River Caroline Sames

River Caroline Sames, age 2, of Johnson City, was the beloved daughter of Sara Ecay and William Sames. She was born on February 27, 2024, and surprised her family by being the first girl born after three boys. It was also a surprise when she was diagnosed shortly after birth with a very rare genetic disorder called MPPH syndrome, becoming one of fewer than 100 children ever diagnosed with this condition.

River had to work harder than most, facing physical and intellectual delays and an extensive list of medical challenges, but what she lacked in milestones, she made up for in personality. Her strawberry-blond hair was always the first thing people noticed, but it was her contagious smile and gentle spirit that truly touched the hearts of everyone she met.

No one could get River laughing quite like her three older brothers. She enjoyed all of their boisterous play — the louder and sillier, the better — and her big smiles and laughter would egg them on in whatever chaos they were creating. She adored her Grammie, who loved to sing to her while rocking her or giving her massages. She always looked forward to seeing her home nurse and greeted her each morning with the biggest smiles.

River found water very soothing and enjoyed floating in the pool and splashing in the bathtub. She also loved massages, being tickled, listening to music and being sung to, cuddling, and rocking. She had a cheeky sense of humor and would laugh at the most inopportune moments. Her smile lit up her whole face, and her laugh would make your heart burst.

On April 21, 2026, River passed away at Niswonger Children's Hospital from complications of a respiratory infection and pneumonia. She passed peacefully in her mother’s arms, with her father by her side, surrounded by the love of all who knew her.

Her time on this Earth was far too short, but she touched more lives than anyone could count. She taught us beautiful lessons about life and love, and although she is gone, the light she brought to this world remains.

River girl, we can no longer hold you in our arms, but we will forever hold you in our hearts.

In addition to her parents, River leaves to cherish her memory her loving brothers, Liam, Luxton, and Leo; her beloved caregiver, Danielle Rice; grandparents Tom and Kathleen Ecay of Johnson City and Bill and Martha Sames of Leakey TX; uncle Aaron Ecay of England; aunt Hannah Ecay of Wisconsin; great-grandparents Thom and Joan Ecay of New York and Gayle Bannon of Connecticut; as well as many great-aunts, great-uncles, and cousins.

In addition to the extraordinary care River received from Danielle at home, the family would also like to thank the many physicians, nurses, therapists, and staff at Niswonger Children's Hospital, Dolly Parton Children's Hospital, Niswonger Children's Therapy Services, Mini Miracles Pediatric Therapy, TEIS, and Katie Beckett Program for the concern, care, and love River received throughout her 26 months.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in River’s memory to the PMG Awareness Organization and the Brady Wynn Foundation.