A woman diagnosed with cancer announced her own death on social media, urging others to cherish life's moments and not mourn the life she was losing, leaving a message of love and gratitude to her family and fiancé.
25-year-old Daniella Thackray posted on Facebook and LinkedIn last month: “If you’re reading this then it means I have died from my battle with cancer and my family are posting my final message on my behalf.”
Daniella, who worked at the marketing firm 26 Agency, explained the cause of her death and how her cancer wasn’t linked to her choices in lifestyle habits: “Firstly, I just want to say that not all cancers are caused by lifestyle choices, in some cases it’s genetics or unfortunately it just happens.”
25-year-old Daniella Thackray announced her own death in a heartfelt message on social media
Image credits: Daniella Thackray
She continued: “In my case, despite me being very healthy and active, a cancer started in my bile ducts which was not caused by anything in my control and my life was never the same again.”
The late woman went on to reveal that the cancer in question, cholangiocarcinoma, was “a rare aggressive cancer with often no obvious causes and no cure.”
According to Mayo Clinic, cholangiocarcinoma is a type of cancer that forms in the slender tubes (bile ducts) that carry the digestive fluid bile. Bile ducts connect your liver to your gallbladder and your small intestine.
Cholangiocarcinoma, also known as bile duct cancer, occurs mostly in people older than age 50, though it can occur at any age. Moreover, the cancer is often diagnosed when it's advanced, making successful treatment difficult to achieve.
Daniella credited Leo, her "fur baby," who helped her "brighten her darkest days"
Image credits: Daniella Thackray
“I really really do hope that in the years to come more research is done about this horrid cruel disease so that more lives can be saved,” Daniella wrote.
She went on: “So with that being said, although we can’t control what happens to us, we can control how we react.
“I chose not to mourn the life I was losing despite being so devastated, but to instead enjoy every moment I had left.
“As I have always said and believed you should enjoy the little things in life and cherish every moment! Romanticise your life!
“Do whatever makes you happy and don’t let anyone take the joy of life away from you x.”
Daniella posted her message on Facebook and LinkedIn, receiving thousands of reactions
Image credits: Daniella Thackray
Daniella affirmed she “loved” her life before admitting she had achieved everything she had wanted, making a note of her job, her fiancé Tom, her family, friends, and even her dog.
“Leo my fur baby was definitely brought into my life to help brighten my darkest days,” she wrote.
In the post, which featured a black and white picture of Daniella walking alongside Leo on a beach, she further stated: “So thank you everyone for making my life so magical.
“Remember what I said about enjoying the little things.
"'If ever there is a tomorrow when we’re not together, there is something you must always remember.
"'You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.
"'But the most important thing is, even if we’re apart… I’ll always be with you.' Winnie the Pooh.!"
Daniella worked at the marketing firm 26 Agency and was engaged to a man named Tom
Image credits: Daniella Thackray
She concluded the message, which received over 5,400 reactions on Facebook and nearly 54,000 reactions on LinkedIn: “And lastly to my dear, beautiful Tom, I love you and always will.
“Thank you for supporting me and bringing so much love and happiness into my life.
“Go enjoy your life now, you deserve it.”
She signed off “Daniella” along with a red heart emoji.
Daniella's message ignited strong and emotional reactions
