I know there can often time seem like there is a disconnect between the patient/family vs the physicians vs the scientists. Sometimes we on the research side get stuck in lab so long that we forget why we got into this in the first place.

Kimi's face spoke for all the children who go quietly, and remind us what we are fighting for. I pray God she finally has rest from the fight and you and the rest of the family find peace knowing it was not in vain.

Like others have said, I am grateful that you shared her and her courage with us over the years. Kimi updates were always inspiring. I hope that she is now finally getting to experience the comfort and peace that she was so undeservedly robbed of during her fight.

My deepest condolences to you and the rest of her family.

Community has sent some heartfelt responses to me but this one summed it up by the owner of Future Legend; Frankie Kozlowsky who was instrumental in getting her the signed jacket from Malignaggi: "We are the ones who should be thankful as Kimi showed us all what it is to be a true Inspiration". CJ, chin up and thank you for allowing me to learn about her and do a few nice things to make her smile.

She was hard as diamond. To endure what she did is a testament to the human spirit and will to live.

She was an inspiration, and will be missed.

...and honestly, I'm clinging to that thought of Kimi and Konrad cruising heaven together -- smiling, laughing, and free from pain -- as I keep this amazing little girl and her equally amazing family in my prayers.

God bless Kimi, God bless her wonderful family, and God bless cj and all the kind and loving peope who did whatever they could to help Kimi during her short time here on earth. Kimi's story was a true inspiration and I am so grateful to cj for letting us be a (small) part of her life and journey.

I'm having a tough time finding the right words, but thank you for sharing her story with us. Thank you, too, for the love that you showed her.

Kimi continues to be an inspiration. May she Rest in Peace.

At least none that will do Kimi justice. She was an inspiration, and will continue to be. We've lost a shining star and I'm so sorry for your entire family CJ. God bless you all, especially Kimi.

Kimi was a hero and an inspiration. I prayed that one day we'd to celebrate her wedding, but thank God for the time that she had with us. While she will be missed, she will never be forgotten.

I read this message last night and I have been thinking of how to reply.

I have no idea what I can add other than being one more voice in the chorus sending our prayers and condolences. At my Grandmother's wake several years back my Dad pointed out to me to the number of people in attendance as a real testament to the number of lives my grandma had touched in a positive way. CJ - I hope you take and share all of these replies as a testament to the number of lives that Kimi has touched just via NDN besides the countless numbers she has inspired at hospitals across the country. Kimi's spirit touched us all - what a tremendous gift she had. Thank you again for sharing it with us throughout the years.

God bless Kimi and your family. She will always be part of the NDN family. Thank you for letting us know. Is there anything we can do for you?

I hope she finds peace and rest now.

May God Bless Kimi and family.

And even beyond the inspiring example she set, the physical sacrifices she made will help enable a better life for countless others. Rest in peace, Kimi.

I generally take weekends off from browsing the Backroom. Looking at the time of the post, I was in church at the time. She inspired so many. I struggle with desire to go to mass given personal matters that slow me down. I'll now believe it was Kimi that got me there last night. Sadly, I will now have to say her name in the Prayer of the Faithful open response when congregation is invited for those who have passed on instead of those who are ill.

May her spirit and relentless fight help us all. Go rest in peace now Kimi. You accepted your pain and fought it harder than anyone and helped us all in the Backroom and elsewhere become better people.

Kimi could've easily been my daughter, sister, niece, i.e my family. In many ways I feel like she *is* my family. This day, while it comes for all of us, is never an easy day, the crossing over the veil. In times like this I am comforted by the reading that I did last week at the funeral for my Godmother who also fought multiple long fights against cancer.

If I speak in human and angelic tongues but do not have love, I am a resounding gong or a clashing cymbal.

And if I have the gift of prophecy and comprehend all mysteries and all knowledge; if I have all faith so as to move mountains but do not have love, I am nothing.

If I give away everything I own, and if I hand my body over so that I may boast but do not have love, I gain nothing.


Love is patient, love is kind. It is not jealous, love is not pompous, it is not inflated, it is not rude, it does not seek its own interests, it is not quick-tempered, it does not brood over injury, it does not rejoice over wrongdoing but rejoices with the truth.

It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

Love never fails. If there are prophecies, they will be brought to nothing; if tongues, they will cease; if knowledge, it will be brought to nothing.

For we know partially and we prophesy partially,
but when the perfect comes, the partial will pass away.

