My Sister Died Of Cancer / An End Of Life Story 

This was a wonderful tribute to a clearly incredible human being. Sitting here ugly crying and wondering how you're so eloquent in your grief. I'm so sorry for your loss.

Not only was Naomi so wonderful and proud but SJ you should be so proud of handling this incredibly difficult situation with such grace. You’re so very brave! ❤

You helped us name our children. We helped give her hope with the immunotherapy. We are forever in each other's lives. I think of you two often when I say my daughter's name, Aspen Noelle. I'm so glad I got to know Naomi, even if it was online and from across the pond. You both have enriched my life more than you know. Your love is contagious and tangible! Thank you for sharing it with us. We love you both forever ❤️

I'm so sorry for your loss, I wanted to let you know Naomi's journey encouraged me to finally get a colonoscopy, after years of IBS symptoms and next week I have a small operation to remove a growth in my colorectal area, which needs to be removed as it could turn cancerous. It was too big to remove at colonoscopy. I used to be embarrassed talking about these things but now I don't care. Thank you ❤

Whenever I don't want to get out of bed and go to work, rush around do chores, I remember what Naomi said in one of your videos. That she would give anything just to have a normal boring day. To get up and go to work. SJ you too should be proud of yourself for walking through this with such humility and strength, and love. Thank you for sharing.

I'm so sorry to hear that Naomi passed away. As a fellow stage 4 colon cancer patient, I was praying for a miracle for her. My heart breaks for you and the whole family. Sending love and prayers.

I’ve worked as a hospice doctor and I’m so pleased to hear you speak so beautifully and eloquently about end of life care. Thank you. I’m so sorry for your loss ❤

"everyone needs a purpose" ... I'll keep Naomi's words with me, she is such an inspiring lady and it's been a privilege to have a tiny peak into her world through the podcasts , you tube and Instagram. All I feel from your words in the video is so much love and peace and I know so many will draw comfort from this now, or in the future when they need it 🕊️💖 thinking of you so much and lifting you up as you go through this journey of grief xxxx

My heart breaks for you. You should be so proud of yourself and Naomi for the awareness and information you’ve given others about end of life care. It’s so true that there isn’t enough conversation about it. A persons last steps are just as important as their first. Their last words just as important as their first. Sending so much love to you and your extended family 💞

What a tremendous gift you gave to your sister to help her feel proud of her life. That was a selfless and courageous act of love.

My stomach did a "hard cringe" when this just popped up in my feed. Having lost 4 siblings (2 to terminal illnesses) now I feel I know what you are going through. Your sis was so brave & having you by her side must have really helped her. Sending you many hugs.

I'm so so sorry. I lost my little sister when I was 28 and she was 25. It's a loss that's just unlike anything else. One thing that helps me is to know that my grief and sadness is a reminder of how much I loved her. It's how I love her now that she's gone. It sounds like Naomi died with such dignity which is all we can hope for. Sending you healing

Thank you for sharing the end of Naomi’s journey. What a wonderful and eloquent tribute to your lovely sister. She was clearly so very loved and will live on through her girls and through your memories. X

I am incredibly sorry for your loss. I lost my sister, very unexpectedly on May 10th. Just 2 days after that, my beloved Mom passed away. My heart goes out to you.

My sister was dx with Hodgkin's Lymphoma at the age of 18yrs old. She fought it until she was 22yrs old. I was her stem cell donor in 2004 and she passed in 2005. I didn't get to say my last goodbye. She was my only sibling. The pain 18yrs later is still there. The emptiness and the oddness of looking back of my childhood. It seems like my childhood was a dream, like it was not real. She is the reason I am a Patient Advocate. I am so sorry for your pain and grief.

All my love to you. She was a soul that would brighten up any room and you have been the most amazing sister to her. Until you meet again 🤍💫

My mom passed from Glioblastoma in February. It still feels so unreal. I’m so sorry Sarah. I wouldn’t wish this pain on anybody ❤

I lost my momma to lung cancer when I was 18 months old and she was only 32. Every day I feel such a massive hole in my heart because of everything she misses out on; my daughter growing up, watching me turn into the momma I’m so proud to be. But now, as I reach almost the age she lost her life to cancer… I stop and think of what I’d give to be with my momma in those last moments holding her hand, reminding her how loved she is. I can’t explain to you what this video did for me but I felt so much of my mommas essence in this: this was her reminder to me that just because cancer is horrific doesn’t mean her last moments had to be that way too. Thank you, SJ. The strength it took to share this is so admirable. I’ll carry this with me forever. Rest in peace to your beautiful soul and from one kiddo who last their mom to another, always remind them that their momma is always in their heart.

