Sometimes it can seem as if a child’s condition is improving just so that they can give us their last smile – like an unobvious gift before they say goodbye to us.

We were keeping our fingers crossed for Denise so much! For the last week, her appetite had not left her and she had slowly gained weight, although we were fighting TB all the time. This battle we lost. We know that she passed away loved – surrounded by hundreds of people who were willing to share a meal, TB medication and an IV with her. Together we did everything we could – thank you for this opportunity.

Sometimes all is still not enough.

We don’t want you to remember Denise as a child who lost to TB and hunger. Today we say goodbye to a little girl who, above all, was brave. Whose story inspired hundreds of people to help other kids on the other side of the world and contributed to dozens of other lives saved. When you look at the night sky tonight, think of Denise’s place among those stars.