When I was a child, I used to talk as a child, think as a child, reason as a child; when I became a man, I put aside childish things.

At present we see indistinctly, as in a mirror, but then face to face. At present I know partially; then I shall know fully, as I am fully known.

So faith, hope, love remain, these three; but the greatest of these is love.




I believe that when we die, we will know immediately if or faith was justified (either God exists as I believe or He does not), and my hope to be united with my loved ones was justified (I am re-joined with them in Heaven or not), but those who loved me will remain. Love transcends the veil of death. Kimi has moved on, but the Love she inspired remains. I hope to one day see her, Jon, and so many others to share that Love again.

Eternal Rest Grant unto her O Lord, and let Perpetual Light shine upon her.

Kimi truly was an inspiration. Her courage was remarkable and the support she received from you and her family clearly empowered her with the will to fight as valiantly as she did. God bless you all.

Thank you for posting over the years and sharing Kimi's story.

Prayers for Kimi, you and your family.

With the power of God "the sun is always up!" What a wonderful phrase from that amazing kid. Inspiration for us all.

Peace.

Condolences to your whole family. Kimi and your family will be in our prayers.

Kimi and your entire family will remain in our prayers. Thank you for sharing her beautiful life and death with all of us.

May the angels lead her into paradise;
May the martyrs receive her at her arrival
And lead her to the holy city Jerusalem.
May choirs of angels receive her and with Lazarus,
Once a poor man, may she have eternal rest.

May all your family find peace.

May Kimi rest in Peace and may you and your family find comfort in your time of grieving.

I am very sorry for your loss

Like others on here, I would get excited at every positive report you provided... and bummed at the bad ones. She was a tough cookie and fought so courageously. No kid should have to go through the things she went through. Prayers to her, her family, and everyone touched by her.

Your message of love will always be with me. You inspired me so many times during times of darkness. I am forever in your debt.

RIP, little one.

We're deeply saddened by the news but grateful to you for letting us be part of Kimi's remarkable journey. Heaven shines a little bit brighter now.

Kimi was such an inspiration to so many even to those of us who never met her. I imagine her fight helped push the boundaries on this dreadful disease so future children may have a better chance. My condolences to all of Kimi's family and friends. I hope she is hanging with her great friend Konrad up in heaven.

prayers for your entire family.

I am so sorry for Kimi and for your family, and you are in my prayers past, present, and future.

I'm not one for words, and the sentiments expressed throughout this thread echo what an amazing fighter Kimi was and an inspiration to all of us.

Over the years I've shared what we've learned of Kimi - from her fight, to the Girl Scouts, to making phone holders, to her relationship with Konrad. She attacked each day, each project, each fight with the vigor that few if anyone I've ever known.

I truly believed the and prayed that the culmination of this battle would be seeing pictures of Kimi on her wedding day or even more so as that famous actress/dancer/singer who we could all say "we knew when".

You and your family have been as amazing as she has through this fight. The battle may have ended for Kimi in this world, but as others have stated, Heaven shines brighter with her presence.

God Bless.

inspire the entire world to accomplish things they never thought were possible. May Kimi finally feel the peace in heaven that she so fought for on earth and may everyone who supported her feel the sorrow of a loss but the strength of the warrior princess.

Thank you for all of your updates over the years CJ, they were always positive, uplifting and allowed all of us to pray for Kimi as she fought against this disease.

GOD BLESS!

Through your posts, I loved and was inspired by Kimi from afar. My prayers go to her, you, her family and all those she touched. We're all better for having known her. God bless you all.

Hopefully you can find peace during this difficult time. It's hard to comprehend.

I had not posted many responses over the years but followed her story closely. She will have many prayers from many people.

Thank you for letting us all be a small part of her journey and for letting us get to know her through your posts.

And will continue to be so. May she rest in peace.

This is heartbreaking- so sorry to hear this. I remember when you first posted about Kimi, I remarked to my wife how much she resembled our oldest daughter. Neuroblastoma is a terrible disease, and she gave it hell. Kimi was an inspiration to us even though we never met her. You and the rest of her family are in our prayers. Heaven has gained a new angel- the rest of us here are saddened, but better off for having known about her.

She’s been an inspiration to so many people through your stories posted here. Thank you for sharing her stories.

Such a fighter and an inspiration!

With courage and strength we’ll beyond her years.
She was an inspiration to me and many others.
May God comfort Kimi’s family, your family, and you as he now comforts her.

