Some people may feel that Sofia was “cheated”, having only been given 16 years on this earth. However, Sofia would probably argue that she lived a life that was more fulfilling than most people could ever dream of. Sofia’s time was full of wonderful adventures and experiences.

Sofia loved going to concerts in New York City with her friends and had music in her soul. She skied the French Alps, ran through the streets of Barcelona, and saw Ireland covered in a blanket of snow that hadn’t been seen for over 20 years. She heard the chime of Big Ben, explored castles and cathedrals across Europe, and came face to face with a Barracuda while snorkeling in the Bahamas. Sofia knew Disney World’s Parks like the back of her hand, she constructed castles made from the sands of Jamaica, paddle-boarded off the famed Waikiki Beach in Hawaii, and saw the Eiffel Tower glisten against Paris’ night sky. She hiked in Northern Spain, walked along the banks of the Douro River in Portugal and stood tall next to the ancient wonders of Stonehenge.

While all of these adventures and experiences certainly helped to shape Sofia as a person, they are only part of the essence of her magic. Sofia’s character was a beacon of light in this oftentimes darkened world. She was an unfaltering supporter to those she loved. She was brave, a wild child, incredibly funny, not just quick witted, but undeniably brilliant. She was true to herself, compassionate, selfless, and wise well beyond her years. Sofia listened when you needed it, gave sound advice, and went well out of her way to make sure you were okay. She was humble but prided herself in helping everyone around her. She loved deeply and showed people that feelings were ok to have. Sofia accepted everyone for who they are. She never judged anyone and in fact she had a knack not just for seeing the best in people, but for bringing it out of them as well. Those who really knew her are both lucky and undoubtedly better off for it.
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As we memorialize Sofia, we do so in hoping that we can continue to share her legacy, her energy, and her spirit. With that, here are some lessons everyone could learn from Sofia:

Courage
When things are at their worst, you have two choices. You can surrender, or you can fight. Nelson Mandela said “I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.” Sofia conquered fear and showed us what true courage looks like. Even when Sofia knew that there was danger or adversity on the other side of the door, somehow, she always mustered the courage to walk through the door to meet things head on.
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Strength and honor
This is a phrase that our family uses during hard times. It was actually the code of the Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius. In Latin it is Vertus et Honos. And it speaks to personal character. Sofia was true to herself and unwaveringly loyal to the people she loved. She could sacrifice everything to take care of others.
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Love
Sofia was very in touch with emotions. I think that she would tell you to love freely, willingly, and without exception.

Live now
Sofia was spontaneous, and alive, and always found a way to be in the now. And that gave her peace and happiness. We believe that Sofia would tell you that if you want to be sad, live in the past. If you want to be anxious, live in the future, if you want to be peaceful, live in the now.

The loss of Sofia is nothing short of agonizing in the lives of her friends and family. She was lightning in a bottle. She was magic. The world feels darker now, less funny, less electric.

Sofia’s final acts on this earth as a lifesaving organ donor perfectly embody her courage, selflessness, compassion, and the unconditional love Sofia showed others her entire life. Our hearts are broken and will forever have a big hole. Yet, we know that the best way to honor Sofia’s legacy is not to mourn her, but rather to continue on with acts of kindness and care in her name and in her spirit.

So, in her memory and in her namesake, we have established this foundation in the hopes that we may touch the lives of people with a little bit of Sofia’s magic. Our goal is to first reach our local community where Sofia lived most of her life before expanding our reach to other families and young people in need. We hope that you will join us in this endeavor to help those in need and honor the life of the most magnificent person we’ve ever known.