A celebration of life is planned on Friday for Natasha Gould, the young Calgary girl whose brave battle with a rare form of cancer helped raise awareness about the deadly disease.
Natasha was first diagnosed with Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Giloma (DIPG), a rare form of brain cancer, over a year ago. The inoperable brain tumour that developed as a result was expected to take her life within 18 months.
Rather than let the diagnosis overcome her life, Natasha decided to be open about it and become an advocate for awareness about childhood cancers.
The girl was also very passionate about cheerleading and her efforts brought her competitive awards and even international recognition.
Jamaican pop singer Omi invited her and her cheerleading team on stage to perform his hit ‘Cheerleader’ during a concert in Calgary this summer.
At the end of July, her parents said that her health had taken a turn for the worse and she was unable to speak or walk.
A week later, Natasha passed away.
The celebration of life will be held at the First Alliance Church on 40 Street S.E. at 2:00 p.m.
The public is welcome to attend and are asked to wear blue and white.
The family also asks that attendees bring their bikes as there will be a 45 minute mountain view bike ride following the church service.
A pair of online campaigns to raise funds for expenses for Natasha Gould’s family has raised over $82,000.
