Carissa at age 7 was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer. She carried herself in a way that showed us all about living life and the courage to never give up. Carissa won her battle because greater than beating cancer, she beat death. As for now she is only asleep because of the faith and trust she had in Jesus Christ. Carissa's courage and smile was an inspiration to all that saw and knew her. She showed her strength by never letting her condition and circumstances slow her down as she moved mountains, and her belly laugh could be heard reaching the heavens. In her short 13 years, Carissa enjoyed living life to the absolute fullest, playing soft ball, dancing, riding horses, swimming in the Cayuga Lake, taking pictures, and watching sunsets. She loved animals and spending some of the best times with her many friends enjoying nature. Carissa attended Southern Cayuga Central School, in which she excelled in her school work with high honors, and participated in the school musicals. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends. To Carissa, God will have said "Well done, thou good and faithful servant. You have spread my love to all."