Gillian Grace Ragan—our beloved Gigi—was born on Friday, December 19th, 2008, in Scottsdale, Arizona. From the moment she arrived, she brought with her a light that was unmistakable, unforgettable, and entirely her own. Born with congenital orthopedic challenges, she spent the first five years of her life bravely navigating surgeries, therapies, and long hospital days at Phoenix Children’s Hospital and St. Joseph’s. Yet even in those early years, she radiated a quiet strength and a compassionate heart that touched everyone around her.
A Childhood of Courage and Compassion
Before kindergarten, Gigi attended the Panda Program, a place that reflected the world she understood so deeply—a world where children might be born with differences, but love knows no difference at all. Gigi embraced that truth instinctively. She saw every child, every person, with purity and acceptance that most spend a lifetime trying to learn.
Growing up with physical limitations never stopped her from discovering joy. She fell absolutely in love with music and dancing. If you knew Gigi, you knew her soundtrack—songs sung at the top of her lungs, twirls that made her laugh, and a rhythm that seemed stitched directly into her heart. Her carefree spirit lifted rooms, and her joy was contagious.
Because she grew up surrounded by doctors, nurses, and children who needed extra care, Gigi learned compassion in a way few children do. She didn’t simply ask, “How are you?”—she stopped, stood in front of you, looked into your eyes, and truly wanted to know. Every interaction was genuine. Every moment with her was real..
A friend to the lonely
When Gigi entered elementary school, she naturally sought out those who sat alone on the playground. She would walk up with her bright smile and say, “Hi, my name is Gigi. What’s your name? Would you like to play?” That simple introduction created friendships that lasted her whole life, and her ability to make others feel seen and included became one of her most beautiful legacies.
Gigi is remembered most for her laughter—deep, spontaneous, room-filling laughter that made others laugh with her. Her giggles, her jokes, her joy… these are treasures we will forever miss.
strength beyond her years
Though she was born with congenital orthopedic conditions, Gigi carried herself with resilience and grace. In January 2024, she entered the process of preparing for a full hip replacement—the one surgery she was looking forward to. The surgery she never got. She sometimes wished she were taller, but anyone who knew her understood the truth: her love, gratitude, and generosity made her the tallest person in any room.
a unique and incredible bond
Gigi shared a rare and extraordinary connection with her big brother, Triston. Though seven years separated them, they truly believed—and often said—that they were twins. In a beautiful twist of modern medicine and fate, they were conceived on the same day in April 2001. Gigi’s embryo was cryopreserved until her parents were ready to try again, hoping to give Triston something he had always wished for: a sibling.
In April 2008, her embryo was transferred, and soon after came the joyous news—another baby was on the way. Gigi arrived on December 19, 2008, just one day after Triston’s birthday. Their souls were connected long before they met, and that connection never dimmed.
Gigi adored her brother. She teased him, confided in him, and cherished him as her hero and best friend. When he left for NAU, she cried in her mother’s arms every year he moved back to campus—proof of a bond that distance could never weaken.
A Bright, Determined Spirit
Gigi shared a rare and extraordinary connection with her big brother, Triston. Though seven years separated them, they truly believed—and often said—that they were twins. In a beautiful twist of modern medicine and fate, they were conceived on the same day in April 2001. Gigi’s embryo was cryopreserved until her parents were ready to try again, hoping to give Triston something he had always wished for: a sibling.
In April 2008, her embryo was transferred, and soon after came the joyous news—another baby was on the way. Gigi arrived on December 19, 2008, just one day after Triston’s birthday. Their souls were connected long before they met, and that connection never dimmed.
Gigi adored her brother. She teased him, confided in him, and cherished him as her hero and best friend. When he left for NAU, she cried in her mother’s arms every year he moved back to campus—proof of a bond that distance could never weaken.
Forever Loved, Forever Missed
Gigi lived with a heart wide open. She loved boldly, laughed freely, and embraced everyone with compassion beyond her years. Her spirit continues to inspire kindness, courage, and love in all who were blessed to know her.
Her story is not measured in the challenges she faced, but in the joy she gave, the friendships she created, and the love she so freely shared.
Gigi’s light remains. It lives in her laughter, her music, her generosity, and in the countless hearts she touched.
She will forever be our daughter, sister, granddaughter, niece, friend, and our radiant, beautiful Gigi.
