A young Calgary girl who bravely battled an aggressive brain tumour has died, months after living out her dream of becoming a cheerleader.
On Thursday night, Natasha Gould’s family broke the news to people gathered outside their home for a candlelight vigil that the 12-year-old had passed away.
Earlier this year, Gould inspired others to follow their dreams when she joined the Calgary Stars Gymnastics and Cheerleading Centre as an honorary member, and performed with her teammates at a competition at Mount Royal University.
The performance took place nearly one year after Gould was diagnosed with Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma – an inoperable tumour found at the base of the brain that is typically highly aggressive and terminal.
Following the diagnosis, Gould underwent radiation treatments, but they affected the left side of her body, limiting her ability to perform cheers.
Gould was devastated that she wouldn’t be able to cheer, but still pursued her goal of becoming a competitive cheerleader.
Last February, the Calgary Stars offered Gould an honorary spot on the team. In March, Gould performed a competitive routine with her team to a cheering audience.
Afterward, Gould said that she hoped to inspire others.
“I like encouraging people to just go for their dreams.”
Online campaigns to raise funds for funeral expenses for Natasha Gould’s family have raised nearly $80,000.
With files from CTV Calgary
