Felicia Lynn Rupp: A Life of Courage and Inspiration
Early Life and Adoption (1985-1995)
Felicia Lynn Rupp was born on July 30, 1985, and entered the lives of Deanna and Kevin Rupp as a foster daughter before being officially adopted on March 22, 1995. Despite early challenges, including neglect from her biological family, her life transformed when she joined the Rupp household—filled with siblings Monica (13 in 1998, basketball, softball pitcher), Derrick (9, basketball, hockey, baseball), Calvin (8, baseball, hockey), Tabby (6, music lover), and later Lawrence (1)—who adored her.
First Battle: Glioblastoma Multiforme (1993)
On April 13, 1993, at age seven, Felicia collapsed at school due to a seizure, leading to a diagnosis of glioblastoma multiforme—a rare brain tumor. She underwent surgery, intensive chemotherapy, and six weeks of daily radiation, enduring hair loss and sickness with resilience. “She has never asked ‘Why me?’” her mother Deanna said, calling her “the wind beneath my wings” in a 1993 speech: “Did you ever know that you’re my hero? / You’re everything I wish I could be.” By April 1998, she celebrated five years off treatment, though remission required reaching age 18.
A Life Full of Joy (1993-1998)
Felicia loved music—Hanson, Backstreet Boys, Shania Twain, and country tunes that connected her to Derrick (Dirk Allen). She played softball for the Akron Mustangs (number 18) for two years and served as bat girl for one, and enjoyed basketball, crafts, puzzles, and Tweety Bird. She cherished her siblings’ hospital visits and was actively involved in THON at Penn State, reflecting her community spirit.
Second Battle: Leukemia (July 1998)
In July 1998, after turning thirteen, Felicia was diagnosed with secondary leukemia, likely from prior treatments, following a persistent stomach bug starting July 25. Admitted to Hershey Medical Center on July 31, she endured a 10-day chemotherapy cycle, a growing fungal infection on her arm (later pneumonia and brain stem spots), and daily transfusions of red and white blood cells and platelets. “Will I lose my hair again?” she asked, later buzzing and dyeing it blue in a playful act of defiance, parading the halls to smiles from staff and visitors.
Final Months (August-October 1998)
Felicia’s condition worsened with two PICU stays: August 29 for 9 days amid an urgent transfer with equipment and staff, and another week later, battling erratic heart rates, low blood pressure, kidney/liver issues, and fevers. “The PICU is a scary place,” Kevin wrote, noting other children—a leukemia girl who died next door, a football player, an asthma child, a heart surgery baby. After eight weeks with no blood count recovery, her parents chose a DNR order on September 22, keeping her on the oncology wing. She passed away on October 1, 1998, at 9:10 p.m., with Kevin whispering, “If the angels have come for you, you’d better go,” as “Dreams of Angels” played, leaving her peaceful.
Celebration of Life (October 5, 1998)
Felicia’s service on October 5, 1998, at 7:00 P.M. at Bethany United Church of Christ in Ephrata, officiated by Rev. Dr. Doyle A. Luckenbaugh and Rev. Levina Huber, featured purple balloons, Make-A-Wish clowns, and “Amazing Grace” sung by Ephrata Middle School classmates. Speakers—principal Tom Legath, teacher Paul Sellers, nurse Amy Tubbs, and Kevin—honored her, with “Angels Among Us” by Alabama closing the tribute. Casketbearers were Janet Martin, Jill Amerson, Tam Fassnacht, Amy Tubbs, Jessica Frankhouser, and Melissa Stobart. Interment followed at Bethany UCC Cemetery, arranged by Stradling Funeral Homes, Inc.
Stories from Those Who Loved Her
Felicia’s light shone through the words of those closest to her:
- Melissa Stobart, Nurse: Melissa met Felicia answering a late-night call bell, struck by “the most beautiful eyes” and a smile despite pain. In her narrative, a pallbearer described their bond: “She kissed my cheek and whispered, ‘I’m sorry,’” amid suffering. “She taught me so much about life and what it’s like to fight,” Melissa wrote, crediting Felicia with solidifying her pediatric oncology calling.
- Kevin Rupp, Father: Kevin’s PICU account and service speech reveal devotion and grief: “We had promised… to hold and protect her for all her days,” wrestling with helplessness as her bed was wheeled away. He shared her final kiss to Melissa, saying, “Thank you for being one of Felicia’s angels,” affirming her influence.
- Deanna Rupp, Mother: In “Wind Beneath My Wings,” Deanna praised Felicia’s complaint-free courage, echoed in the 1998 Christmas letter by Lawrence: “Before she became ill, she played basketball… She will be deeply missed.”
- Tom Legath, Principal: Tom lauded her kindness, uniting her school community.
- Paul Sellers, Teacher: Paul recalled her determination, inspiring classmates.
Legacy and Remembrance
A scoreboard at Lloyd Roland Park, Akron, funded by Bethany UCC youth and Cocalico Middle School kindness club, bears Felicia’s picture, #18, and “In Loving Memory, 1985-1998.” Her gravesite rests at Bethany UCC Cemetery. During their first Christmas without her, the family delayed decorating the tree due to her craft ornaments, skipped the Rupp Family Drop In, and felt her presence at church, where a crippled lamb story echoed her spirit. Gifts from her treasures eased the day, and Tabby spoke of her as ever-present. Community support—food, money, love—sustained them. For Derrick (Dirk Allen), her story inspires his music here, a melody of strength and love. Visitors can share memories in an online guestbook, echoing her original site.
