Mum pens inspirational message before dying of bowel cancer

A mum penned a heart-wrenching final note before passing away from cancer this week.

Nicole Cooper, from Melbourne in Australia, was diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2017 when she was just 33 and had courageously shared her journey on social media.

Nicole spent her final years speaking out about cancer, treatments and the realities of living with a terminal illness.

In her final post, Nicole refused to let cancer define her and that instead she wanted her final moments to be beside her family.

In her moving final message the mum-of-one said: "When it comes to wrapping up, cancer is not the thing I want to sign out on. Cancer is not the thing ‘wrapping up’ this family.

“Because actually, the stuff that matters is the stuff that we have built together for each of us: the shared respect, joy, compelling and insightful commitment, and unwavering authenticity to the real nuts and bolts of being alive.

“It’s the fragility of this, the incomparable everythingness, the preparedness to take every risk for this group, to truly declare that living in my most scared and vulnerable and weak and wonderful was worth it all.

“Because I got to do it with all of you. That is the purpose of things. That is what I wrap up from.

“And that is what I know you all are just beginning to champion for us, for every day, for evermore."

Accompanying the post was two photos of Nicole in her hospital bed with her husband and son cuddling into her.

The post has since been flooded with tributes and messages of condolence from Nicole’s 8,000 followers, with one posting: “This is heartbreaking. The most inspirational woman I know.

“I am so glad I got to meet you. Your strength is like no other. Rest peacefully knowing you’ve made a positive influence in the lives of everyone who knew you. So much love to the family x.”

Another said: “I feel so grateful that we crossed paths (albeit briefly). You are such an inspiration and a reminder of taking absolutely nothing for granted in life. Sending love to your family. You’ll always be missed.”

While someone else commented: “Heartbreaking to hear this. Heaven has gained an Angel today. My deepest condolences to Tim, Josh and your beautiful family. I only had the privilege of knowing you a short while, your zest for life will stay with me always.”

Featured Image Credit: Instagram/@nicolecoopy

Topics: Health, Real Life

Claire Reid

Claire is a journalist at Tyla who, after dossing around for a few years, went to Liverpool John Moores University. She graduated with a degree in Journalism and a whole load of debt. When not writing words in exchange for money she is usually at home watching serial killer documentaries surrounded by cats.