
Jeilany Vega Rivera, in a photo posted to the fundraising website 'Celebrating Life's Treasured Memories.'
ANSONIA — Mead School first grade student Jeilany Vega Rivera, whose fighting spirit moved the community as she battled a brain tumor, has passed away.
An update about Jeilany, 7, was posted Saturday on a fundraising page looking to help with expenses for her family. Please click here to donate.
​“Sweet little Jeilany has put up a tremendous fight, but on Saturday, May 28th, Jeilany’s body entered eternal rest and peace, with her loving family by her side,” the post reads. ​“This funding will be used towards funeral and cemetery services, with remaining funds to be given to Jeilany’s family. Thank you to all that have been able to donate and show support for both this sweet girl and her devoted family.”
Jeilany’s family said she loved unicorns, mermaids and the color pink.
Jeilany was diagnosed in March 2021 with Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma, an aggressive tumor that is hard to treat.
On May 26, Ansonia rallied around the little girl by holding ​“Joy for Jeilany,” a parade with hundreds of vehicles that passed by her family’s residence on Forest Avenue. Click here for a story about the parade.
The parade was an idea by Mead School Guidance Counselor James Chester and Jeilany’s older sister, Gianne, 11.
​“Our hearts go out to the whole family, and we are here for them through this tough time,” Chester said via an email Tuesday. ​“It is my goal to comfort Jeilany’s family with special attention to her sister Gianne. RIP Jeilany, our sweet little soul. You will always be loved.”
Ansonia Superintendent of Schools Joe DiBacco also expressed condolences to the little girl’s family.
​“This is heartbreaking, I think it is a sin for a child to pass so young,” DiBacco said in an email to the Valley Indy Tuesday (May 31). ​“Some souls are too beautiful for this world and Jeilany was one of those souls.”
Mead School Principal Amy Cosciello said Jeilany was a ray of light.
​“Jeilany had a smile that would light up a room,” Cosciello said via an email. ​“She was a pleasure to be around and always concerned about her classmates. Jeilany left a positive impression on everyone she met. Mead School will miss her dearly.”
Funeral arrangements for Jeilany were not immediately available.

A photo from the 'Joy for Jeilany' parade held last week in Ansonia.