A Dutch influencer has passed away from a rare form of cancer after movingly telling her followers, 'I'm not ready to go'. Jade Kops, aged 19, had been documenting her battle with the disease to a global audience since she was diagnosed at the age of 14.
Heartbreaking Instagram Post
The teenager shared a poignant post on Instagram on April 6, addressed to 'Dear annoying tumour'. Alongside a photograph of her embracing a loved one, she pleaded with the tumour in her throat to slow down, as it was pulling her 'a day closer to death'.
She wrote: 'In November I could still make plans, do fun things and hope for more time. Now it feels like that grip is slowly slipping away from my hands. The ticking time bomb has exploded.'
Jade expressed being 'intensely tired' of the tumour and continued: 'I don't want to leave just yet. I still want to be here. Stay for a while, feel for a while and be close to the people I love. So when you don't leave, but still stay, dear tumour...slow down please. Give me time. I'm still happy and far from ready to go.'
Family Announcement
Her family announced Jade's death on Friday morning. Accompanied by a photo of Jade, the post read: 'Intensely sad and incredibly proud of our brave daughter and sister, we would like to let you know that Jade passed away this morning at 5:50 in front of us.'
Jade succumbed to the effects of rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare cancer that causes tumours to develop in muscle tissue. Her journey was followed by 444,000 people after she was diagnosed in 2021.
Reflections on Mortality
In an Instagram post on March 24, Jade reflected on the surreal experience of choosing her own burial spot in a cemetery, describing how she felt the world was one she was 'not part of today'. She wrote: 'The idea that in a little while my name will be written here on a grave causes a lot of sadness on the way back. I'm even more grateful for every morning I wake up...'
Legacy and Advocacy
Beyond her social media presence, Jade authored a bestselling autobiography last year titled Forever Young: My Life with Cancer. Over the past five years, she raised €2 million (£1.7 million) for the Princess Maxima Center in Utrecht, Netherlands, which also researches childhood cancer.
Jade founded the 'Jade Uitwaaimomenten Foundation' alongside her parents, which arranges trips for families affected by childhood cancer. Her advocacy work was recognised in 2024 when she received a royal distinction, becoming a Member of the Order of Orange-Nassau—the youngest person ever to do so.
Doctors informed Jade in September 2024 that no further treatments were available. A public farewell will be held for Jade in Naaldwijk, South Holland, on Friday May 1, featuring a guard of honour.
