People around the world knew of Keith Burkett and his childhood battle against cancer. On social media and in many news reports, the Ohio boy celebrated Christmas in October and was cheered by his hometown as doctors said time was running out.
Just days after his final wish — to walk his mother down the aisle, the 12-year-old died Monday, his mother announced on his Facebook page.
"Today at 12:57p.m. Keith earned his angel wings and (is) now in heaven in peace to be with God. Mommy misses you so much already baby boy!" his mother, Taylore Woodard, posted.
Last week, with the boy's rare cancer back for the fourth time, he told his mother he wanted to do something for her.
"He said, 'Well, momma, I would like to walk you down the aisle before I die,' and then I was like you know what, we're making it happen," she told WQAD-TV.
So on Wednesday, with Keith in a suit and in a wheelchair, Taylore married Adam, Keith's stepdad.
"I would have never thought I would sit and beg God to take my child but I would rather him be with God then suffer the way he is, it's not fair," said Taylore, through tears.
On Sunday, on his "Kourageous Keith" page, she wrote: "Update on our hero. He is still fighting (and) hanging on. He's not in pain. He seems comfortable. He is going to leave this earth on his terms. He's fighting and hanging on so hard. It's absolute torture to watch. It has forever changed us all."
RELATED STORIES
Young Bride Dies of Cancer 3 Days After 'Dream' Wedding to Childhood Sweetheart in Hospital
3-Year-Old's Anguish on Display in Heartbreaking Photos to Show the Reality of Childhood Cancer
Girl, 4, Dies After Dad Shared Her Photo to Call Attention to Harsh Reality of Childhood Cancer