CHESTERFIELD, Va. – Virginia Rose, the sweet young girl from Chesterfield who captured hearts around the nation and brought a community together, passed just after 9 a.m. Tuesday.
Virginia Rose went to be with Jesus this morning just after 9AM. She was in the arms of her mother and father as she took her last breath here on this Earth. It was a blessing for her to be at home in her room where she was very comfortable, no pain or anxiety as she rested. We are grateful to all our family and the support, strength, love, from the community poured out to our family these last 9 months.
As you can imagine, this is a very difficult day. We respectfully ask for time and privacy as we say our goodbyes, and make proper arrangements for her celebration service. Once details have been confirmed, we will let everyone know dates, time, and location. She will be having her heavenly birthday party and we will celebrate it together.
-Vandermark Family
Earlier this year, Virginia Rose, 4, was diagnosed with the cancer Refractory Acute Myeloid Leukemia with Monosomy 7, her father said.
Neighbors in Virginia Rose’s Chesterfield community joined the child’s parents to help her celebrate Christmas every weekend.
Her family had been informed that she was not expected to make it to Christmas, and that is when they decided to celebrate the holiday every weekend.
“They told us in September ‘a few months to a year,'” Virginia’s father Jonathan Vandermark said. “With her little body failing, and with the transition into comfort care at home, we were informed it would not be expected she would make it to Christmas this year.”
“As soon as the neighbors found out, they leaped into action,” Vandermark said. “We have been overwhelmed with the love they pour on us. From our street decorating early with decorations and lights in November so Virginia can have many Christmas nights to angels in the front yard that have come from all over Virginia, and even as far as New Jersey, New York and California.”
Neighbors sang Christmas carols in the front yard, as Virginia Rose loved music.
“To see the joy in the kids’ faces, to hear the singing in the yard, and to see the community coming together to love on Virginia Rose was very emotional. This daddy had to choke back the tears. We have a no crying in front of Virginia rule. Friday night was a hard night to keep that rule.”
Rest in Peace, Virginia Rose.
Click here to make a donation to the Virginia Rose AML Foundation.
