A 19-year-old Dutch content creator has passed away from a rare cancer, just two weeks after sharing a moving plea to her tumor asking for more time with loved ones.
Jade Kops died early Friday morning surrounded by family, her loved ones announced on her Instagram account, which boasts nearly 450,000 followers. Her death comes about five years after she was diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma, a cancer that typically affects children under 10 and originates in soft tissues, often muscle, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Throughout her teenage years, Jade documented her battle with rhabdomyosarcoma to raise awareness and even penned a bestselling book titled "Voor Altijd Jong" (Forever Young).
On April 6, she wrote a poignant letter to the tumor lodged in her throat, describing her exhausting struggle as it grew, slowly stealing her life. She wrote: "Instead of living, I'm surviving. Instead of making plans, I'm letting go. I'm intensely tired of you, in a way I can't even explain. I'm tired of giving in, adjusting, and moving on when everything seems to be falling to a halt. It is just very heavy."
She continued: "You pull me a day closer to death, but I don't want to leave just yet. I still want to be here. Stay for a while, feel for a while and be close to the people I love."
Jade's funeral will be held privately, but her family has announced plans for a public tribute on May 1 for those who wish to honor her memory.
Rest in peace, Jade.