The last word spoken by a beloved daughter who died surrounded by her friends and family after a long battle with cancer was the same as the first: “Mom”.
Noorline Zareh, 24, was diagnosed with gastric cancer 14 months ago. This cruel disease left her unable to eat or drink during the last months of her life and depended on an intravenous drip for sustenance.
Her heartbroken family announced that she sadly passed away on August 17, leaving behind her dreams of becoming an occupational therapist and competing as a triathlete.
The South Australian had just completed a master’s degree in occupational therapy and landed a job in industry a month before doctors told her she had stage 4 gastric band cell adenocarcinoma.
She planned to dedicate her life to “helping others find hope and independence.”
The last word spoken by Noorline Zareh, who died surrounded by her friends and family after a long battle with cancer, was the same as the first: “Mom”.
Her heartbroken family announced that she sadly passed away 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 the intense pain caused by her illness so as not to upset us”.
“She cared so much about us,” the 56-year-old told the Adelaide Advertiser.
Noorline’s mother, Jackie-Nuri Zareh, paid a touching tribute to her on Facebook.
‘During this journey, she taught us how strong a person can be and the limits they can overcome.
“She touched the heart of every human being she met.
“She will be missed by everyone, her beautiful smile, her perseverance, her unique character and her very kind and loving heart.
“We love you and you will forever be in our hearts.”
Noorline (middle) had just completed a Masters in Occupational Therapy and was starting a job in industry a month before she was diagnosed.
Noorline was a fitness fanatic who enjoyed running and cooking for her loved ones.
Her brother, Jonar, said she spent at least an hour on the treadmill every day and kept it up even during her debilitating chemotherapy treatment.
He revealed that one of his ambitions is to compete as a triathlete.
“She imagined a world where people showed positivity, love and strength,” Jonar said.
“As a family, we do not view her passing as a loss due to cancer, as it took tremendous courage to let go and forget the pain and suffering she endured over the last 14 months of this journey. .”
Towards the end of her battle, Noorline’s parents were forced to take time off from their hair salon, J&N Hair and Beauty, to be with their daughter.
Business and family income subsequently suffered, leading Noorline to launch a GoFundMe to help alleviate financial pressures.
She wanted to become an occupational therapist to dedicate her life to “helping others find hope and independence.”
In a post on the donation page, which has raised over $38,000 so far, Noorline wrote, “As I stand at a crossroads, I know my battle with cancer is far away. to be finished”.
“The courage and determination to see better days keeps me going, and I am committed to exploring other treatment options to overcome the obstacles.”
“However, I cannot do this alone. It is here that I ask for your unwavering support and your generous heart to help me on this journey of recovery.
“I am requesting your financial assistance to help fund my ongoing medical expenses which include other treatments, medications and therapies.
“Your contributions will give me a buoy of hope and bring relief to my family, who have been by my side throughout this ordeal, unwavering in their love and support.”
Noorline is survived by her father, mother, brother and friends.