She is such a remarkable child. It has been humbling to know the story of her courage.

Peace and prayers.

life, love, and Christ's love. She goes before us with grace. Prayers for you and your family.

CJ, It breaks my heart to know you, your family and all of us have lost your true Angel on Earth . Our hearts are breaking for all of you . Our tears are real because you helped us know Kimi and to know Kimi is to love her. Our only saving grace is knowing she is now truly happy, truly at peace in the loving arms of Jesus and His loving Mother. Mike and I are so sorry , and wish you and your family Peace in Christ.

I have been amazed for years by Kimi’s endless strength in the face of such adversity. Your stories of her described such horrible suffering as she fought the cancer and endured seemingly endless treatments, while never losing her humor, hope, and love for life. It seems so very unfair that she did not get more earthly time, but her suffering is at an end now. I can only imagine the grief you, your wife, and Kimi’s parents must be experiencing. I hope you all can find some comfort in your faith and in the knowledge that I and your NDNation family are praying for you.

Kimi was such an inspiration. God rest her immortal soul.

Kimi was an inspiration to this board. Prayers continue for her parents and you. Thank you for sharing Kimi with us.

I cannot imagine what you have gone through, much less Kimi. Your Kimi was such a battler.

May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. And may the sun always be up for her.

Thanks for sharing Kimi's story with us here for so long, cj. I'll light a candle at the Grotto for your family(s) Saturday when I visit campus.

It is just so unfair. Thank you for sharing her battle with all of us. You are a tremendous uncle to this little girl.

I think it's much sadder for us that have learned about Kimi through you than it is for her. She is at peace now and in no pain. We should all go on as Kimi might wish we would in her absence. Sympathies for the whole family.

Peace to you and especially her parents in this difficult time. God bless Kimi and the positive impact she had on so many people who were fortunate enough to get to know her. Thank you for sharing her story with us.

She is an inspiration and her strength is something that will remain with me. Even though I never met her, your stories always provided a great look into how one can fight and show positivity.

with Jammer Sr who passed away on January 2nd. Jammer Sr has been a “Subway-Alum” since the Mid-1940’s. Jammer Sr can tell Kimi about the “Era of Ara” the 1973 Sugar Bowl Victory over Bear Bryant & Alabama; the 1977 “Green Jersey Game” & the “Catholics vs Convicts” Victory on Oct 15, 1988, which Jammer Sr & I attended together!

May Kimi be up among the “Angels in Heaven” who are looking down Upon Us!

family. Thank you for sharing your experiences and your courage.

God bless you.

May you and the rest of her family remain wrapped in the peace of Christ even as you grieve. God bless.

Warriors come in different shapes and sizes.
She is free of a body that can't keep up with her spirit.
I can't imagine the power she will have in the next life because of her struggles here.

All the best to your family. I hope for peace and rest for them as well

We all prayed for a miracle but maybe Kimi was the miracle. She touched so many people who hadn’t ever met her. Kimi’s courage made those who prayed for her better people. We counted our blessings and complained less because of Kimi. Kimi’s spirit will always be a part of NDN.
My heart is broken tonight. I am just glad Kimi’s suffering is over.I can’t imagine how you hurt today CJ. I will be praying for you and Kimi’s parents. God bless you all. May God grant you peace in knowing Kimi is singing and dancing in Heaven.

Struggle.

When I think of the difference an uncle can make in a child's life, I will think of you.

I wish you and your family peace.

She touched the world in a special way. What a remarkable girl. And what an amazing dad.

For all these years

Earth's loss is Heaven's gain.

May God welcome her beautiful soul with open arms.

Prayers and love to all of her family and friends.

We could all learn to live that hard, fight that strongly, love that much.

Your posts over the years have been a testament to your love for this child. May she Rest In Peace. My deepest condolences to you and her family.

It hurts knowing what she went through. She so deserves her peace now. She, you and her family showed everyone how to face adversity... with love, strength, perseverance and grace. Watching her embrace and deal with her serious condition was life affirming in itself. She gave it her all and through her trials there may come lessons and breakthroughs for others faced with this terrible disease and in so happening Kimi lives on. She was an incredible little girl and has more than earned a new life free from pain. So very thankful for the gift of Kimi.

Kimi is a wonderful, beautiful, and inspiring memory to thousands and thousands of people because you shared her with us. Thank you, cj. And thank you for the love and care and strength you showed that dear little girl through her battle. You have my deepest sympathy, as well as my sincerest admiration.

