Girl who fulfilled dream of becoming L.A. Rams cheerleader dies after lifelong cancer battle
A 9-year-old girl diagnosed with cancer whose wish was to become a Los Angeles Rams cheerleader has died, her mother announced Monday.
Delilah Loya died Sunday, two months before her 10th birthday, her mother, Samantha Loya Serrata, said in an Instagram post.
Delilah was the subject of a KTLA report in December 2022 when her wish to become a member of the Rams cheerleading squad was fulfilled by the team.
She was brought to SoFi Stadium where she was greeted by the entire Rams cheer team with a custom uniform and was able to run out onto the field during a game.
8-year-old Delilah Loya joins fulfills wish of joining L.A. Rams cheerleading team. (Loya Family) 8-year-old Delilah Loya joins fulfills wish of joining L.A. Rams cheerleading team. (Loya Family) 8-year-old Delilah Loya joins fulfills wish of joining L.A. Rams cheerleading team. (Loya Family)
At the time of that report, Delilah had undergone more than 25 rounds of chemotherapy to battle stage-four neuroblastoma, a type of cancer that forms from immature nerve cells.
Samantha described her daughter as “too good for this world,” adding that her loved ones will carry her with them and spread her “love and light all over.”
“We will live for you because you were taken way too soon,” she wrote. “I’m sorry for the hand of cards life dealt us. Rest easy my sweet beautiful girl.”
A previous GoFundMe page was established to help with Delilah’s medical care. It raised more than $140,000 before it stopped accepting new donations.
The family has since started a nonprofit organization to help families of children and adults fighting cancer. The organization provides resources and assists with the financial burden of utility and medical bills.
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