Jasmina Anema, the sweetfaced 6-year-old whose brave battle against leukemia captivated the hearts of New Yorkers and an island-born pop star, has died.
Celebrities like Rihanna, Lil Mama, and even President Obama rallied to Jasmina’s side to publicize the need to find a bone marrow donor to save her life over the past year. Sadly, the Manhattan girl — who was adopted from Africa at birth — lost her 12-month fight against the fatal disease this week. Jasmina passed away @10:55 PM Tuesday night at NYU Langone Medical Center, her mother, Thea Anema, was by her side.
“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.”
President Obama, who met Jasmina just last month, championed the child’s courage in a statement issued Thursday.
“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 remarked. “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.”