The final word spoken by a much-loved daughter who died surrounded by friends and family after a long battle with cancer was the same as her first: ‘Mama.’
Noorline Zareh, 24, was diagnosed with gastric cancer 14 months ago, with the cruel condition leaving her unable to eat or drink in the final months of her life and reliant on an intravenous drip for nutrients.
Her heartbroken family announced she sadly died on August 17, leaving behind her dreams of becoming an occupational therapist and competing as a triathlete.
The South Australian had only just graduated with a masters in occupational therapy and landed a job in the industry a month before doctors told her she had stage 4 gastric signet ring cell adenocarcinoma.
She had planned to dedicate her life to ‘helping others find hope and independence’.
The final word spoken by a Noorline Zareh who died surrounded by friends and family after a long battle with cancer was the same as her first: ‘Mama’
Her heartbroken family announced she sadly died on August 17 leaving behind her dreams of becoming an occupational therapist and competing as a triathlete
Noorline’s father Nuri Zareh said his ‘selfless’ daughter would try to ‘hide her extensive pain from her disease to not upset us’.
‘She cared so much for us,’ the 56-year-old told the Adelaide Advertiser.
Noorline’s mother, Jackie-Nuri Zareh, shared a touching tribute to her on Facebook.
‘In this journey, she taught us how strong a person can be and the limits one can exceed.
‘She touched the heart of every human being she met.
‘She will be missed by everyone, her beautiful smile, her perseverance, her uniqueness and most kind and loving heart.
‘We love you and you’ll be forever in our hearts.’
Noorline (middle) had only just graduated with a masters in occupational therapy and starting a job in the industry a month before being diagnosed
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Noorline was a fitness fanatic who loved running and cooking for loved ones.
Her brother, Jonar, said she spent at least an hour on the treadmill every day and that she even kept it up during her debilitating chemo treatment.
He revealed that one of her ambitions was to compete as a triathlete.
‘She envisioned a world where people demonstrated positivity, love and strength,’ Jonar said.
‘We as a family do not see her passing as a loss to cancer, as it took tremendous courage to let go and move from the pain and suffering she had endured over the last 14 months in this journey.’
Towards the end of her battle, Noorline’s parents were forced to take time away from their hair salon, J & N Hair and Beauty, to be with their daughter.
The business and family income subsequently took a hit, leading to Noorline launching a GoFundMe to help alleviate the financial pressures.
She wanted to become an occupational therapist to dedicate her life to ‘helping others find hope and independence’
In a post to the donation page, which has so far raised over $38,000, Noorline wrote: ‘As I stand at this crossroads, I know that my fight against cancer is far from over’.
‘The courage and determination to see brighter days keep me going, and I am committed to exploring further treatment options to overcome the odds.
‘However, I cannot do this alone. This is where I seek your unwavering support and generous hearts to aid me in this journey to recovery.
‘I am asking for your financial assistance to help fund my ongoing medical expenses, which include further treatments, medications, and therapies.
‘Your contributions will offer me a lifeline of hope and bring relief to my family, who have stood by my side throughout this ordeal, unwavering in their love and support.’
Noorline is survived by her father, mother, brother and friends.
