Rest in Peace Zhang-Yifan (Nicole) 1997 - March 12, 2010

I remember sometime within the past couple of years, my brother telling me about a little girl who lives in his neighborhood. Her name was Nicole and she hadn't been to school since she was 6 years old as her parents cannot afford the schooling she needs: for the hearing impaired. Immediately, we started discussing ideas on how to get her into school... everything from how to raise the funds to how to talk to her parents about it. As time went by, my older brother Daniel who lives in China was visited by my younger brother, James, and my parents. They would bring back stories and photos of the kids who live in Daniel's neighborhood. Nicole always stood out, always smiling. In September/October of 2009 I visited China for the first time and met many of the neighborhood kids. Daniel introduced me to Nicole and her family at their home. I remember Nicole wasn't out rollerblading that day as she wasn't feeling too well but I can remember when I met her, she was smiling regardless. At that time we had no idea that Nicole suffered from Leukemia and that it was due to complications with treatment that she lost her hearing. On March 12, 2010 a plea came from China. Daniel reported that Nicole was admitted to hospital the day prior as her condition had worsened. To make matters worse, her parents could no longer afford the treatment she required and were forced to take her home. The message came from Daniel and spread throughout with people donating and many others asking how they could help. Sadly, we were too late and she passed away on March 12, 2010. Though I met her only once, she had such an impact on me. My deepest sympathies go out to her family and friends, and to my brothers and sister-in-law who have come to see her as a little sister to them. Let this be one story that is never forgotten.

Category:

People & Blogs

Tags:

• nicole
• rest
• in
• peace
• OneTrueMedia