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Richmond girl, hockey player remembered by community

Danielle Mei Cabana, 6, passed away last week.
danielle-mae-cabana
Danielle Mei Cabana passed away last weekend after being hospitalized for flu symptoms.

Community members are mourning the sudden passing of a young Richmond girl.

Danielle Mei Cabana, 6, was admitted to the BC Children's hospital with flu symptoms and passed away last week.

According to an Instagram post by dad Denis Cabana, Danielle had caught the flu at the same time as her sisters around Remembrance Day. 

Danielle was taken to the hospital last Wednesday when she appeared to be still fighting the flu after her sisters had recovered. She was soon moved to the ICU where she was diagnosed with myocarditis due to the flu. 

She subsequently received two heart procedures and began to breathe on her own last Saturday, but ultimately passed away after suffering a "massive stroke."

"While we may not be able to see or touch her again, her spirit and memories will live forever within her parents and sisters," wrote Denis.

"We will honour her life and make sure she experiences a full life through our eyes."

A GoFundMe was set up in support of the Cabana family, which has exceeded the $65,000 goal as of today.

Teams of the Richmond Jets Minor Hockey Association are also remembering Danielle by taping their sticks with camouflage green tape, which was inspired by Danielle's time camping and hunting with her dad. Danielle was a player for the Richmond Ravens.

Community members are encouraged to post pictures and share stories of Danielle.

"Pictures that we haven't seen of Dani, that have come up over the past couple days have brought one of the biggest smiles to our face over this hellish time," wrote Denis.

"I find myself incredibly worried that when the posts stop, she will be forgotten."