loved to sew and paint. "Over the summer, her and her friends would make bracelets out of string and beads," Lyndsey said. "When she got sick, she and our older sister Ashley painted birdhouses. A lot of our most cherished gifts now are things she made us."

In addition to creating things, Mary also loved sports — lots of them. She played soccer, lacrosse, softball, basketball and was on a swim team. "She was good at all the sports she played," said Lyndsey. "She loved being part of a team."

Last January, Mary was diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare pediatric cancer that forms in muscle tissue. She fought the disease for 14 months. Mary is survived by her parents, Carol and Francis, and her siblings Ashley, Lyndsey and John.

Mary's funeral was held St. Agnes Cathedral in Rockville Centre on Friday.

In lieu of flowers, Mary's family has asked that donations be made to St. Agnes Cathedral School. So far, nearly $66,000 has been raised for the school by donors in Mary's name. You can click here to make a donation.

Photo: Courtesy Ruchalski Family