I have stage 4 colon cancer and I have two sisters and although mine isn’t terminal, I’m so scared it will become terminal and I’ll have to leave them. This video had me sobbing at your experience. I’m so so sorry what you’ve been through. She clearly had so much love and shouldn’t have been taken so soon. I’m sending you love and healing energy and thank you for sharing your experience.

GRIEF NEVER ENDS BUT IT CHANGES. ITS A PASSAGE, NOT A PLACE TO STAY. GRIEF IS NOT A SIGN OF WEAKNESS NOR A LACK OF FAITH. IT IS THE PRICE OF LOVE🙏🏻💙🙏🏻💙

I've been following and commenting on Instagram since you first announced her diagnosis, but I still wanted to say here how deeply sorry I am. Your loss is tangible; you're so articulate and considerate in how you share. I hope you feel our love SJ. I hope Naomi felt it. All across the world; she truly has impacted people. She has changed us. I'm so glad there was so much joy; even at the end. She deserved nothing less than endless joy ❤️ Love and support to you, and the whole family

I have absolutely NO idea how you managed to stay so composed, speaking so clearly and eloquently throughout all your agonising grief. You have more strength in you than you even realise SJ and I’m so sorry that you’ve lost your beautiful Naomi. What a lovely tribute and your video of Naomi’s story will help others in this situation. ❤

I lost my sister too. Your story reminded me a lot of mine. My sincere condolences ❤

Your love for Naomi shines through every moment. You left no stone unturned to help her and she received the best care. Thousands of us will remember Naomi in this online community. You have helped so many people by sharing your experiences, especially hospice care. Sending so much love to you and your family in this difficult time x

SJ I don’t know if this the first time you are dealing with grief or if this your 100th time dealing with grief but what I do know is I hope you don’t let ANYONE tell you how to do it. This is a very personal journey and it’s amazing that you have chosen to share your pain with us in the hopes that someone else feels less alone but remember at the end of the day it’s okay not to be okay. You and your family are so loved and it will get easier…I promise

This was a beautiful way to honor your sister. I very unexpectedly lost my Mom a year ago. She had a leukemia and lymphoma. Was doing great. Then she took a sudden turn. I understand that feeling of what happened. You were planning one thing. Because your loved one is doing great. And then something out of nowhere changes everything. I'm praying for you and your family. Grief is hard to shoulder. Especially if you aren't prepared to say goodbye. I pray that you can find some comfort. Hold your memories tight. That way, you'll always have your sister. 🤍

SJ, I dont know what to say to you other than my sincerest condolences. I started following you because my dad also has terminal cancer and I came across your videos because of the youtube algorithm. I am very close to my own sister also and it breaks my heart that you lost yours. Just know that you have become somewhat of a role model to me, especially as I am currently pregnant with my first child and admire you so much as you are being the best mom despite the absolute most difficult obstacles life is throwing at you. I have watched many of your videos on parenting since discovering your channel and I have gained so much knowledge already. I thank you for being so open about topics ranging from baby names to parenting to cancer and even to death. It is everything that preocupies my mind currently yet so few people (let alone youtubers/influencers) talk about it. I think I will follow you for a very long time as I believe that you have what counts in life and what so many influenceres and so called role models lack: true character!!! Again, I don‘t know what to say to you other than that I am thinking of you you and wishing for peace and love for you and your family ❤

I lost my older sister to cancer when I was 12 and the way you depict that specific grief spoke to my heart. She was my best friend. Thinking of you and your family. I’m so sorry ❤️

What a lovely story. My husband passed away 10 years ago. After my son and I got through the grieving process we began to talk about him often. The sweet memories that were made in the past never leave you. And she will be back in the most unexpected ways. For instance I just made a major move to rebuild my life and a single red rose bloomed right outside my door. I knew is was a sign from my husband that he was glad Im happy in my new surroundings. May you and your family find peace.

