Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds were moved by the story of a four-year-old child who fought a deadly brain tumor and captured their hearts. The youngster passed away “peacefully surrounded by her family.”
Aria Hodgkiss, a North Wales resident from Wrexham, was diagnosed with a fatal brain tumor and given only 12 months to live.
On May 3, 2021, Aria’s third birthday, Melanie and Carl learned that their daughter had a Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG), a very aggressive brain tumour.
In an effort to assist Aria live longer, Wrexham co-owners McElhenney and Reynolds made a £10,000 commitment apiece earlier this year. An astounding £75,675 was donated for Aria through a GoFundMe campaign.
But this morning, Aria’s grieving family revealed that she had passed away.
They declared: “Our little fighter, Aria, died quietly at 12:30 a.m., surrounded by her family.
“We are completely sad, and we don’t know how we’re going to get through each day.” But be assured that we will stick with you. Aria, we adore you so much.
On social media, tributes quickly appeared. One user wrote: “So sad for your loss. I’m thinking about you all. Absolutely sad, another person commented. You all have my undying affection and my unfailing strength.
When Aria’s parents first saw her losing her balance and becoming less mobile in September 2020, they were the first signs of Aria’s symptoms.
Melanie said in February of this year: “We’re simply grateful for every day we have with her.”
A fatal brain tumor that cannot be removed, DIPG has no known treatment. Most kids pass away within 18 months after being diagnosed.
The family said on November 29 that Aria’s health has been deteriorating and that they may not have much time left with her. Sadly, that is what happened.
»Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds’ mourn brain-tumor-stricken 4-year-old’s death«