The inspirational and courageous Lebanese cancer fighter Michèle Hajal lost her battle against the disease on Monday.
The 25-year-old, a finalist in the 2016 Miss Lebanon pageant, bravely fought Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) for over a year. Her death was announced by her sister in a heart-wrenching Facebook post in which she wrote:
"Keep smiling from up there, our hearts are broken. You're a blessing that visited us and left too soon."
Hajal became a beacon of hope for many after launching a massive campaign titled #FightWithMichele to fund her needed curative CAR T-cell therapy in the U.S.
After securing the $750,000 and going through weeks of grueling medical procedures at the MD Anderson Cancer Center, Hajal went into full remission.
However, earlier this year, her health deteriorated as she suffered post-treatment complications, which ultimately led to her death.
Hajal's death shocked and upset thousands who had been following her battle against cancer.
People in Lebanon and across the Arab world mourned her tragic and untimely death, sending out their condolences to her family and fiancé, Maroun Abi Atmeh.
The late young woman's name trended in a hashtag on Twitter, with many hailing her as a hero who inspired everyone and put on a courageous fight right until the very end. Lebanese celebrities and stars also paid tribute to Hajal.
"Goodbye to the strongest, most cheerful and most beautiful fighter!"
"We promise you to be guided by your good heart and to always stay true to our mission"
"You're a hero in everyone's eyes"
"May God grant all your loved ones patience and peace to handle your loss. May God have mercy on your soul Michèle."