I’m so sorry SJ. We lost my mum to bowel cancer 20 years ago, aged 59, and I have to echo your sentiments about the hospice. My mum went into our local hospice in the hope of them managing her pain and never left. I will never forget his kind the staff were, to Mum, and to her family. Truly amazing people. ❤

I’m so sorry for your immense loss. I have a twin sister as well. They say that the bond between twins is closer than “Mother and Child “. I feel it would be loosing half of myself.💔💔💔💔🤷‍♂️♥️🙏🏼. No words😢😢😢‼️

I’m so sorry. My dad went into hospice care the same day the cancer spread to his brain. Which was his birthday. We lost him 8 days later, May 3. It is unreal and unfair. My heart breaks for you and your family.

I lost my sister 3 years ago. She was my best friend. It was so traumatic. We really didn’t talk about death in my family and made it so confronting. Sending love to you

I’m so sorry for your loss! My sister died of breast cancer in 2012 when she was 41 so unfortunately I know how you feel and what you’re going through. 😔

Beautiful. My sister died in a hospice. I did her nails, I slept there, we watched the television, I sang to her - badly! It was a relief to be there. She wanted to die at home but got admitted. I recall all the good and difficult times. Thank you for sharing x

Naomi forever! How fun and kind she seemed, and how admirable in her approach since her diagnosis. We’re lucky you shared her with us, and she was lucky to be supported so beautifully through her end of life. You’ve both done a ton to spread awareness and make folks feel less alone - really amazing stuff. Wishing you more of the strength and resilience you’ve exhibited over the last years as you adjust to life without your sister earthside, SJ. Love to all those who knew and loved her.

Oh SJ. An amazing tribute to your wonderful sister. I’m so glad you had the hospice experience. I lost my mum to cancer and unfortunately it was only 12 weeks from diagnosis to death. She stayed at home with me the entire time because it was impossible to get any external help in such a short timeframe, at least in our area. And while I’m grateful for that time when she entered the true end of life stage, I was absolutely lost as to what to do for the best. We had emergency doctors call out to us but that was all. No Marie Curie nurse or anything. And at the very end she needed a lot of suction (no need to go into that, deeply unpleasant) and we were lucky to get help from 2 angels of paramedics who stayed with her way beyond the time constraints they were under as we were told that the local hospital were too overloaded to do anything other than put her on a trolley in a corridor somewhere. Thankfully she was too far gone to be aware of the trauma of the situation but for those of you with loved ones who do have time to put these things in place, please listen to SJ. The very least anyone deserves is dignity and peace in their final hours and I’m so thankful that Naomi got those two things. Sending love to you all. You’ve been so strong and now you all need to grant yourselves the time to regroup and heal together x

SJ, I am so, so sorry! You and Naomi were very brave to share her story with us. I feel like I got to know Naomi through her journey. My sister was killed when she was 19. I was 18. I will never be the same. My father had Lymphatic Lymphoma starting when I was 14. It was so hard for him and our entire family. Cancer is ugly, mean, and unpredictable! My thoughts are with you.

My son in law died at the age of 34 from cancer. Whilst the hospital support was awful the hospice end of life care was amazing - the whole family were supported including his two very young children. I cannot praise them enough. Sending you love and hugs as you walk through the grief process. Be kind to yourself and walk your own path xx

There are no words and yet you found so many beautiful ones. Thank you for sharing her with us. ❤

Thank you for recording this. You have helped more people than you will ever know with this. I'm so sorry for your loss. ❤

I’m so sorry for the loss of your beautiful sister. Thank you for telling us about her last days. Knowing she was still happy, helps. I’m not at EOL just yet, but due to my Hickman line and no immune system, I end up getting sepsis and the last one was touch and go again. They’ve said if it happens again, I won’t be able to fight it. So I worry the end will be really scary and me fighting, will be so hard for my boys. So hearing how Naomi managed to still be happy, fills me with calm. For the first time, I feel calm about it, rather than stressing for everyone else. Your sisters beautiful heart will never be forgotten. Sending all my love to you all as you walk the difficult path of grief. ❤️ Sleep tight, Naomi 🤍🕊️ fly high and continue to be proud of yourself in heaven. You made a big difference to more lives than you’ll ever know ♥️ xo

