Megan Melissa Bugg

Megan Melissa Bugg of Coal City, IL, age 20, passed away in her home on Wednesday evening, March 9, 2022 after a seven year and three month battle with Alveolar Rhabdomyosarcoma. Megan’s family was everything to her as she enjoyed nothing more than family holidays and vacations. She also loved her pets as her three cats (Boo Boo Kitty, Ophelia, and Belushi) and her dog (Sparky) were never far from her side.  Megan believed that everyone deserved the honor of dignity, respect, and kindness, and she lived her life spreading that message. Throughout Megan’s battle with childhood cancer, she maintained a positive attitude and zest for life that became an inspiration for family, friends and many others. Although Megan was fighting her own personal battle, she made her fight about something much bigger than herself by becoming a passionate advocate for childhood cancer awareness and the need for increased funding for research. She lobbied legislators for the cause and helped lead marches on Washington, D.C. calling for increased funding for childhood cancer research. She has been a featured speaker at numerous events including the Cal’s Angels annual fundraising gala and even spoke at Curefest with our nation’s capital as her backdrop. She was chosen as the 2019 American Red Cross Youth Hero, one of the Morris Daily Herald “Women of the Year” recipients, a Joliet Herald News “Everyday Hero”, the Grand Marshall of the Grundy County Cornfest Parade, and had her efforts honored by the Illinois Legislature in House Resolution 1071. She has personally raised over $950,000 to fund childhood cancer research projects at Lurie Children’s Hospital and at the Children’s Cancer Therapy Development Institute (CC-TDI).  In honor of her efforts, CC-TDI is opening the “Megan Bugg Global Rhabdomyosarcoma Research Lab” which will carry on Megan’s goal of making sure no more children have to go through what she has been through.

Without a doubt, the world feels a void in the absence of Megan’s steadfast presence. May we find comfort in our many treasured memories and in the honor of carrying her legacy forward. Megan first and foremost was a loving daughter and sister, as well as loyal friend to many. Her sense of humor could light up the room and her zest for travel is not to be forgotten. Megan held a genuine love for all of those around her, and we celebrate the many ways she gifted so many lives. In this way, we can keep her spirit alive and continue to inspire others as she so inspired each of us.

Megan is survived by her father (Kent Bugg), mother (Deborah Coope-Bugg) and sister (Mackenzie Bugg).  She is also survived by her paternal grandparents (James and Sondra Bugg) and her maternal grandparents (George and Judy Coope).  She was preceded in death by her maternal grandmother (Irene Alexander).

The family received friends for a public visitation in the Auditorium of the Coal City High School, 655 West Division Street (Illinois Route 113) in Coal City on Saturday, March 12, 2022 between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

Everyone was then invited to attend a Celebration of the Life Ceremony, which was held on Sunday morning, March 13th at 10:30 a.m. in the Coal City High School Auditorium. It was an opportunity to show the positive impact of Megan's life and legacy.

Ken P. Miller was the Master of Ceremonies, and in addition to sharing meaningful music, listening to tributes from family and friends, and presenting a video tribute, the Broadway Dance Company under the direction of Kim Scerine performed in Megan's honor.

Those wishing watch the special celebration of life virtually, are welcome to join the live-streamed service on-demand by logging onto the following link. MEGAN BUGG CELEBRATION OF LIFE - LIVE-STREAMED SERVICE

Family and friends are encouraged to sign the guest book, upload photographs and share Megan's memorial page online through social media.

In lieu of any flowers or sympathy gifts, it was Megan’s wish was that memorials go to the “Megan Bugg Global Rhabdomyosarcoma Research Lab” at the Children’s Cancer Therapy Development Institute, 12655 SW Beaverdam Road, Beaverton, OR 97005  DONATE BY CLICKING HERE 

Services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves Funeral Homes, Ltd. in Coal City. (815-634-2125)