Some very sad news to pass along. From the NY Daily News:
Jasmina Anema, the Manhattan girl whose brave battle against leukemia captivated the city and inspired thousands to become bone marrow donors, has died. She was just six years old.
Jasmina's year-long fight against an especially fatal form of the disease ended at 10:55 p.m. Tuesday night at NYU Langone Medical Center, her mother, Thea Anema, said.
"She was an incredible fighter to the end," said Jasmina's godmother, Mariana Verkerk.
"Her attitude was always incredibly positive. She fought her battle so hard, and unfortunately she didn't win it."
Thea Anema was too devastated to speak, but she sent a message through Jasmina's godmother.
"Thea wants everyone to know that Jasmina had a wonderful life...and she died peacefully," Verkerk said.
President Obama, whom Jasmina met in December, also extolled the resilient cancer victim's courage.
"Jasmina showed tremendous bravery in the face of adversity, and her ability to stay positive throughout her battle was an inspiration to me and to all those she touched," Obama added in a statement.
"As the parents of two young girls, our hearts particularly go out to Jasmina's devoted mother Thea. Our thoughts and prayers are with her and with all who knew and loved Jasmina."
Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/...
In December, she got to spend time with President Barack Obama, a White House meeting arranged through the Make-a-Wish Foundation. The Daily News profiled her excitement at going to meet the President.
Earlier profiles in the NY Daily News and a feature in People magazine with pop singer Rihanna brought Jasmina's plight to widespread attention. Unfortunately as Jasmina was adopted a donor could not be found in time to save her life.
In her final few months, Jasmina, her heath failing, had the experience of her dreams: She met President Obama in the Oval Office and spent 10 wondrous minutes with him.
That day, Jasmina's poise and courage left her mother stunned.
It was far from the first time.
On that terrible September day when she was told her cancer had returned, Jasmina looked into her mom's bloodshot eyes and tried to console her from her hospital bed.
"Mama, no reason to cry," Jasmina told her. "Just think of something beautiful."