SACKVILLE, N.B. — A one-year-old girl from Sackville, N.B., whose battle with leukemia inspired bone marrow drives and fundraisers across the Maritimes has died.
Marlie Curwin's death was announced by her aunt, Kellie Curwin, in a post on the 'Help for Marlie' Facebook page.
"Despite all of our efforts, our prayers, our thoughts, our good intentions, Marlie has lost her fight," Kellie Curwin posted in the group, which has more than 2,000 members. "She fought so, so hard. She was the bravest person I know.
"My life was so much better for having had her in it. She has touched and inspired more people in her short life than most do in an entire lifetime."
Marlie was diagnosed with an aggressive form of leukemia earlier this year, and did not respond to chemotherapy as doctors had hoped.
Communities in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island held bone-marrow registry events, with hundreds volunteering to be swabbed in the hope they may be a match for the toddler.
Supporters donated thousands to a crowdfunding page for Marlie's family, posted bubble-blowing pictures to keep the little girl's spirits high and quilted her a blanket stitched with well wishes so she could "literally be wrapped in all of our love."
Social media users responded to the news of Marlie's death with an outpouring of condolences.
"Her brave spirit brought our community together and made us all hold our families and friends a little tighter," Julia Feltham wrote in the Facebook group. "I also want to thank you for bringing such beauty into our lives. May she rest knowing she was so loved."
"I will continue to believe in Marlie because her magic will outlive us all," wrote Leanne Ayer. "The number of lives that will benefit from all of the (bone marrow) clinics held will be great and her legacy will live on in each of them."
Kellie Curwin said her niece had a "rough night" on Monday, taking a "turn for the worse" by morning.
"Instead of one hour at a time, we are taking it one breath at a time," she wrote at one point. "Marlie being the brave, beautiful soul she is, is still fighting when most would have given up long ago!"
