Abigail Arias, 7-year-old Texas honorary police officer, dies of rare kidney cancer
FREEPORT, TEXAS: A young Texas girl with a rare form of cancer who had her dream realized when she was sworn in as an honorary police officer in a touching ceremony has died.
The Freeport Police Department confirmed the death of seven-year-old Abigail Arias in a heartfelt post on Facebook, writing, "It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Abigail Arias, the child who became an officer, a change agent for good and today, an Angel."
"Abigail, also known as Officer Arias 758, went to be with our Lord early this morning surrounded by her family and friends," it continued. "Her love, compassion, and most importantly, her magnanimous spirit, will live on for generations to come."
CNN reported that, in 2017, Abigail was diagnosed with Wilms tumor, a rare kidney cancer, which primarily affects children between seven and nine-years-old. She went through 90 rounds of chemotherapy to have it removed, but in 2018, it returned and was ruled to be incurable.
She had always dreamed of becoming a police officer, and during a 'Pancakes with Santa' event in December 2018, met up with Freeport Police Chief Raymond Garivey. She told him her wish and took it upon himself to ensure it came true.
"Her terrific smile and will to keep fighting the 'bad guys' inside of her — I wanted to make her dream come true," he said at the time. "You have to meet her to really understand what a great and inspiring young lady she is."
The seven-year-old was sworn in as an honorary Freeport officer in February this year in a custom-fit police uniform and became Officer Arias 758, promising to protect and serve her community.
Her family revealed that her condition had worsened in October and that doctors were considering hospice care, and the young girl passed away earlier this week.
"It’s both our duty and privilege to embody what Abigail taught us: to live life to the fullest, to never give up hope no matter the odds, to fight “the bad guys” passionately, and most importantly, to love one another - and always Stay Relentless!" the Freeport Police Department wrote.