Basically, only the veterans will remember Toireasa, but even the rookies might wish to take a look.

Tess was a five-year-old Princess born in 1997, and was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma at age three. This form of cancer attacks the nerves and then the bones and the marrow. Tess fought valiantly, but succumbed on April 24, 2002.

Toireasa Barry became a fan of CATS and the show literally became a large part of the good parts of her life. She loved her mother to the point of fighting off a medical coma to stay with her. When granted a "Make a Wish", she visited the Winter Garden performance of CATS. At one point, MdN entered her life when Tess needed a computer. Nearly 30 members of MdN's CATS Forum donated to the cause, and Tess had the means to communicate with the world. Her last moments were spent at home with her mother, Julia. As the TV went into Mungojerrie and Rumpelteazer, Tess murmured "Mommy" and passed away.

I list the links below should you wish to know a little more.

TRIBUTE TO TOIREASA: This short story has the goodbyes of several fans of CATS.
TOIREASA's HOPE:The Hope of Tess to other children afflicted with NB
MIKEY & the RAINBOW BRIDGE: A Short Story dedicated to Christina Sattler, a fan of CATS in memory of Tess and her beloved cat, Mikey.

Please take a moment and remember someone you love...

NOTE: Please do NOT link to donate money or story bits. Some of the emails and links are no longer viable. If you feel the need to donate, please choose a charity of your own to do so.

Rumblepurr

I remember seeing pictures of her at the Winter Garden Theater!
What tragic news.

I remember her... poor little angel. It seems so long ago. My best thoughts to her family.

So sad. I'd have donated if I'd been around to see it.

Ah, the brave kid with blue sparkly nail polish. I remember her passing as if it was last month. Cried buckets, especially as we worked out that she died at the same moment as, in London, Grizabella was beginning her ascent to the Heaviside Layer...

Ya know, I don't like to say RIP - rest in peace - because as far as I'm concerned, that would be a terrible waste of such an indomitable spirit. I think Toireasa is having a wonderful time somewhere, rushing about and playing with cats.

Blessings on her memory.