Jasmina Amena Dies After Year Long Battle With Leukemia

 

Heaven has sent for another angel. Jasmina Anema who captured the hearts of New Yorkers has lost her battle with cancer at age six. Jasmin who courageously fought Leukemia for a year had inspired thousands who wanted to help anyway possible. According to news reports, she was admitted into NYU Langone Medical Center Monday after having shortness of breath and a slight fever. Sadly her breathing did not get better but rather worse and by Wednesday afternoon she was admitted into the ICU soon afterwards.

A friend close to Jasmina took to her blog and revealed…

“Jasmina’s antibiotics are not working so her lungs are filling up with fluids…Her situation right now is critical. The doctors are trying to get the situation under control but Thea will have to make a difficult decision if this does not work.”

At 10:55 pm last night at she succumbed to her illness and died with her mother close by her side. It was just a year ago on January 20, 2009 when Jasmina was diagonsed with NK cell Leukimia one of the most severe forms of cancer. After that day she could no longer live the life of a regular five year old.

Inspired by her plight music sensation Rihanna and NBA player Paul Pierce took to the media to urge people to get tested for a possible bone marrow match. A miracle occurred when in May a near perfect match was found. The transfusion was a success however sadly in September the cancer had returned and began to ravage Jasmin’s small body. At the same time she was also suffering from graft versus host disease. This illness occurs when there is a complication with bone marrow transplants in which the cells begin to attack the body of the recipient.

While this would break the spirit of so many others it didn’t because Jasmin recieved one of the greatest gifts of all. She was able to meet President Barack Obama. This was a dream of hers and it brought her great joy in her short life. When asked what her daughters reaction was to the return of the cancer, Thea Amena revealed she said “Mama, no reason to cry…Just think of something beautiful.”

What Jasmina may not have realized is the beauty her mother always looked toward for courage and strength was her. R.I.P Jasmina Amena

Commenting from the White House, U.S. president Barack Obama said:

“It is with great sadness today that Michelle and I extend our condolences on the passing of Jasmina Anema. 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. 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.”

Log onto www.oneforjasmina.com for more info on Jasmin