Rihanna "Heartbroken" After Child Pal Succumbs to Leukemia
Credit: Tony Barson/WireImage.com; Karen Detrick
Rihanna is mourning the death of her 6-year-old New York City friend Jasmina Anema, who lost her courageous battle with leukemia late Wednesday.
"I am incredibly heartbroken that Jasmina has passed away," she tells UsMagazine.com in a statement. "She was such a brave and special child. She showed me more strength and spirit than many adults I have met. I feel blessed that I was able to have her in my life, and know that through her example she has saved many lives. She was truly an angel on earth."
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Jasmina first captured Rihanna's heart in 2008 after the R&B singer, 21, saw a video made by Jasmina's best friend and her mother in an effort to find the girl a bone-marrow donor. Rihanna -- who made a special visit to NYC to see Jasmina last spring -- followed up their video with her own video helping to find a donor.
On Monday, Jasmina, who received a bone-marrow transplant last year, was hospitalized after suffering fevers and shortness of breath. She was later diagnosed with pneumonia. By Wednesday, the girl's health had worsened. At 10:55 p.m. Wednesday, the girl passed away, her mother wrote on the Caring Bridge blog she had set up to keep thousands of well-wishers up to date on the girl's condition.
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Singer Kelly Rowland -- who also grew close to Jasmina -- tells UsMagazine.com exclusively that when she heard the news, "I was absolutely heartbroken.
"She was a brave and lovely little girl that captured my heart the moment I met her," she tells Us. "My heart goes out to her mother and best buddy, Isabelle and KMS- the organization that introduced me to her. Jasmina is with the angels now, may she rest in peace."
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20god bless the innocent child...good for Rhianna...worried about somebody
Although I did not know this brave little girl her story inspired me to become a bone marrow donor. It'ssafe and painless. PLEASE CONSIDER BECOMINING A DONOR! God bless this little angel.
This is sad
This is the first time I heard about her but she instantly touched my heart. I shared the video with my students. Our prayers are with her mom and her best friend. Rest in peace little angel!
This is the first time i heard about her... but she touched my heart... i shared the video with my students... Rest in Peace Little angel!
Such horrible news. My heart breaks for the family and friends of this little girl. She was so brave to endure this yet keep a smile on her face. US, please moderate these comments and remove the one from "meetingrich". It is just tacky.
My thoughts and prayers go out to Jasmina's family and friends. Her friend made a very moving video to find her a donor and her heart must be breaking. She was a beautiful little girl who has left us too soon. Heaven has truly gained an angel. RIP Jasmina
My deepest sympathy goes out to her mom in this very difficult time. I remember the the video that her friend made up to find a donor, it brought tears to my eyes to think of her having to have to go through all this. Cancer is a very bad thing and it has taken a grandfather,aunt, great aunt and many other relatives from me. May God Bless Jasmina's mom and family at this very difficult time. I will pray for this family that they find peace in god to trust that he will help them through this very difficult time. God Bless!
So sad :( My condolences to the family
This is such a sad story, may Jasmina rest in peace. Shes no longer suffering and is with the other angels :) Rest In Peace sweetheart
I'm heartroken to know that the world will no longer see the beautiful eyes of this special little girl. But I do know that Rihanna and Kelly Rowland are special people for loving her so much.
I am so sad about this. Jasmina was so courageous. God bless her mother and may she find peace to carry on without her precious angel.
Rest In Peace Jasmina. She was such a beautiful little girl. It brings tears to my eye's knowing that this little girl left this earth too soon. I hope her family is doing good. I wish them the best luck of all!
She was a beautiful little girl. How tragic. Cancer is such an evil disease. I pray every day for a cure as I have lost several family members and friends to it.
It's sad to see another angel gone because of leukemia. =(
How sad! she was so young. Rest in Peace Jasmina
How sad! she was so young. Rest in Peace Jasmina
DEATH IS HARD BUT ESPECIALLY WHEN IT'S A CHILD.. MAY GOD BLESS HER FAMILY
I am very sad to hear this as well!
What a beautiful little sweetiepie she was! She made me smile every time I would see her on the TV. I prayed and prayed for her recovery, and I am so sad that she is gone from us. I look forward to the day where I see her jumping rope and laughing and playing in the fields of Heaven. She'll be the brightest and most beautiful soul there. I love you Jasmina!