Donate to The Caruso Family

Kristine Caruso’s smile could light up any room. It was the first thing you’d notice about her, even before noticing she was in a wheelchair. That smile was contagious. It will never be forgotten. With the heaviest hearts, we share that that bright light has gone out in this world. Our beautiful angel on earth, Kristine, is now watching over us from heaven. She was 29.

At age 17, Kristy was diagnosed with Spinocerebellar Ataxia II, or SCA 2. This neurodegenerative disease robbed her of many things during the prime years of her young life—her movement, her coordination, her speech and her independence. Shortly after her 21st birthday, Kristine was in a wheelchair. But SCA 2 never robbed her of her smile, and her positive attitude throughout it all. When asked about her outlook on life, at age 22, Kristine said, “Would I rather live life to the fullest or be a hermit?”

Kristine lived her life to the fullest every day. When SCA 2 took her ability to walk, she found new ways to dance, mostly with her arms. When SCA 2 started to take her ability to speak, she sang louder. Kristine was a regular at karaoke bars. When her circumstances in life tried to knock her down, Kristine remained the life of the party.

Kristine loved people and while she herself was a diamond, she had a way of making everyone around her feel special. She loved living in Rockaway and taking advantage of all it had to offer. She was a Rockaway mermaid, who was one of the first to sign up when Poseidon’s Parade came to town. She rarely missed a Wine with Sue concert. Their number one fan was always front and center, requesting her favorite song, “I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles).” Loud and proud, the girl in the wheelchair would sing “I would walk 500 miles.”

For someone who was so full of life and positivity, it makes losing her that much harder. Kristine was loved by so many people. Many, many friends, her extended family, friends that were like family, her brother, Joey, her parents, Linda and Al, and her fiancé, Kevin.

Everyone that surrounded her did all they could to help Kristine live the life of fun, love, beauty and laughter, that she so deserved. Her family was in the process of continuing that, getting ready to plan her 30th birthday on May 24th. Unfortunately, her symptoms recently took a turn for the worst, and on Thursday, May 19, Kristine was called by the angels, to walk, dance, sing and laugh, free from pain in heaven.

Instead of planning her birthday, the Caruso family is now left with the unimaginable task of having to bury a child. Kristine will be laid to rest on Monday, May 23. Her wake is at O’Connor’s Funeral Home in Rockaway on Sunday, May 22, and her funeral Mass will be at St. Francis de Sales Church on Beach 129th Street at 10:45 a.m. on Monday.

Kristine’s illness, one that also affects her older brother & father, has taken its toll, not only emotionally, but financially. In 2014, the Rockaway community helped lift up Kristine, literally, by donating towards a chair lift for her home so that she could maintain some sense of independence as her mobility became more difficult. We’ll never forget that generosity that made her life a little bit easier. We know times are tough for everyone right now, but we’re hoping to ease some of the burden and lift the Caruso family through this difficult time. The last thing they should have to worry about during this heartbreaking time, is the cost of planning a funeral for their daughter. If you are able, let’s once again show the Caruso family that we’re here for them and help make this unimaginable process a little easier. All donations are appreciated. Thank you.

(thank you Katie Mc for once again putting all of our thoughts into beautiful words)