A heartwarming yet heartbreaking moment was captured on video when a 6-year-old boy said goodnight to his little sister for the final time, touching hearts around the world.
Matt Sooter, from Arkansas, took a photo of his 4-year-old daughter Adalynn, affectionately known as “Addy,” after she was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer.
Matt wrote, “A young boy shouldn’t have to say goodbye to his adventure partner, his playmate, his best friend, his little sister.”
The photo resonated deeply, with over 8,000 people responding to its emotional impact. Now, the parents are hoping to raise awareness about this rare disease. Please consider sharing their story.
In November 2016, the Sooter family’s life was turned upside down when they learned that their daughter had Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG), a rare and aggressive tumor that begins in the brainstem.
For a year and a half, Addy bravely fought against the growing tumor. But her symptoms began to worsen.
Matt shared on Facebook that Addy’s health had rapidly declined.
“Addy’s condition has worsened so quickly in just the past day and a half. She was her usual energetic self when she woke up yesterday. Although we still see glimpses of her joyful personality, she’s now struggling to eat and swallow. She’s been sleeping much more, so we decided to bring her to the hospital for care. It seems she may not have much time left,” Matt shared on Facebook.
In a deeply touching and sorrowful message, Matt invited friends and family who wished to say their goodbyes to reach out.
He also asked for prayers for Addy’s big brother, Jackson, who didn’t want to leave his sister’s side.
Shortly after Jackson told his little sister goodnight and that he loved her, Addy sadly passed away.
A few hours later, the family announced on their Facebook page, Hope for Addy Joy – Fighting DIPG, that their beloved daughter had passed.
“She moved on from this life to the next just as she lived: with determination, calmness, and surrounded by her family. In the end, she felt no pain.”
“While this is only goodbye for now, we miss our baby girl terribly.”
In a final act of love, the family donated Addy’s brain and spinal tumors to science, hoping to help find a cure for other children facing the same battle.
“Our sweet girl loved helping others and giving gifts, so we felt this was a perfect way to honor her generous spirit,” they wrote in a Facebook post.
We all know someone touched by this devastating illness, but it’s especially heartbreaking when it affects a child.
Rest in peace, little angel Addy.
