This article was previously published on GuelphToday.
A local six-year-old whose cancer battle was shared on social media as she helped raised funds for cancer research at SickKids hospital, lost her two-year battle with cancer yesterday.
Autumn Nichols died surrounded by her family. Her passing was announced through the Team Autumn Facebook page. Team Autumn raises thousands for SickKids.
Autumn was diagnosed with stage four metastatic neuroblastoma in 2022.
Karl Dovick, Autumn’s stepfather and Sarah Dovick, Autumn’s mom, previously spoke to GuelphToday about her journey.
They have described her as energetic, fun, stubborn and happy. Despite battling cancer, Autumn was able to be the flower girl for Karl and Sarah's wedding in 2023.
She graduated Kindergarten, celebrated birthdays, attended a Toronto Raptors game, went on vacation and much more over the last two years.
The community stepped up by donating blood to Canadian Blood Services in the name of Team Autumn.
“Autumn remained strong; her strength, resilience, courage, attitude and happiness of life will resonate forever,” read the Facebook post.
Her gift was bringing people together and finding a connection with everyone “even when cancer struck hard.”
The family is taking time to cry, reflect and laugh. They want to celebrate Autumn’s life.
“To Autumn, we are so incredibly proud of you. We are so incredibly in love with you. You will forever be with us and part of us,” read the post. “We love you. We always have, we always do and we always will.”
“My heart breaks for all of you. I am so sorry for your loss, she was such a sweetie, I am so glad I got to meet her and feel her infectious happiness,” wrote a commentor.
“Condolences to all the family on the loss of Autumn, she fought a long tough battle, yet many of her pictures show pure joy and love of a beautiful little girl spreading all the love and joy to everyone she has touched. In time may all the great memories replace all the tears of losing her. Rest easy little Autumn, you are loved,” wrote another.
In late June, Team Autumn posted Autumn started chemotherapy again and was losing her “beautiful red hair.” Her energy, attitude and fierce power continue to be contagious, it read.
When she was first diagnosed, the family’s friend and neighbour Ian Baker, set up a GoFundMe page to raise money to help support Autumn and her family. It raised over $30,000 by the time the page stopped accepting donations. There were updates posted on the page about how Autumn was doing and since it closed the family still wanted to share. The Warrior Princess Autumn Jean Facebook page was created to continue to update Autumn’s friends, family and supporters.
Autumn’s family thanked the team at SickKids who treated her with love and care.
