Cornwall teen passes away from cancer

Nick Seebruch
Cornwall teen passes away from cancer
Alaya Riley and her mother Dinah Ener.

CORNWALL, Ontario – Alaya Riley of Cornwall passed away at 12:45 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 19, 2018. She was 16-years-old.

Alaya had been battling cancer, specifically osteosarcoma, for several years.

“The journey has come to an end. Cradled in her father’s and my arms, our warrior peacefully left this world at 12:45 a.m.,” her mother Dinah posted on Facebook this morning. “Our family is heartbroken and grieving. We will communicate arrangements when they are available. thank you for all the love and support.”

Dinah had announced earlier this month that Alaya’s cancer had returned. She was undergoing treatment in Toronto before being transferred by helicopter to CHEO in Ottawa on Saturday, Sept. 15.

On the Facebook page Alaya’s Journey, Dinah posted on Monday, that Alaya was struggling after receiving surgery in Toronto for a biopsy.

Alaya had been working to get her driver’s licence and was looking forward to a full school year at La Citadelle in Cornwall.

Dozens of community members posted their condolences on Facebook.

Over the past few years, Rachel’s Kids in Cornwall had been doing what they could to help Alaya on her journey.

Kim Lauzon, Executive Director of Rachel’s Kids said that as recently as Saturday, they had sent Alaya a care package.

Over the years, they have provided Alaya with wigs during her chemo treatments and gift cards to help with things like travel expenses.

“She was an amazing and inspiring young woman,” said Lauzon. “She will be missed by her community.”

Dinah posted on Facebook that they will communicate funeral arrangements when they become available.

Share this article