‘Our hearts are broken’: Greta, 3, dies after courageous cancer battle
After inspiring a city, three-yearold Calgary girl Greta Marofke lost her courageous battle against cancer Wednesday morning.
A post on Greta’s Guardians Facebook page said the girl was with her parents, Lindsey and Steve, when she died.
“The most beautiful, fantastic, sweet, precious girl left us early this morning. Greta took her last breath snuggled between her Mama and Dada,” the post read.
“The pain we feel is unbearable, and words cannot express how much we already miss her, but we know our girl is no longer suffering. Our hearts are broken and will NEVER be the same. We LOVE you Miss Greta.”
The post ended calling her gladiator Greta.
Greta and her family had endured a whirlwind journey after she was diagnosed with a rare liver cancer called Hepatoblastoma in 2015, an affliction that affects fewer than one in a million children.
Refusing to accept a devastating diagnosis from Calgary doctors that palliative care was the only option left for the girl, her parents began a quest to seek treatment at a Cincinnati hospital that specializes in the disease.
Thanks to a stirring online campaign that raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for the pricey treatment, Greta underwent a successful liver transplant in May and appeared to be recovering well.
But just one month after the surgery, tumours began to appear on Greta’s lungs, and the family began trying to make the most of the girl’s remaining time.
On Tuesday evening, family posted a heartbreaking message on Facebook, acknowledging the end was near for their daughter who had captured the hearts of Calgarians who followed her battle.
“It’s hard to say the words ‘my child is going to die.’ But here we are, saying them and living in the hell that comes with that reality,” the post from mom Lindsey read.
“Greta’s disease has progressed faster than any of us could have imagined. Our primary goal right now is to keep her comfortable and that now means she is very sedated.
“We appreciate all the love and support. Steve and I have left no stone unturned when it comes to a cure, or any other option for Greta. Please keep us in your thoughts during this unimaginable journey.”