4-year-old girl dies after photograph of the real face of cancer goes viral - Join us in prayer for Jessica Whelan and her family

Jessica Whelen, a beautiful 4-year-old girl who made headlines earlier this month, has passed away.

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LOS ANGELES, CA (Catholic Online) - Jessica Whelan became the face of cancer when her father took an iconic picture of her pain while being treated for neuroblastoma.

Jessica's father, Andy Whelan, decided to show the world what childhood cancer really looked like, after seeing his tiny girl writhing in pain.

On Saturday, Andy and his wife were able to hold Jessica's "frail and tired form," Andy describes on the Facebook page created to update the world on Jessica's progress.

Andy explained how Jessica seemed to be doing better. He was so happy to hold his sweet little girl again.

"I can honestly say it was probably the best and most cherished cuddle we have shared in a long time. To be able to finally wrap my arms around her, hold her close to me and have her head resting on my chest brought tears to my eyes," Andy wrote.

"I told her countless times how much I loved her, kissed her forehead numerous times and told her to close her eyes and go to sleep. I truly did not want to lay her back in her own bed once it was made but eventually had to do so.

"Holding her close I found a sense of guild in my happiness to hold her. I cannot even begin to comprehend the pain that must tear through her body which has stopped us from being close to her in previous days. Me selfishly wanting to hold her to try and comfort and feeling aggrieved at being pushed away."

Knowing Jessica's end was near, Andy continued, explaining he hopes she will pass soon, in peace.

"I hope this cuddle gave her enough comfort to know that we are happy and ready for her to leave this world. I cannot even imagine how much more her frail body can take."

Andy wrote: "Fly high my beautiful princess, watch over me, mummy and James. Ride free on horses in heaven and enjoy being with loved ones and free from your pain.

"I will never forget you and I am honoured to call you my daughter. I love you more than words can convey, much more than you will ever know.

"Goodnight Jessica Mae, sweet dreams, rest in peace."

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Thousands joined the Whelans in mourning her loss. The painful post of grief was shared over 2,500 times and received over 28k reactions.

Jessica passed away at 7 a.m. Sunday morning. Andy explained:

"Last night she finally allowed me to hold her in my arms and we had a big cuddle as I told her how much I loved her. I told her again that it was okay for her to close her eyes and go to sleep and I kissed her forehead and her lips numerous times.

"It seems like this is what she needed to finally allow her to find comfort in her passing as within eight hours of this cuddle she finally took her last breath.

"She was a daddy's girl from the start and even right up to the end. I feel like a massive part of me has just been torn away but I am so glad that I could give her that comfort in her final hours. She passed peacefully and calmly with not even a murmur.

Please join us in prayer for Jessica and the Whelan family.

God our Father,
Your power brings us to birth,
Your providence guides our lives,
and by Your command we return to dust.

Lord, those who die still live in Your presence,
their lives change but do not end.
I pray in hope for Jessica
and the Whelan family.

In company with Christ,
Who died and now lives,
may they rejoice in Your kingdom,
where all our tears are wiped away.
Unite us together again in one family,
to sing Your praise forever and ever.
Amen.

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