The heartbreaking story behind this photo
A moving photo of a 6-year-old boy comforting his dying sister has broken hearts around the world.
The heartbreaking image was shared by the children’s father on Facebook and included an equally heartbreaking message.
“A little boy should not have to say goodbye to his partner in crime, his play mate, his best friend, his little sister. This isn’t how it’s supposed to be. But this is the broken world we live in,” the caption read.
“Addy’s symptoms have progressed rapidly over the past day and a half. Yesterday she woke up as her spunky playful self. While we still see short instances of our girl she can no longer eat or swallow without difficulty and she’s sleeping most of the time now and we’ve admitted her into inpatient care. Most likely she doesn’t have much time left.”
The post continued, “For our family and close friends if you feel you need to tell her goodbye we recommend you contact us and do so soon. Pray for (her brother) Jackson. He doesn’t want to leave her side and we won’t make him. Pray for us. That we have the right words and can make the necessary arrangements in time.”
Sadly, on June 3, Addy passed away after a long battle with Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Gliomas (DIPG), a condition which causes highly aggressive and difficult to treat brain tumours.
The 4-year-old’s family had created a Facebook page called Hope for Addy Joy – Fighting DIPG, where they frequently shared updates on their inspirational young daughter’s ongoing battle.
A funeral home later shared a beautiful tribute to Addy, writing about what a truly amazing little girl she was.
“Addy loved princesses, shopping, dancing and singing. She loved being outdoors and playing with animals. Addy enjoyed spending time with (her) big brother, listening to him read books and playing games. She was a very joyful little girl who brought an infectious happiness wherever she went. She was strong and determined and fought with so much grace. She will be missed,” Epting Funeral Home of Bentonville shared.
Our thoughts are with Addy’s family and friends.