CNN reporter Andrew Kaczynski has broken his silence to thank the public for their support after his 9 month-old daughter Francesca passed away on Christmas Eve.
Kaczynski, who is married to Wall Street Journal reporter Rachel Louise Ensign, announced that Francesca had died three months after he revealed that she had been diagnosed with an “extremely rare and very aggressive rhabdoid brain tumor.”
“We’re heartbroken to have to announce our beautiful daughter Francesca passed away last night in the arms of her mom and dad,” he wrote. “There will always be a Bean-sized hole in our hearts for her. We’re so grateful to have known her love. Francesca we love you.”
“We’re so grateful for everyone’s support and kindness,” Kaczynski added. “In lieu of flowers, gifts, or food we’d ask people to donate in honor of Francesca to Team Beans in the PMC Winter Cycle, which donates 100% of every rider-raised dollar directly to Dana-Farber.”
The PMC Winter Cycle page states that this event for cancer research has already raised more than $358,000.
We’re so grateful for everyone’s support and kindness. In lieu of flowers, gifts, or food we’d ask people to donate in honor of Francesca to Team Beans in the PMC Winter Cycle, which donates 100% of every rider-raised dollar directly to Dana-Farber.https://t.co/IhaNQp13Os
— andrew kaczynski (@KFILE) December 25, 2020
The devastated father later posted a heartbreaking video showing the bubbly baby before she began her cancer ordeal.
“I know a lot of you didn’t know Beans before her cancer diagnosis in September,” Kaczynski wrote in the caption. “She had such a pep in her step before she started treatment. And we’re so fortunate she got six normal months of life. This was from the end of July.”
I know a lot of you didn’t know Beans before her cancer diagnosis in September. She had such a pep in her step before she started treatment. And we’re so fortunate she got six normal months of life. This was from the end of July. pic.twitter.com/5Y69iNoFhy
— andrew kaczynski (@KFILE) December 26, 2020
Kaczynski also penned a touching obituary for Francesca with his wife.
“A Brooklyn-based Sesame Street fan, Francesca enjoyed taking long walks around New York City and Boston, playing with her toys and balloons, attending speech therapy, and ‘petting’ (i.e. grabbing) her cat Ryland,” the obituary read. “Her many smiles sent a thrill through the world.”
“She was so generous with them, even when most of the smiles back were covered by masks and even when she faced challenges that would scare an adult, like a cancer diagnosis or being born with hearing loss,” the grieving parents continued. “Francesca showed her parents a kind of love they never knew before and they will never forget it.”
Please join us in saying a prayer for the Kaczynski family during this difficult time.
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