As parents, our greatest wish is to protect our children from harm. But what happens when our little ones face illness, and we are left feeling utterly helpless? Magalli Jimenez knows this pain all too well. She welcomed her beautiful daughter, Ava Skye, into the world, and Ava’s first year was filled with joy. However, everything changed when Ava turned 13 months old.
Seeing her daughter’s discomfort, Jimenez took her to the doctor, only to receive a devastating diagnosis: a muscular cancer that was hindering Ava’s growth and causing her great discomfort. Jimenez prepared herself for the battle ahead, determined to be strong for her baby girl. She held onto hope as Ava underwent grueling chemotherapy sessions, believing that her child would overcome this ordeal.
After numerous rounds of treatment and check-ups, Ava was confirmed to be in remission. The family rejoiced, unaware of the storm that was about to strike. In July 2022, Skye’s cancer returned, and this time, it was resistant to therapy. Surgery was the only option, but due to her young age, the chances of recovery were slim.
Heartbroken, the family faced the reality that they would only have a limited time with their precious girl. Jimenez made the agonizing decision to place Ava in hospice care to ensure her final days were as comfortable as possible. While she often found solace in tears, she never let her pain overshadow the moments of joy and laughter she shared with her daughter.
“We will let her live her life and cherish every moment, doing all the things we’ve ever wanted to do with her. We’ve made a bucket list for her,” Jimenez shared.
In a show of unwavering support, Jimenez’s friend, Davina Galvan, set up a GoFundMe page to raise funds for the family’s bucket list endeavors. The goal was $5,000, and the community rallied behind them, demonstrating the power of compassion in times of need.
On August 22, 2022, Ava passed away in her mother’s loving embrace. Jimenez held her close, heartbroken but relieved that her little angel was finally free from pain. The day before her passing, Ava, weak and fragile, mustered the strength to sing her favorite song to her mother, locking eyes as she softly sang the words:
“I love you. You love me. We are a happy family. With a great big hug and a kiss kiss. Won’t you say you love me too?”
Jimenez managed to capture this poignant moment on video and chose to share it with the world. Through social media, she wanted everyone to see the incredible spirit of her precious daughter and the solace she brought in her final hours.
“My heart will forever be broken, never the same. But I promised her that I would live for her. Today, hold your children a little tighter, even when they drive you insane,” Jimenez shared through her grief.
The ache of missing her daughter is ever-present, but Jimenez finds solace in knowing that she will forever carry Ava’s memory in her heart. She longs for one more embrace, willing to do anything to hold her precious girl once again.
Let us join together in sending our thoughts and prayers to Skye’s family as they navigate the overwhelming grief of losing a beloved child. And may this story remind us to cherish the precious moments we have with our loved ones, for they are gifts that should never be taken for granted.