I’m so, so sorry to hear that Naomi’s journey has come to an end. My husband’s a doctor and often talks about the concept of “dying well” and it’s always been a tricky concept for me to understand - but hearing you tell the story of Naomi’s final chapter, I think you and your family, as well as Naomi, should feel so very proud of yourselves for taking the end of her life so seriously and helping her to complete her time here on earth so beautifully. Thinking of you all now as you start this new and difficult journey of life without your precious sister, wife, daughter and mum. Bless you all x

Hospice is absolutely a blessing. My daughter passed last September from colon cancer. I know your pain, Sweetheart. Keep walking and go at your own pace with Grief..it is a brutal thing..Do not push yourself….I believe our Loved Ones are always with us and are waiting for us on the Other Side. Glad to know you have “signs” as well. May God give you Peace❤❤❤

My love I am so so sorry to hear this news.....your sister was beautiful.

Thank you for sharing Naomi's story. She was brave and beautiful and her life mattered. The love and bond you shared is a joy to witness. Sending you so much love and light to you all. ❤❤❤❤❤

Thanks you so so much for sharing this. Your Sisters journey with bowel cancer and hospice care mirrored my husband who I lost in September 22. The grief journey is very long and hard, it is also one that will stay with you forever. Hospice care is amazing, my husband wanted to die at home but this wasn’t possible, however his last month in our local hospice was truly something else. The team were amazing and enabled me to spend all the time I needed with Simon. Sending you and your family much love xx

My very deepest sympathies on the loss of your beloved sister. Just heartbreaking, as I could see the deep bond and connection to two shared. What is so terribly sad, is the greater the love, the deeper the grief! When you walk through this deep darkness, there are no words of comfort, as you walk alone in your grief. Only you know the bond, only you know the personal loss. There are days when you feel you can’t get through. But, very very slowly you do. It is just day by day. Tiny step by tiny step. My heart aches for you, as I have walked this dark road. I have no advice to share, but I do know the pain. Thinking of you

Your video showing up on my recommended today was brought by God. Today, I found out that my sister's cancer has returned. We have been told that there will be no surgery, or chemo from this point. She was 14 when I was born, and she is like a second mom to me. She has taught me so much. I don't know how to navigate this, but I am thankful for your advise on hospice. I hope I can make her last months, weeks and days as beautiful as you have described your sisters being. Thank you.

What a brave and emotional video. You do your sister proud. My cousin has just died from a brain tumour and I’m devastated. X

I cannot express enough, how sorry I am for your loss, we love you and hope you get better and no need to post anything for how long you want, take time and focus on your family and healing. ❤😢

I haven’t spoken to my sister since 2012. She wouldn’t tell me what hospital my mother was in when she was dying. I adored her when I was younger and she was always just mean to me …I’ll never know why. I wish it could have been more like your relationship.

SJ, I came across your channel when I was pregnant with my now 2 year old son. I'm not one to comment on many channels, I have been following your journey with your sisters diagnosis and I'm so sad to hear that she has passed. As difficult as this is, we all must go through it and it seems like you and your family made this experience so beautiful for Naomi. She was a beautiful, wonderful woman and my thoughts and prayers are with you. Thank you for sharing this hard time with us. Please take time for yourself and give so many hugs to Naomi's girls! Lots of love!

SJ I’m so so sorry for your loss. Your sister was such a beautiful soul and I know she’s still here with you 🩷

My job is end of life care and I am a champion in the role…I feel end of life should be much more transparent…and that no assumptions should be made…and no question is too silly. This is so important as people don’t talk about it enough…we need to know what to expect…I think you have all handled this with a lot of dignity.

Thank you so much for sharing this with us SJ. We love you.

