Friday, 29 January 2010

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Rihanna's pal Jasmina Anema succumbs to leukaemia

Singer says she's heartbroken over her death

Rihanna made an appeal on behalf of Jasmina Anema to help find her a donor

Jasmina Anema, the spunky 6-year-old Manhattan girl who captured the hearts of President Obama, Rihanna and others with her courageous fight against leukemia, has died.

"Today, January 27, at 10:55 p.m., Jasmina lost her fight against leukemia," her grief-stricken mother, Thea Anema, wrote on the Caring Bridge blog she had set up to keep thousands of well-wishers apprised of Jasmina's progress.

The news sent shockwaves throughout the community that had rallied around the little girl who had inspired a worldwide public campaign to find bone-marrow donors.

"I am incredibly heartbroken that Jasmina has passed away," Rihanna says in a statement. "She was such a brave and special child. She showed me more strength and spirit that many adults I have met. I feel blessed that I was able to have her in my life and know that through her example, she has saved many lives. She was truly an angel on earth."

From the White House, President 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."

Jasmina, who had received a bone-marrow transplant last year, was admitted to NYU Langone Medical Center on Monday night, suffering from fevers and shortness of breath. She was subsequently diagnosed with pneumonia in both lungs.

By Wednesday night, things took a turn for the worse. Thea's best friend Karen Detrick, the mother of Jasmina's best friend, Isabelle Hurrman, wrote at 6:43 p.m.: "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 p.m. Wednesday night, Jasmina passed away.

By K.C. Baker