CNN's Andrew Kaczynski 'Heartbroken' After 9-Month-Old Daughter Dies of Cancer on Christmas Eve

Photo: GoFundMe

CNN reporter Andrew Kaczynski and wife Rachel Louise Ensign are mourning the loss of their 9-month-old daughter Francesca, who died on Christmas Eve after a months-long battle with cancer.

On Friday, Kaczynski shared the tragic news onTwitter, writing that he and Ensign, aWall Street Journalreporter, are “heartbroken” over the loss of their little girl.

“We’re heartbroken to have to announce our beautiful daughter Francesca passed away last night in the arms of her mom and dad,” he wrote. “There will always be a Bean-sized hole in our hearts for her. We’re so grateful to have known her love. Francesca we love you.”

Back in September, Kaczynski shared that his daughter was diagnosed with an “extremely rare and very aggressiverhabdoid brain tumor.”

“Francesca is the strongest person and most resilient person,” hetweetedon Sept 12. “Less than a week ago she had two brain surgeries and she’s already at home and smiling. I’m confident she will fight this.”

Ahead of Francesca’s death, the CNN reporteraskedthat everyone keep his daughter in their prayers during the holiday.

“If anyone can spare a pray for our Bean this Christmas, would just ask they include Francesca in their thoughts and hope for a Christmas miracle for our family,” he wrote.

“A Brooklyn-based Sesame Street fan, Francesca enjoyed taking long walks around New York City and Boston, playing with her toys and balloons, attending speech therapy, and ‘petting’ (i.e. grabbing) her cat Ryland.”

The parents also thanked all of the workers at Boston Children’s Hospital who “treated Francesca with remarkable love and kindness.”

“Francesca showed her parents a kind of love they never knew before and they will never forget it,” Kaczynski and Ensign added.

In lieu of flowers, food or gifts, donations can bemade in honor of Francesca to the PMC Winter Cycle charity event,which donates all proceeds to theDana-Farber Cancer Institute.

source: people.com