Niall Vincent Heraty, 13, of Hopewell Junction, died on Wednesday, January 11, 2012 at Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital following a courageous battle with a rare cancer. During his illness, his family, friends and church community united on a faith-filled journey that included praying to Blessed Francis Xavier Seelos, on whose birthday Niall died.

Born in Bronxville on August 3, 1998, he was the beloved son of Vincent (Vinnie) and Julie (Friel) Heraty. In addition to his parents, Niall is survived by his brothers, Conor (17) and Ryan (7); his grandparents, Joe and Ann Friel, Ireland; and many family members and friends in the United States, Ireland, the UK and France. His grandparents, Tim and Annie Heraty, Ireland, predeceased him.

Niall was an eighth grade student at Van Wyck Junior High School. He loved the New York Yankees. He was an avid football and basketball fan. His favorite teams were the Jets and the Nets.

In June 2010, Niall was sponsored by the Hudson Valley Chapter Knights of Columbus to participate in a pilgrimage to Lourdes, France where many healings take place every day. This pilgrimage touched Niall in a special way. He found great strength and comfort during his pilgrimage to the shrine and had some very fond memories of the trip.

Niall's life was enriched by his wide circle of friends and many organizations including: Friends of Karen, Make a Wish, The Danny Fund, The Ryan McElroy Organization, Child Life at Morgan Stanley and Memorial Sloan Kettering Hospital.

In lieu of flowers, Niall's family has asked that donations be made to either The Hudson Valley Chapter Knights of Columbus, PO Box 29, Hopewell Jct., NY 12533, so that another terminally ill child may have the same opportunity to visit Lourdes Shrine or to Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital for cancer research: www.hopeandheroes.org.

Calling hours will be on Saturday, January 14 from 7-9pm and Sunday, January 15 from 2-4 and 7-9pm at the McHoul Funeral Home, Inc., 895 Route 82, Hopewell Junction. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday at 11am at St. Columba Church, 835 Route 82, Hopewell Junction followed by interment in St. Denis Cemetery.

For driving directions, online condolences and memorial donations, please visit www.mchoulfuneralhome.com.

O MY GOD,
I TRULY BELIEVE YOU ARE PRESENT WITH ME.
I ADORE YOUR LIMITLESS PERFECTIONS.
I THANK YOU FOR THE GRACES AND GIFTS
YOU GAVE TO BLESSED FRANCIS XAVIER SEELOS.
IF IT IS YOUR HOLY WILL,
PLEASE LET HIM BE DECLARED
A SAINT OF THE CHURCH
SO THAT OTHERS MAY KNOW
AND IMITATE HIS HOLY LIFE.