A special tribute was held Wednesday in Brookhaven to a young lady who helped others deal with their battle against cancer -- only to be diagnosed with the disease herself.

A street sign was named in honor of Rachel Ragone.

Rachel Ragone Place is located at the spot where she waited for the bus to go to school - and across the street from her home.

Ragone graduated from Fordham University with a double major in finance and accounting. She excelled in academics, graduating at the top of her high school class.

"She brought peace and joy to everybody she came across," said her mom, Kim Ragone. She smiled wide as she listed her daughter's accomplishments, including 13 years of bell ringing for the Salvation Army and cutting her hair several times for Locks of Love.

But soon after she donated her hair for what would be the last time came heartbreaking news; Rachel was diagnosed with bone cancer.

"We had no idea. No one could imagine that only three months later she would need a wig of her own," said Kim.

Even as Rachel fought, she never stopped thinking of others.

"She even worked with charities, like for cancer, while she was in college fighting cancer," said friend Kaitlyn Shire. "She worked so hard during her fight. She fought with such grace."

"It brings me a sense of comfort just knowing that she will be remembered forever," Kim said.

A scholarship is also named in her honor.