Young Cancer Victim Emily Beazley Dies After Inspiring 4-Year Struggle
CHICAGO (CBS) -- A 12-year-old girl, whose four-year struggle with cancer galvanized her neighborhood and inspired a wave of support over the last several weeks, has died.
Emily Beazley's brave fight with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma inspired singer Taylor Swift to call her after chemotherapy stopped working, and prompted the city to name a street in Mount Greenwood in her honor.
Emily won the hearts of people all over the world, thanks to social media, and her mother's decision to share the family's struggles through her blog Emily's Entourage. In a Facebook post, Nadia Lopez Beazley said Emily passed away Monday night, shortly after 11 p.m.
"My beautiful Emily got to use her angel wings. She fought hard to the end. Her last gift to me was passing peacefully," Lopez Beazley wrote.
Four years ago, Emily was diagnosed with the most aggressive form of non-Hodgkins lymphoma. After 2 ½ years of treatment, her life started getting back to normal in the summer of 2013, but she relapsed, and went back into chemotherapy in March 2014. A year later, doctors told the Beazleys there was nothing more they could do.
Jim Eisinas knew Emily, and said, through the force of her personality, she made the already tight Mount Greenwood community even more close-knit.
"The neighborhood came together so much for her. It was great to see everybody really together, you know what I mean?" he said.
Last month, the 10700 block of South Homan Avenue was dedicated in Emily's honor. Up and down the block, green and purple ribbons adorned trees, light poles, fences, and homes. Green and purple were Emily's favorite color.
A few days later, Emily and her sister Olivia were sworn in as honorary Chicago police officers. Their father, Detective Ed Bezley, said he couldn't be prouder.
"They definitely earned it with their loyalty towards each other," he said. "The best of partners, the best of friends. Olivia hasn't left her sister's side since day one."
After Emily was diagnosed with lymphoma, Olivia donated stem cells to try to help her, but Emily relapsed.
Emily's positive attitude throughout her ordeal inspired thousands of people, including pop star Taylor Swift. She had been lined up to meet Swift at her Chicago concert in July, but after doctors told her parents chemotherapy was not working anymore, and they feared she wouldn't make it, they appealed to Swift through Twitter and Facebook to call Emily. The Grammy Award-winning singer called Emily in late April, and the two chatted for 10 minutes. Her mother said Emily was smiling ear to ear.
Day in and day out, Emily maintained a positive attitude, hoping to become a pediatric oncology nurse.
Her upbeat outlook inspired other young cancer patients, like 13-year-old Aleks.
"Thank you Emily," Aleks said last month. "This is really helping everyone, especially right now me. It's like it helps everyone to find the cure."
Dr. Stewart Goldman says it's wonderful to see one little girl shining a big light on childhood cancer.
"More funding will lead to more research so we can make the breakthroughs that we so desperately need," Dr. Goldman said.
Emily also got the chance to throw the first pitch at a White Sox game against the Cincinnati Reds earlier this month. It wasn't the first time the Sox honored her. Earlier this season, they placed purple ribbons in the dugout, in the broadcast booth, and behind home plate.
In December 2011, she was granted her wish to act on stage, when she performed in the Goodman Theatre's production of "A Christmas Carol," alongside White Sox manager Robin Ventura.
It was an experience that even Ebenezer Scrooge at his worst couldn't spoil.
"I couldn't wait for this day to come," Emily said at the time.
For Ventura's part, trading his pale hose pinstripes for a top hat and cape proved a little awkward.
"I was pretty nervous last night," Ventura said after performing with Emily – his first acting experience. "These clothes are pretty heavy. There's a lot going on."
Before Tuesday night's game, the White Sox will show Emily's picture on the scoreboard and observe a moment of silence.
Emily's mother has asked for privacy after her daughter's death, and said funeral services would be open only to relatives, close friends, and her doctors and nurses.
"I've shared her for four years, please give me these last days," Lopez Beazley said.
However, she said a public memorial would be held later.