Please take good care of yourself in the days and months ahead.

I just knew it. I daily check the board. I was dreading this day.

We have a new Guardian Angel today - after God gives her some much needed rest.

I will have the Holy Cross Priests offer a Mass for her.

She was such an inspiration. No one ever fought harder - and at such a tender age.

Please let us know if you need anything.

Now it's our turn, Chris -
Peace in Christ.

With our love and prayers,
the "wineaux family"

Screw the protocol. ND Nation is fast tracking her to Heaven and sainthood. God Bless your family cj.

My deepest condolences to you and all of Kimi's family.

[I read Chris' message a few hours earlier, and for the first time in years, I broke down in tears. I wanted to wait a few hours to reply, hoping that the right words would come to me. I'm still at a loss for words, but I will try my best.]

For the past 8+ years, that young girl has been such an inspiration to so many of us, including me. Even if I live to be 100 years old, I doubt that I will ever know of anyone with the courage and strength that Kimi had during her childhood. I never had the chance to meet Kimi in person, but I know I will never forget her.

May God bless that sweet and beautiful angel.

Chris, my heart goes out to you, your wife, Kimi's parents, and to her entire family. Thank you for sharing Kimi's story with us.

Though we are strangers, I have prayed daily for Kimi since you first posted about her. Not to lessen my other prayers for the health of friends and family, but Kimi's name was one of only two names I daily called out loud, along with my older brother John (ND '90), who died this past summer. Kimi gave me personal strength through her quiet fortitude. She is and will forever be one of my heroes.

I often wonder whether certain friends and family who died made it to Heaven--whether they achieved God's goal for them for all eternity. I don't wonder that Kimi had to wait even a millisecond to achieve the beatific vision; her virtue was perfected here on Earth. Thank you for sharing her saintly story her on NDNation. May God bless you.

I never posted myself, but I prayed every day.

Kimi’s death makes me wonder why I am here today, alive and well, and she is not. If my life has purpose, it is to acknowledge and acclaim the goodness of her life, as short as it may have been, and to use it as a model for my own. God Bless you, cj, and all of Kimi’s extended family around the world.

She fought the fight and inspired many. A life well lived under the most difficult of circumstances. May you and the family find peace and comfort in due time.

Thank you for sharing her inspirational and amazing story and journey with us.

Thank you for sharing her life with us. She was and is a source of inspiration. Please do take care of yourself in the coming weeks and months.

My heart goes out to you and all the family.

Child.

She was an inspiration to all. As are you and your incessant love and dedication for her.

An awful lot of adults here stood humbled by this young woman’s courage and resolve.

I wish all of you, especially Kimi, peace.

Cash

She has been such a big part of this board.
We will miss her very much.
But no more suffering

carry you and your family now when you need it.

I wish I could come up with something more meaningful than that, but words fail me. I am so very sorry.

And I am glad she doesn't hurt anymore.

I haven’t commented during her battle. But she is an inspiration to all of us. Her ability to fight until the bitter end is amazing! I wish you and your family comfort in this difficult time knowing how many lives she has touched. She was and always be our Princess Warrior. RIP Kimi!

And for the countless prayers you offered up to total strangers.

One prayer in your litany was for my cousin, and I’m proud to say those prayers have worked wonders on that kid.

I am almost at a loss for words, thankfully other folks in the backroom are far more eloquent.

her family and thank you cj for aharing her all these years.
She will be in our hearts forever!

We are all better for it. May God bless you all and hold you in the palm of His hand.

and her family. Peace and joy in the company of God, little one.

Her strength, and that of you and your family, was truly remarkable.

Reading about Kimi's strength over these many years has been an inspiration. You are in my family's prayers.

I’m so sorry.

I hope you find strength and peace during this time.

There's no doubt that Kimi is at peace in the Holy Mother's embrace. She was a gift.

Kimi and your whole family will be in our prayers.

She was an inspiration to all of us.

May Kimi continue to rain light down on the world from heaven.

Christmas Eve and returned the day after Christmas. God knows how she willed herself to this... She gave everything she had that most Holy day...

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you and her family and friends. I am inspired by her ability to smile and joke throughout, her “looks delicious” line continues to bring joy.

to you and all your family.

I have suddenly been struck by particles of dust floating in the air. Damn, I just put in a new fine particle furnace filter, but it doesn't seem to be working tonight.

God bless Kimi, and your family, in this time of sorrow. Rejoice in the joy and happiness that she brought to your lives.

