Justin tribute as 'Mrs Bieber' loses battle with cancer
A little girl who called herself Mrs Bieber and had a pretend wedding to the pop star as she battled a rare form of brain cancer has died.
Avalanna Routh, who suffered from an typical teratoid rhabdoid tumor, a fast-growing tumor of the brain and spinal cord that usually occurs in young children, died on Wednesday morning.
Our darling Avalanna went to Heaven this morning. Oh Avalanna, the brightest star - you took our hearts with you, our greatest Love;( ????
From @Avalanna on Twitter:Physicians and nurses at the Boston hospital where she was treated had previously organised a pretend wedding between the six-year-old and Justin Bieber.
The ceremony, where Avalanna wore a t-shirt which said 'Future Mrs Bieber' and stood next to a portrait of the singer, sparked a social media campaign to help her meet the star.
Bieber later arranged for the youngster to meet him in New York, where they spent a couple of hours together before he tweeted that the experience was inspiring and the best thing he's ever done.
He has now taken to the social networking site to mourn her death:
just got the worst news ever. one of the greatest spirits i have ever known is gone. please pray for her family and for her.
From @justinbieber on Twitter:RIP Avalanna. i love you
From @justinbieber on Twitter:please show respect to her and her family. say a prayer for her and for them. i miss her
From @justinbieber on Twitter:Dr. Charles Roberts of Dana-Farber/Children's Hospital Cancer Center, where Avalanna received treatment, said she was diagnosed with cancer when she was 18-months old and although she had responded to initial treatment, the cancer had kept coming back.
– Dana-Farber Cancer InstituteShe was a very courageous young person who lived her life with grace and determination.
By generously sharing her story, she raised awareness worldwide about atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumors and articulated the need for greater research of this rare cancer.