A 6-year-old boy’s final goodbye to his younger sister was caught on camera, and it touched people all over the world.
Photographer Matt Sooter of Arkansas, whose 4-year-old daughter Adalynn “Addy” was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer, captured the image.
According to Matt, a young child shouldn’t have to say goodbye to his playmate, best friend, and younger sister.
More than 8,000 people commented on the heartbreaking image. 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.
Addy would have to endure the tumor’s growth for the following 18 months before her symptoms got any worse.
In a Facebook post, Matt described how his daughter, who is four, was deteriorating quickly.
In the last half day, Addy’s symptoms have gotten significantly worse. She was her vivacious, upbeat self when she woke up yesterday. Our infant is no longer able to eat or swallow without assistance, and despite our infrequent visits, she now spends most of her time asleep.
We have therefore admitted her to inpatient care.
Using Facebook, he noted the observation. “She probably doesn’t have much time left. ”.
He urged any friends and family who wanted to say goodbye to their beloved daughter to do so in a very heartbreaking and tragic post.
Jackson’s older brother was hesitant to leave her side, so Matt begged supporters 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 posted on the Hope for Addy Joy – Fighting DIPG Facebook page to announce the passing of their daughter.
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. “Even though this is just a temporary goodbye, our baby girl will be sorely missed”.
They explained their choice in a Facebook post by writing: 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 is afflicted with this terrible condition, but when children are involved, it is especially upsetting.