You both did absolutely everything you possibly could to prolong her life and fought hard to self advocate. You should be so proud you were such a credit to your sister and I bet she appreciated you so much and you were the reason that helped her to keep fighting. Thanks for sharing your story it’s raised awareness to me of how important it is re health stuff and I’m sure her story has helped other people to go and book an appointment or have knowledge incase. She’s saving lives, and her legend will live on through her children. Much love x

I could listen you talk about Naomi forever, it’s lovely. How lucky you both were to have each other. I never met Naomi but I’m sure her remember her guts, grace and gratitude always. So much love to you all x

I lost my grandad last year through the same circumstances, the same cancer. I’m an only grandchild and had a bond like no other with my grandad, luckily my daughter got that same bond too. We never made it to hospice care as he went downhill very quickly but providing end of life care changes you as a person. You have moments of intense love, intense anger and intense pain. Some of my favourite moments are in those last few weeks. As painful as it was, I’d do it all again if I could. I really do think it’s something that truly softens you in this harsh world, caring for someone so close and allowing yourself to be vulnerable for once. Take care SJ and give her girls a squish

This video moved me so much. I am so so sorry but what a wonderful tribute I can’t explain how proud I am of people I haven’t even met. Sending you all love and strength x

I'm so so sorry for your loss. Hold your memories close. May she be at peace.

I’m so, so sorry for what you’re going through. I actually found your channel because RU-vid recommended an update video you’d made with your sister. I was in awe of how positive her demeanor was when discussing something so serious. She seemed to have a friendly energy and it’s terrible she had to go through this. I hope you and your family can find peace.

I am so, so sorry. Thank you for sharing her story.

Thank you for your story. If we live life long enough we will all be there. And when our existence changes, we walk away a bit empty.

SJ, yours and Naomi giggles and laughs are forever etched into my heart and memory. I have a distinct memory of listening to the first podcast episode with you two and thinking “wow this is special, what they have is special” and it is. I’m so thankful to have heard your laughs and feel your bond through my headphones every week. I’m so sad that she is no longer here with us but I’m so glad you were able to experience the life you did with her. Thank you for sharing her story. Sending love and light xx

Thank you for sharing Naomi with us ❤ I am praying for healing for you and your family ❤❤❤❤

Thank you for sharing this journey with us. I’ve watched several of your videos that include Naomi and it’s clear you have a special bond with her. My daughters boyfriend has terminal cancer and I’m trying to support her as best I can. It’s hard to find the right words. Please accept my sincere condolences to you and your family.

I’m so so sorry to hear this. Sending you love from NY.

I am so profoundly sorry for your loss SJ. Your family are in my thoughts and prayers x I absolutely loved listening to the podcast, particularly the daft games and how seriously Naomi took them! Xxx

Oh SJ my heart breaks for you all but I know she couldn’t have wished for a better sister. May she be in your heart and with you every day in the little signs and signals always. She was such a special person and this was a wonderful and eloquent tribute to your beautiful sister. You haven’t been far from my thoughts daily the last few weeks. So much love. Xx

Awww, my love you grief and loss is so deep and so profound, yet you have given so much comfort. Prayers always.

So extremely sorry for your loss. I lost my sister when she was 35 - she was my best friend - so I understand. Please take care of yourself.

I’m so sorry SJ. What a beautiful end of life tribute. I’m so glad you recorded this while you remember everything from those weeks. Not only for you to look back on but also for the girls. I’m certain this will be a huge comfort to them in years to come when they have questions and are ready to process this part of losing their mum. Sending you all so much love 💕

Sorry for your loss! Sending support! Thoughts are with you and your family!

I'm so so sorry for your loss. Life is so beautiful.

So sad to watch this SJ. Sending you strength and love to get through each day. One at a time. Xx

My tears are falling listening to your story. You were incredibly lucky to have that sister bond and the love shared. My Dad passed away after a short but harrowing 5 week cancer illness three months ago. He died in the hospice. I can't say I found the peace there you did but I try and make peace with it and how he passed. Sending you healing hugs x

Glad you were able to put it up, so so proud of all of you 💔💛

I appreciate you telling this story of the precious memories of the last days you had with your sister. You are such an incredible sister and the time you spent with her meant everything. I hope that you will move forward now with more love & purpose than ever before and that you carry her with you always. Do your best to always share stories of the memories you have of het with her daughters, your nieces. I think that would be such a special treasure that they will hold onto as well. God bless you!

So brave, beautiful and a tribute of endless enduring love.