So sad. Sorry for your lost, to everyone involved.

The world is a darker place today with her passing

I remember sending you the best damn bar-b-que KC produces because at one point she needed spicy foods. I remember asking you to include my mother-in-law “Gigi” on your prayer train. I remember sending you money to buy her toys around my birthday because I wanted her to take my birthday that year.

And I don’t even know you!

But that is what is cool about this board. Prayers for Kimi and to your family. CJ, you’re a great uncle...Kimi was fortunate to be surrounded by such a wonderful family

Even as my eyes teared reading cj’s post, I imagined their reunion in my mind’s eye and smiled a little. Pray for us here on earth, Kimi and Konrad. You touched so many lives during your all too brief journeys here.

A day we all prayed would never come finally has.

My prayers for you and Kimi’s family, CJ.

Such a beautiful soul. We all loved your updates and hoped against hope for Kimi. My prayers are with you and your family. May God bless her and may she find eternal peace.

This must have been a very difficult message to write. I have thought about that little girl often over the years, and I always looked forward to updates on her treatment and progress. She always looked happy and strong in the pictures you shared. It's a little hard to believe now that she is gone. Somehow, I wanted to believe she would get better.
Thank you for sharing her with us. You did not have to do that - this was a very personal battle that you could have kept in your family. I want you to know that we all cared about her deeply and wanted the best for her. And I thank you for taking the time to share any news you had.
I'm very, very sorry for your loss, and hers. She seemed like a great kid who was taken too soon, and we are all a little lesser for the loss.

Of course my heart breaks for you and your family. Like so many others here, I have prayed for a miracle, for healing, for comfort, for strength.

But God made us to be in relationship -- with him, and with one another.

And I've never seen anybody embrace that as much as you and Kimi.

Because of her -- and your -- trials, trials that I could never imagine myself enduring, nothing else mattered. I don't mean to minimize your pain and heartache and fear in the slightest, but all those things rendered everything else meaningless.

I hate to put it this way, and I hope that you will receive it with the love and empathy intended, but God gave you an "opportunity" to ignore all of those things that the rest of us foolishly believe are important and focus on the only thing that mattered -- relationship.

And you embraced that opportunity in the most remarkable, the most unselfish, the most loving ways imaginable.

So I thank you for that -- for showing us in such a extraordinary way how God intended us to live in relationship with one another.

God bless you and your family.

I’d click in every one but I couldn’t get through more than a few lines. She was so beautiful and so much stronger than most everybody I know. I will pray for her and for you and your family, but given her strength and my weakness I’d wager I’d be better off praying for her intercession for my family.

May God bless you and your family.

P.S. eff cancer.

And Kimi is a fantastic young lady who is going to be with us forever.

Both of my daughters, 26 and 23, know Kimi from your updates and we have all been amazed at the strength this little girl showed us as she fought cancer, battle after battle, only for her body to lose the war while her spirit prevails forever. I just hugged my oldest, and my youngest wishes that Kimi is in a better place now. I am heartbroken and I can only wish you and her family the ability to focus on the joy she has brought all of us in the short, difficult time she has been on this Earth. God bless you all.

How can it be that a person I never met can be known to me as Kimi was, on this board, in my prayers, in my thoughts as her pictures were posted, as Linda and I relayed news of her progress to each other? But then again, we are unknown to ourselves, let alone to our loved ones, let alone to our friends, however they may enter our lives, person-to-person or however else a soul may communicate with a soul, in letter, or on the internet, however the very many ways there are that may catch our hearts off guard and open them to another. And then break them.

May she rest in a peace more well-deserved than so many others. I look forward to the day of meeting her and perhaps she will say, “Oh I know you; you were that boring old poster from NDNation,” and I will say “that’s right, that’s me!” and we will both laugh. At home, free from this vale of tears.

From the Holy Sonnets:
Death, be not proud
John Donne

Death, be not proud, though some have called thee
Mighty and dreadful, for thou art not so;
For those whom thou think'st thou dost overthrow
Die not, poor Death, nor yet canst thou kill me.
From rest and sleep, which but thy pictures be,
Much pleasure; then from thee much more must flow,
And soonest our best men with thee do go,
Rest of their bones, and soul's delivery.
Thou art slave to fate, chance, kings, and desperate men,
And dost with poison, war, and sickness dwell,
And poppy or charms can make us sleep as well
And better than thy stroke; why swell'st thou then?
One short sleep past, we wake eternally
And death shall be no more; Death, thou shalt die.

