Sophia Fung lived her life fully, trying to seek joy at every turn despite her medical challenges.
The 16-year-old Ladner girl lost her battle recently, passing away peacefully on New Year's Day at Canuck Place Children's Hospice.
Sophia was born with a rare, life-limiting illness and spent her 16 years in and out of hospitals. She was diagnosed at birth with a genetic abnormality that encompassed the majority of her organs and systems. The last few years became increasingly difficult as she developed hypoventilation, which meant she stopped breath-ing, and lived with chronic pain.
Despite all her medical challenges, she was an inspiration to those around her by living life to the fullest.
"She touched many people along the way," recalled her mom Beverley Pomeroy. "She was most well known for her love of singing at the top of her lungs songs from Pitch Perfect, Frozen and Rachel Platten."
Sophia was in Grade 11 at Delta Secondary. She loved to dance and spent many years dancing with Deas Island Dance. She also played soccer with the Soccer Dogs in Vancouver. Two years ago, Sophia and her brother Jason competed in the Canuck Place Adventure Race to raise funds for the organization that has meant so much to their family. Canuck Place was the first pediatric hospice in North America and is world renowned for its leadership and expertise in pediatric pain and symptom management as well as end-of-life care.
In the past year, Sophia spurred something called Operation Sock Monkey, #projectsophia, where dozens of volunteers made hundreds of sock monkeys.
"Sophia would hand out these sock monkeys at every visit to Canuck Place Children's Hospice and over the Christmas holidays sold them at Strathcona Christmas Market and our local Muddy River Landing to raise funds for Canuck Place Children's Hospice," added Pomeroy.
Sophia is survived by her mother, her dad York Fung, step mom Chantale Fontaine, two older brothers Jason and Brandon and many uncles, aunts and special cousins, who have all played a huge role in her life.
A private family service was held on Jan. 11 at the Boundary Bay Cemetery with a community celebration of life to take place on Saturday, Jan. 28 at Harris Barn in Ladner. The service will start at 2:30 p.m., followed by some of Sophia's favourite refreshments at 3:30 p.m.
A gofundme page to help with funeral costs has been set up at: https://www.gofundme.com/sophias-celebration-of-life. Any additional funds raised will be put towards at scholarship in Sophia's name for children with disabilities at DSS.
A Facebook group has been set up called Sophia's Joy List where those she touched can share their stories.
In lieu of flowers, the family is encouraging everyone to donate to Canuck Place Children's Hospice.
