'A Ray Of Sunshine': LI Mourns EMT, Childhood Cancer Survivor

ISLIP TERRACE, NY — A beloved young woman, EMT and childhood cancer survivor who called Islip Terrace home has passed away, those who loved her have confirmed.

Heather McNamara, 22, died June 1 due to organ failure after an extended illness.

She was an EMT with Exchange Ambulance of the Islips who bravely battled childhood cancer and survived with a smile and a dedication to giving back to her community.

Heather was diagnosed with cancer at 3 years old. When she was 7, she made headlines for undergoing a rare, groundbreaking surgery with a 50/50 survival rate that removed six of her organs to access and remove a tumor the size of a tennis ball, according to reports.

The rare surgery, which took around 23 hours, was documented on an episode of "The Good Doctor." Heather also became the posterchild for cancer survival in a commercial for New York Presbyterian Hospital.

Heather graduated from East Islip High School in 2019 where she was honored as Student of the Month. She was also an ambassador for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, where she helped grant wishes to children battling critical illnesses, Patch reported.

In her obituary, Heather's family wrote:

"Heather was a ray of sunshine who made such an impact, and left a mark on this earth. As an EMT, friend, sister and daughter, she always gave her all and never expected anything in return. In keeping her memory alive, always remember her smile and her energy, and continue to spread her sunshine."

Heather is survived by her parents, Joe and Tina, and her sister Stephanie.

Services will take place at Chapey Funeral Home in East Islip on Wednesday, June 5, and Thursday, June 6 from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. A funeral mass will take place at St. Peter the Apostle R.C. Church in Islip Terrace on Friday, June 7, at 10:30 a.m.

Heather's mother and colleagues at the Exchange Ambulance of the Islips were not immediately available for comment.