My heart goes out to you and your family. It’s so beautiful to see just how much Naomi is loved. I’m a hospice nurse and you explained hospice care just perfectly. Sending you love and strength x

I’m so very sorry for your loss. May God give you and your family peace and comfort. ❤😢🙏

I’m so sorry SJ, I can see how close you were and how much you adored her. She was a tough cookie, she fought as long and hard as she could, and I hope she was so proud of herself for everything she achieved. Sending lots of love ❤

I am so sorry SJ. You guys have been on my mind

Thanks for the update SJ. Although I’m heartbroken, I know Naomi is so proud of you for sharing this final chapter in her life and for giving her a voice, even beyond death. You are both so powerful 💕

Im so sorry, thanks for sharing. My sister died in an accident in 2020, it really hit home when you said a whole part of your childhood gone. Naomi is a remarkable person, thanks for sharing your perspective xx

SJ, I'm a hospice nurse, and hearing you talk about your lovely sister and the way you walked her to the closing of this life was such a gift to me. I'm so glad she felt so proud of herself, and I hope you feel so proud, too. You love(d) her so well. Well done, you sisters. The love goes on.

This is heartbreaking but thank you for sharing, and what a wonderful tribute to your amazing sister and her amazing life xx

I am so sorry sweetie. I hope you and your family are okay.. I will forever be thankful to you, I named my lovely beautiful daughter because of one of your videos. Your sister seemed like a fantastic woman, and you know how much she LOVED you... And always remember that wherever she is now.... She's missing you just as much. 💓

How blessed you are to have such a beautiful bond with your sister. Sending you all my love

Thank you. A very beautiful tribute to your lovely sister. Your great bond and love cannot be destroyed. I send you love and light.

Thank you for sharing your sisters story with us ❤ from reading the comments, you can tell just how many lives you've touched and also saved. Grief looks different for everyone, there is no two people that hanlde it the same way. I thought id share this poem, which really helped me in the early days of grieving my parents. Do not stand at my grave and weep I am not there. I do not sleep. I am a thousand winds that blow. I am the diamond glints on snow. I am the sunlight on ripened grain. I am the gentle autumn rain. When you awaken in the morning's hush I am the swift uplifting rush Of quiet birds in circled flight. I am the soft stars that shine at night. Do not stand at my grave and cry; I am not there. I did not die. Thinking of you ❤

❤️ thank you for being so honest and vulnerable!!!

Crying the whole way through. Sending so much love to you and your family. I've followed you since I was pregnant with my 3rd babe. You are such beautiful sisters and an absolute inspiration. P.s I also thought my Dad looked so handsome days before his passing in hospice. I believe it's because they are transitioning and surrounded by light. ❤❤❤❤❤

Thank you for sharing your precious memories of your sisters end of life journey . My heart feels for you 😢…. Praying for gods comfort to embrace you during this time of grief & loss ❤

I am so sorry for your loss. I wish there was more that I could say. When I lost my grandmother this year, someone told me that they hoped her memory would be a blessing to me and I felt that was a beautiful sentiment. May Naomi’s memory be a blessing to you all ❤

Your love for your sister is beyond inspiring and will live forever no matter what. It sounds like Naomi understood life, it’s complexities but also it’s many joys more than many of us ever will. Her life may have been too short but it sounds like it was abundantly rich. Love to you. ♥️

I feel this, we lived this around the same time with my mum in law who passed on May 1st, from Leukemia at the hospice. It's been the worst time but it makes you value every single day, and strive to live life to the fullest. It's our first experience as adults dealing with end of life care/hospices/dashed hope /harsh realities for a parent and an important reminder to do the will, get the life insurance and make plans for our children. Thank you for talking about this x

The way you talk about your sister Naomi is beautiful ❤️ I can feel how deep your love and connection is, the soul connection of sisters is so special. I cannot imagine my life without my sister and you sharing your grief and love gives me strength and hope. Thank you for opening your heart and sharing Naomi’s story with us ❤️

I am so sorry for your loss SJ. Thank you for sharing your story. It’s never easy to lose a loved one, I lost my dad when I was very young. You did your sister Naomi proud and she will continue to live in the hearts of her dear ones. Much love and best wishes