In her last post on The blog of a teenage cancer fighter, Fernie’s Brooke Malakoff wrote about a summer visit with her family.
“I am so blessed to have the family and friends that I have. I had nothing but fun and was surrounded by love the entire time,” the 20-year-old wrote.
On Saturday the Slocan Valley native succumbed to her illness, shortly after a pink pumpkin fundraiser organized by Linden Lane Farms in the Kootenays, which raised $1,300 for the oncology department of the BC Children’s Hospital.
Malakoff was diagnosed as a teenager with a rare form of cancer normally found in young children. Since then she has become a tireless advocate for cancer research.
“For those of you wondering what you can do for Brooke and her family, Brooke has been the biggest advocate for many foundations and organizations,” Rochelle Simmons posted on Facebook.
“During her battle with cancer, Brooke took every opportunity to raise awareness for these amazing places. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the organizations near and dear to Brooke.”
Those include the Ronald McDonald House's Gift a Night, which makes sure families with sick children have a place to stay, Canuck Place Hospice and the BC Children's Hospital.
On her Facebook support group, which now has nearly 900 members, community members expressed their grief at Malakoff’s passing.
“Heaven was blessed with a very special angel today. Brooke's smiling face shines on forever. We love you Brooke,” posted Debbie Simmons.
Judy Hildebrand called Malakoff “an Angel that was called home”.
“We are so saddened to hear the passing of Brooke. This news left an enormous hole in our hearts. She was such a beautiful strong and brave girl.”
Austyn Mary Potyok agreed.
“In my mind, Brooke lost no battle. She won by leaps. She beat cancer by living as if she never had it, and by inspiring others to do the same…Until we meet again Brooke, on another chilly day over warm tea, you will continue to inspire me.”
According to her tribute page on the BC Children’s Hospital website, “Brooke lived her life to the fullest and never complained about the hard times. She truly believed in enjoying every part of life, so always remember “LIVE YOUR DASH”!
To read Brooke’s story visit bcchf.ca/stories/miracle-stories/brooke-malakoff.
