I know this post is late, but I had to compose myself before I could share it.
A ten year old girl named Savannah recently passed away. She had a fatal case of cancer. I didn't personally know her, but now I wish more than anything that I could have. Not only is her family in mourning, but hundreds of other people as well. When Savannah received her diagnosis, she presented a model of courage and strength that
everyone should strive for. Not only was she kind and selfless, but she was also unconquerable, even by this horrible disease. It didn't take long for her story to reach the newspapers and spread all over the internet, and soon hundreds of people who had never even met her were rooting for her in her struggle against cancer.
My school participated in a campaign for her called "Savannastrong". Our basketball team practically adopted her as a little sister, and she attended every game, cheering and encouraging them. Having her there was a rally for them to always try their absolute hardest, and she was a big part of the celebrations whenever they won. The boys lacrosse team at another school did close to the same thing. They all replaced their helmets with new pink ones (pink was her favorite color), that had Savannah's name across the back. She went to all their games, and was their inspiration when they won the championship.
Unfortunately, I never had a chance to get to know her until last Friday. It was her funeral service, and my school choir sang there. I'm in the choir, so I attended the service. I never knew Savannah personally, but by the end of that service, I did. Her mother gave a speech. She managed to keep herself composed, but I didn't. Listening to her share stories about Savannah, about how kindhearted, brave, and strong she was, made me completely break down. It was like I knew her as my best friend, and I cried and mourned for her as if she had been.
She kept up with all her school work and kept getting good grades, even when she was in the hospital.
She kept seeing and playing with all her friends.
She kept participating and excelling in all the things she liked to do, like swimming. She won third place in her swimming meet, even when she had twenty-some tumors in her lungs.
She had a priest come see her in the hospital, she never gave up on her faith.
She inspired her friends, and strangers alike, and the sidewalk outside of her hospital would be covered with little messages written to her in chalk.
So please, keep Savannah in your prayers. Even though she is undoubtedly the last person who needs our prayers to get into heaven, I believe she deserves the thoughts, admiration, and love from everyone on this planet.
<3 RIP Savannah. We love you.