Jasmina loses fight against leukemia

Jasmina's godmother Mariana Verkerk said, "She was an incredible fighter to the end. Her attitude was always incredibly positive. She fought her battle so hard, and unfortunately she didn't win it."

Last January, Jasmine was diagnosed with leukemia, a cancer of the blood that leads to the loss of bone marrow and a buildup of abnormal white blood cells.

Her plight caught the attention of thousands of New Yorkers, prompting them to rally around her to help her get a bone marrow transplant. She received support from all quarters and befriended celebrities Rihanna, Kelly Rowland, and NBA star Paul Pierce.

Bone marrow transplant successful
In May, she eventually found a matching donor and received a bone marrow transplant. The little girl was recouping well following a successful surgery.

Rihanna said, "I love this little girl, and I am so happy that Jasmina received her transplant today. Miracles do happen. Jasmina remains in my prayers for a fast recovery."

However, in late September the doctors told her mother Thea that a biopsy revealed her cancer had returned. Her health was failing.

Jasmina started developing a complication common in bone-marrow transplants when new cells attack the recipient’s body, making it hard to fight the deadly disease.

Through it all, the cancer-stricken girl remained positive and upbeat. One of her last wishes to meet President Obama was fulfilled by “Make-a-Wish Foundation” when she met the President for 10 minutes at the White House in December.

Condition deteriorates
Late Monday, Jan. 25, she was admitted to NYU Langone Medical Center on complaints of breathlessness and fever. She was subsequently diagnosed with pneumonia of both the lungs. Her condition took a turn for the worst on Wednesday night, with her health deteriorating at a fast pace.

Hours before Jasmina’s demise, Thea’s best friend Karen Detrick wrote a blog, alerting supporters of her health, “Jasmina’s antibiotics are not working so her lungs are filling up with fluids. Her situation right now is critical. The doctors are trying to get the situation under control but Thea will have to make a difficult decision if this does not work.”

Jasmina's death not in vain
Jasmina’s struggle with leukemia led to thousands registering as bone marrow donors, which could be a blessing for cancer patients in getting a match and receiving bone marrow when required.

DKMS Americas co-founder Katharina Harf stated, “Her strength and positive attitude provided inspiration – not only to the 140,000 people diagnosed with blood cancer such as leukemia or lymphoma each year – but to the thousands of healthy Americans who were inspired to register as donors.”