The final farewell of a 6-year-old boy to his younger sister was caught on camera, and it touched people all over the world.
The photo was taken by Matt Sooter of Arkansas, whose daughter Adalynn “Addy,” 4, was diagnosed with a rare type of cancer.
It shouldn’t be necessary for a young child to say goodbye to his playmate, best friend, and younger sister, claims Matt.
The heartbreaking image was shared by more than 8,000 people. The guardians are currently working to raise awareness of this uncommon condition.
The Sooter family’s world in November 2016 was turned upside down when they discovered that their daughter had diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG), a rare tumor that originated in the brainstem.
For the next 18 months, Addy would have to endure the tumor’s growth before her symptoms got any worse.
In a Facebook post, Matt described the four-year-old daughter’s quick decline.
In the previous half day, Addy’s symptoms have rapidly gotten worse. She was her vivacious, upbeat self when she woke up yesterday. Our infant is no longer able to eat or swallow without difficulty, and despite our sporadic visits, she now spends most of her time sleeping, so we have admitted her to inpatient care. He checked Facebook. There’s probably not much time left for her. ”.
He urged any friends and family who wished to bid their precious daughter farewell to do so in a very touching and tragic post.
Jackson’s older brother was reluctant to leave her side, so Matt begged followers to pray for her.
The moment Jackson kissed his little sister goodnight and told her he loved her, she passed away.
Just a few hours later, the family shared the news of their daughter’s passing on the Hope for Addy Joy – Fighting DIPG Facebook page.
She transitioned from this life to the next in much the same way she had lived it: tenaciously, yet serenely, and with the support of her friends and family. She eventually wasn’t suffering anymore, it said.
In order to “avoid future children from a similar fate,” Addy’s brain and spine tumors were donated to science. “Our baby girl will be sorely missed, even though this is just a temporary farewell”.
In a Facebook post, they explained their choice: We thought this would be a great way to show off our sweet girl’s generosity because she loved helping people and giving gifts.
We all know someone who suffers from this terrible disease, but when children are involved, it is especially upsetting.