“Sunbeam” – Heartbreaking tribute to the three-year-old daughter who died “in the arms of her mother and father” after a tragic diagnosis

A THREE-YEAR-OLD toddler has been remembered as “an amazing little girl who lit up the ward” after losing her battle with an aggressive childhood cancer.

Lilibeth Cahill was diagnosed with stage 4 neuroblastoma – an aggressive childhood cancer – in August 2023.

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After numerous tests, a large tumor was discovered in her stomach and two smaller tumors on her head.

The cancer later spread to her bone marrow, leading to Lilibeth receiving treatments such as chemotherapy, bone marrow extraction and replacement, surgery to remove the stomach tumor, radiation therapy and immunotherapy.

On a GoFundMe page for the child, her parents told how they spent 18 months in and out of Crumlin Children’s Hospital in Dublin, as well as having appointments locally in Kilkenny.

Unfortunately, Lilibeth passed away yesterday.

The “beautiful and brave little girl” died at home in the “arms of mom and dad” and surrounded by loved ones.

An Angel Mass in memory of Lilibeth will be held at Tulla Church in Threecastles on Tuesday 15 October at 11am.

Her parents have asked that the home remain private and thanked medical professionals and charities for their “help, kindness and guidance during her illness.”

The family also urged that all donations be made to the Jack and Jill Foundation, the Irish Cancer Society or Laura Lynn in lieu of flowers.

Mourners who paid tribute to the heartbroken tot remembered Lilibeth as “a little star who touched the hearts of so many.”

One person said: “You are in our hearts, thoughts and prayers at this heartbreaking time.”

“Such a little star – who has touched the hearts of so many – so brave with the most infectious smile. Rest in peace, little darling.”

A member of staff who was on the ward with Lilibeth added: “I send my deepest condolences to Maria and Adrian on the loss of the beautiful Lilibeth.”

“SMILE THAT WOULD LIGHT UP ANY DAY”

“Lilibeth was such an amazing little girl who brightened up the ward and made us all smile. It was a pleasure to work and get to know her. I’m thinking of you all at this incredibly sad time.”

Another nurse added: “I send my deepest condolences to both of you, Maria and Adrian, on the loss of your beloved Lilibeth.”

“She was such a ray of sunshine and had a smile that would brighten anyone’s day.”

“It was a pleasure to mentor her during her time at John’s.

“My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.”

A fourth tribute read: “Deepest condolences to Maria, Adrian and their families on the death of little Lilibeth.”

“I met Maria many times at St John Parish earlier this year and it is heartbreaking to hear that her beautiful little girl has died. My heart goes out to all of you. Rest in peace, Lilibeth.”