An eleven-year-old cancer patient could not be deterred in accomplishing her goal of helping the homeless and the hungry.
Natalia Marsh-Welton, 11, has been diagnosed with terminal brain cancer. Instead of wallowing, however, she has decided to dedicate her remaining time to extending help to the hungry and the homeless.
"I would like to give people soup and blankets. I don't want there to be hunger," Natalia shared.
To celebrate her birthday last October, Natalia and her family visited the Drop Inn Center located in Cincinnati, Ohio. They then gave out blankets and soup prepared by Natalia herself to those who sought shelter in the center that day. Her recent trip to the center had been part of the mission started by the 11-year-old in cooperation with the 'Make A Wish Foundation'.
The first she made was for her disease to be gone. The inspiration for her desire to help the homeless came after one of her chemotherapy sessions. The cold she felt following the treatment made her realize the difficulties faced by those who do not have homes to keep them warm. She felt as if their agony reflected her suffering as well.
Her decision to add soup to the blankets came from the same experience. Upon expressing her wish to provide these to the hungry and the homeless, Natalia was given the opportunity to concoct her personalized recipe for the soup with the help of a local chef. It was dubbed as 'Natalia's Soup of Love'.
Natalia finally succumbed to her brain tumor last week. However, her passing did not mark the end of her mission. Despite experiencing financial difficulties due to the medication and treatment of Natalia, her family made the decision to go on with the program she started. Her relatives are going to celebrate the child's birthday annually at the Drop Inn Center.
