'Top Chef' star Fatima Ali dies at 29 after battling rare form of bone cancer

'Top Chef' star Fatima Ali dies at 29 after battling rare form of bone cancer

Pakistani-American chef, Fatima Ali, who was a contestant in season 15 of 'Top Chef' sadly passed away Friday after suffering from a rare kind of bone cancer, Ewing's sarcoma. The 29-year-old star was initially diagnosed with cancer back in 2017.

However, in 2018 she was declared free of the disease but unfortunately, that wasn't for too long. The disease returned again by September, this time to worsen her condition even more. Ali, who was voted 'fan favorite' on Top chef, was probably aware of the outcome since she confessed in an op-ed piece for Bon Appetit she barely had a year more to live.

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She mentioned she intended on spending her few days left by making amends and to create the finest food all over the world. During her appearance on 'The Ellen DeGeneres Show' in November last year, she spoke about how she was dealing with the situation. She planned to travel the world and dine at the best restaurants, and her friends were determined to help her out by starting a GoFundMe page to help her fulfill her wish.

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January 11 was the last time Ali shared a post on Instagram, where she wrote, "I know it’s been ages since I posted and most may have figured out why. I’m sick and unfortunately, I’m getting sicker. Right now all I need are prayers; prayers that are simple. I hope because a wish is putting on too much responsibility on the other, that you will somehow find forgiveness in your big heart for whenever I must have hurt you. I thank you a million times over for when you have given me joy. I’ll try to keep everyone updated the best that I possibly can." Her death is definitely felt across the industry. 

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Bruce Kalman, who competed with Ali on season 15 of 'Top Chef' paid tribute to his fellow contestant on Instagram, by sharing a post where he wrote, "It’s with a heavy heart we say goodbye to Fatima Ali today, as she has lost her battle with cancer. I will miss you Fati, and you will be in my heart forever. I’ll always remember the great times we had, especially our interview during the tailgating episode discussing football, stadiums, and Taylor Swift. Much love, Bruce 😘 #f**kcancer#cheffati #topchef #friends #family#itsnotfair."

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 Fatima Ali Top Chef dies Cancer Age 29 Bone Ewings sarcoma