The challenges Kimi faced with courage are a testament to her strength. I will never forget this angel

...may her example encourage others; and may the treatments she received and their results lead to continually improved therapies for others. She set a great example for life.

I always looked forward to your posts about Kimi's progress and unrelenting spirit. Her courage inspired us all and although she's with the Lord now, I hope you and your family can find peace in the many lives she touched...and will continue to do so.

Her battle is over. She can now sing and dance for eternity. One of the most remarkable people any of us will ever meet. We can only hope to emulate her in times of adversity.

Chris, can you post a picture of her one last time.

May God and his Mother embrace her and hold her in their arms forever.

The impact of her life is farther reaching than most of us could dream for our own. She faced darkness with light, and drove out sadness with love. Thank you for sharing with us, and God bless your family.

Her optimism and strength makes me feel shame for ever complaining when life threw me a little curve.

long while.

Now you can sing and dance forever, sweet girl. Please smile on us from time to time.

No more pain, Princess Warrior. Only love and peace.

Thank you, Chris, for letting us know.

Our hearts break with yours today.

For so long, she fought so very bravely.

You were put here to be her strength, to guide her along this earthly path that was strewn with broken glass, barbed wire, and poisonous dragons. Together, you and Kimi set your claymores, clapped their clickers and moved forward.

Sometimes, there were open fields of soft grass and sunshine and she danced like an angel in joy. She did this because she was an angel. Now, she is an angel. She is your angel. She is our angel.

She will always be our Warrior Princess.

Our Warrior Princess is home.

She is home.

She dances on soft grass in sunshine.

She says, “Don’t cry, Uncle Chris. I will always love you.”

this wonderful angel with all of us. Randi, Casey and I send hugs to all.

God Bless that sweet girl.

You have focused on her strength, with great reason. But you have demonstrated much of your own in supporting her, her mother, and the rest of the family. You have our deepest sympathies.

Thank you for letting us know and for sharing her life with us.

I'll forever associate Girl Scout cookies with her.

I am so sorry, cj. My heart is breaking for you.

Kimi’s toughness throughout her long battle was incredible. Please know that all of us are thinking of you and your family and sharing in your grief. While Kimi has gone home to God, free of pain at last, her story will continue to inspire for many years to come.

Thank you for sharing her story here and allowing us to get to know Kimi through your posts. May the prayers and good wishes of everyone here give you comfort and peace.

I'm so, so sorry to hear this. When we lost our daughter a few years ago, the words below helped me.

Feel no guilt in laughter, she’d know how much you care.
Feel no sorrow in a smile that she is not here to share.
You cannot grieve forever; she would not want you to.
She’d hope that you could carry on the way you always do.
So talk about the good times and the way you showed you cared,
The days you spent together, all the happiness you shared.
Let memories surround you, a word someone may say
Will suddenly recapture a time, an hour, a day,
That brings her back as clearly as though she were still here,
And fills you with the feeling that she is always near.
For if you keep those moments, you will never be apart
And she will live forever locked safely within your heart.

I've had members of my family go through a parent's greatest heartbreak. As a parent who hasn't, I won't pretend to fully comprehend its dimensions; I think only those who experience it can understand. But I offer you, CJ and all those in that situation all my sincerest sympathy.

God bless you and the spirit of your daughter, my friend.

Kimi’s spirit was love made manifest. No matter what she confronted —spinal taps, bone marrow transplants, chemo, radiation, surgery, any number of experimental treatments that might someday help other neuroblastoma patients…a crazy uncle who lived to see her laugh…a curious gorilla on the other size of a plexiglass wall at the zoo who didn’t appreciate her mocking him— she responded with pure love, humor, and energy.

Those characteristics, as lovingly related by cj from the time she was a toddler, resonated so strongly in the BR that she brought all of us together time and time again. Very few of us actually got the chance to meet her in person, but I think we all felt lucky to know and love her from afar. Love for Kimi has united us all in ways that not even exulting or despairing over Irish football ever could. She transcends even the crazy “inside” jokes and legends that have forged this peculiar internet camaraderie among imaginary friends.

We are all crying today, our hearts shattered by the knowledge that our Warrior Princess is no longer singing and dancing in this world. But we all know that her spirit, released from the shackles of her earthly suffering, is singing and dancing more exuberantly than ever before.

May she glory in perpetual light. May the angels comfort us all.