A tragedy has deeply shaken the community of Independence, Missouri (United States), after Jerilynn Brown, a 13-year-old teenager, lost her life in a fire on July 4, just two weeks after overcoming aggressive bone cancer.
Jerilynn had been battling osteosarcoma for two years, one of the most difficult types of bone cancer to treat in children.
In late June, she was discharged from Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City after successfully completing her treatment.
His recovery was celebrated by his family with a moving ceremony in which they rang the hospital bell, a symbol of having overcome the disease.
However, in the early hours of Independence Day, tragedy struck his family.
According to authorities, debris from fireworks used during the July 3rd celebrations caused a fire in the rear of the family home, which spread rapidly due to windy conditions.
The fire also claimed the life of Marc Anthony Young Sr., 52, who fought for three days before succumbing to his injuries. Jerilynn’s mother, Liz Stephens, remains hospitalized in critical condition with severe burns.
Stephen Miller, the girl’s stepfather, expressed his grief at the loss and recalled the impact Jerilynn had on his life: “She rang the bell at the hospital two weeks ago and was cancer-free. Sadly, she’s no longer with us today,” he told CNN.
He added that thanks to her, he started attending church and managed to quit drinking alcohol for over a year. “It ’s all thanks to her,” he said, moved.
