They Took This Picture After Surgery, But It"s What Happened Next That Inspired Us All.




A shooting star is a rare thing to witness. If you’re lucky enough to catch it, you never forget. That rare, momentary streak of magic needs nothing of the tapestry of stars adorning the night sky; that shooting star was born to inspire. 


Anna Alexopoulos left this impression on the world. Like a shooting star, this obstinate and often stubborn streak of brilliance touched more hearts than she could ever know. Those who were lucky enough to catch her never forgot.











A Loving Handful | A Beautiful Soul


Anna danced to the beat of her own drum. This vibrant soul was more than a handful growing up. Her family can attest to the stubborn, defiant but eternally driven daughter/sister/friend. Always brave enough to speak her mind, Anna kept her parents on their toes.




Like The Lioness Within…


At age 26, Anna started to feel strange pain. She went from doctor to doctor only to get turned away. They told her that her symptoms were nothing to worry about, that the pain she was experiencing was normal. True to her stubborn spirit, she wouldn’t listen. Anna followed her inner voice. After seeing a third doctor and receiving a thorough examination, the results were in.Cervical cancer — rare and aggressive. Anna’s family was devastated, refusing to accept the news, distraught with grief. It was in this moment of chilling confusion that Anna lifted her head and obstinately said, “I am going to fight this disease and win.”






A Month Later, She Underwent Surgery To Remove The Tumor…


…followed by radiation. She emerged plagued with pain from the surgery and suffering from early onset menopause caused by the radiation. Although she was burdened with physical discomfort, she remained courageous with high spirits. She felt as if she had a second chance at life. She was eager to live every day as if it were a miracle and to focus on rebuilding her life in a positive way.A year went by and she was finally ready to pursue her newfound passion for health and wellness — she wanted to help others by becoming a dietitian. As she began deciding on courses and colleges, disaster struck — the pain was back and worse than before.The doctors conducted further tests, only to confirm her family’s fears… 











The Cancer Was Back


This time in both her cervix and pelvis. The options were bleak: face a terminal diagnosis or remove multiple organs, including a highly mutative surgery with only a 30% chance of making a full recovery.Anna didn’t hesitate. She proclaimed that she wasn’t ready to die and would face the disease head on — no matter the cost. Six months later, she was admitted to the hospital due to an infection that was residual from the surgery. After a battery of tests on November 25th, 2015, Anna and her family were hit with the worst possible news — the cancer had come back for a third time and this time there were no more alternatives. She was terminal. Anna didn’t shed a tear when she received the diagnosis.She was adamant that she wanted to die at home surrounded by her family. Two weeks later, she got her final wish. Anna passed away in the arms of her mother, surrounded by loved ones on December 8th, 2015.Anna’s family didn’t have the money to bury her. They turned to social media for help.






Her Memory Continues To Make A Difference


A GoFundMe account was created to help the Alexopoulos family with Anna’s funeral and burial. The success of Anna’s campaign overwhelmed the devastated family, who were able to honor their daughter’s life. Anna touched so many people, and support continued to pour in, dwarfing the family’s expectations.The Alexopoulos family is channeling the extra money towards a cause Anna held so dear to her big heart: education, health and nutrition.A fund has been created to support other young females who share Anna’s passion for health and nutrition. To donate in Anna’s memory, click here.




Main image via Facebook / Anna Alexopoulos


Collage image via Maria Alexopoulos


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