The Jebber Family Blog

Amber Renee Dugan, age 14, passed away at her home in Sharon Township on May 28, 2009 where she was surrounded by her family. She died as a result of complications related to Ewing's Sarcoma, which she had been bravely battling for the past five years.

Amber was born at Marymount Hospital, in Garfield Heights on April 15, 1995 to proud parents, Melissa and James Dugan. She was the oldest of three children. Amber's siblings, Brittany, age 11 and Nick, age 8, adored her and loved spending time as a family. Amber recently added a toy poodle named Ella to their family.

Amber previously attended McKinley Elementary and Horace Mann/Harding in Lakewood and was a regular parishioner at St. James. In August of 2008, Amber and her family moved to Sharon Township. Amber spent the past school year attending 8th grade at Highland Middle School and joined the Holy Martyr Church in Medina. She was regularly recognized on the honor roll throughout her schooling. Amber was a kind and brave person who always put others first, a trait that won her many friends.

Amber was very creatively talented. She loved to draw, sew and make crafts. Her hobbies included collecting designer toys, designing her website, baking, chatting on her laptop, playing video games, hanging out with friends and spending time with her family. She enjoyed family trips including camping, amusement parks and her favorite, visits to Walt Disney World.

Amber was receiving treatment at Rainbow Babies & Children's Hospital. She regularly visited the other patients to pass out gifts and hand-made crafts. She especially enjoyed visiting the hospital on Christmas to pass out toys.

Amber had a wonderful sense of humor and love of life. Despite her battle with cancer she formulated her own up-beat philosophy called Living Each Day, a celebration of life and making the most of each day. Amber touched many people who followed her life story through updates on her Care Page (carepages.com) and her personal site (livingeachday.piczo.com). Amber said goodbye by expressing her love for everyone. Her family and friends are grateful to have known Amber and are inspired by her to make the world a better place through love, kindness and generosity.

Donations can be made to the 'Amber Dugan Fund' at the funeral home or at any Chase Bank. Visitation for friends will be Monday, June 1, 2009 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. at Carlson Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, 3477 Medina Road (corner of River Styx and Rt. 18), Medina, Ohio. Mass of Christian Burial Tuesday, June 2 at 10 a.m. at Holy Martyrs Church, 3100 S. Weymouth Rd., Medina. Burial to follow.

Posted by Cassie on Saturday, May 30, 2009 at 8:23 AM | Permalink