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"Amazing" Grace Esposito Dies

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Updated: 2/18 11:40 pm

Rochester, N.Y. – It is with much sadness we report 17-month-old Grace Esposito, daughter of 13WHAM anchor Jennifer Johnson and her husband, Vinnie Esposito, died early Saturday morning after surgery Friday.

Grace was born with CDH or Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia. CDH babies have a hole in their diaphragm, which is the muscle that separates the abdomen from the chest cavity.

Grace defied the odds from the day she was born, which earned her the nickname "Amazing" Grace. She inspired families whose children were born with CDH and made us all aware of the miracles that happen everyday at the Golisano Children's Hospital.

***

Jennifer and Vinnie request donations go to Golisano Children's Hospital via the link below, and they sent the following:

"We were fans of Golisano Children's Hospital and the tremendous staff before Grace's death and even more so now. Physically, she really wasn't equipped for this world which makes what they did to allow her to survive for 16 months all that ...more, well you know, "amazing". They gave us that precious time with her when we probably weren't supposed to have any of it. We want to honor them and thank them by helping them build a new hospital where they can work so hard on more miracles. We started this fundraising effort months ago and feel more passionate about it now than ever. If you've been touched by Grace, please donate to them in her name. Thank you. - Vinnie & Jennifer

Follow the link if you wish to donate.

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The views expressed here do not necessarily represent those of 13WHAM-TV || Rochester

quintoya - 2/19/2013 11:48 AM
0 Votes
MY PRAYERS ARE WITH THE FAMILY , MAY GOD ARMS COMFORT YOU , GRACE WAS AN ANGEL ON EARTH , GOD TOOK HIS ANGLE HOME ..

Ben Min - 2/19/2013 2:06 AM
0 Votes
On behalf of Benjamin Ministries, a unique bereavement ministry in the Rochester area, we are so very sorrowful for the loss of dear Grace. The loss of a child is heart wrenching. When a child dies we grieve for memories yet to have been made. We will be praying for the amazing peace that Our God and Father has for Jennifer, Vinnie, Avery and the many family and friends of Grace during this time! The hope of heaven and knowing we will see our loved ones again gives us the hope we need to carry on. No one can ever take the precious memories you have had the gift of experiencing with Grace. These are priceless treasures for eternity. May you feel His arms around you during this time... because they are! Many Blessings, Pam and Dan Waterman

scot - 2/18/2013 3:41 PM
0 Votes
well my heart goes out to the family of this god sent angle . I watch jenny on 13 new and enjoyed hearing the updates on grace and was so happy that they where so open to share there store with us .

helenwin - 2/18/2013 2:49 PM
0 Votes
As a Fairport alumni and a classmate of Vinnie's and a loyal follower of WHAM 13 news, my heart goes out to Jennifer, Vinnie, Avery, the grandparents and the rest of their family who will certainly miss Amazing Grace Esposito - indeed such an amazing sweet child! Also, what a reminder of how life is precious, a miracle and never to be taken for granted. Grace was a very lucky girl to have such loving and caring parents and she will always be in your heart! - Helen

ron tocci - 2/18/2013 2:24 PM
0 Votes
Jennifer& Vinnie, our hearts & prayers go out to you. The love and courage you and Grace showed the world were inspirations for so many. We know you treasured and thanked God for every precious minute you had with her in this life, and you have so many more to look forward to when you see her again. Peace and blessings, Ron & Cathy Tocci

rmastrella - 2/18/2013 2:07 PM
0 Votes
Jennifer, Vinnie, Avery and Family, My husband and I are so deeply sorry for the loss of your beautiful daughter Grace. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May God watch over you and give you and your family the strength you need now and always. -Becky and Jim

hennylacz - 2/18/2013 12:28 PM
0 Votes
Just want to wish my condolences to Jennifer and Vinnie.We will never forget Grace.She was a part of all of us from the beginning.She was an amazing little girl.My heart broke when I saw it Saturday on the 6pm news.Maybe they could start a foundation in her name.Maybe something good can come from this.I had thought the surgery would have been routine.When I heard about Grace's death I cried.We all loved Grace.Thank you for sharing that beautiful little girl with us.She was an angel sent from God to teach us aboutCDH.God bless Jennifer and Vinnie.My heart goes ot to Avery too.Thank you!

PEMiller - 2/18/2013 10:11 AM
0 Votes
My husband and I are very saddened for the loss of your precious daughter. We watched baby Grace's struggles from the beginning. She was very blessed to have you as her mommy and daddy and her big sister too. May it find you comfort to know that Amazing Grace is one of Jesus'little angels now. She will always be with you. Our prayers are with you. Patty and Randy Miller

regina - 2/18/2013 10:04 AM
0 Votes
I remember when you were pregnate and the joy that resinated in your voice and on your face. I watch you every morning, you are a great person and I know your baby was even greater in spirit. God bless you and I wish you and your family well during this trying time. We love Amazing Grace and thank yoou for sharing her with us.

Penny1 - 2/18/2013 8:27 AM
0 Votes
Dear:Jennifer and Vinnie, Our thoughs and Prayers are with you and your Family. We had our son for 13teen days at Strong, the doctor and nurses did all they could and they were great but God needed him, we had our thoughts we would never have kids but God has blessed us with three, two girls and one boy. Again we are all Praying for all..
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