In a heartbreaking Instagram post shared on Thursday, Rihanna mourned the loss of Monia, a fan who passed away following a third battle with cancer. The two met last June at the Savage X Fenty London pop-up shop, where they took an adorable selfie. Moana smiled from ear to ear, while RiRi made a dynamic kissy face. The Diamonds singer paid tribute to Monia by sharing that pic and penning an emotional message:
"Navy Angels! This Christmas, we lost a beautiful spirit who was such a pillar of strength to us! Most of our friendship she's spent in a hospital or doctor's office! This picture was just a few months ago, she looked at me and said 'Rih the cancer is back' I'll never forget the fear in her eyes this day!"
"Still she pushed forward, fighting the fight everyday with the Navy behind her supporting her every step of the way! We are all heartbroken about this!!! You will never be forgotten! Love you my angel @moniasto fly in peace."
Rihanna also shared a video from that event, writing in the caption: "miss you already sis." The footage shows RiRi give Monia a big hug, while Monia blinks back tears. The original video was posted on Monia's Instagram account last June. She wrote, "this is me right after I told her my cancer got back, it literally broke my heart to tell her this ? but she’s so caring and supportive!! love you forever @badgalriri thank you so much for this!"
Monia visited Rihanna at meet-and-greet events, and they kept in close touch on social media. The We Found Love singer often liked and commented on Monia's Instagram posts, providing touching support during a distressing time.
Last November, Monia shared a photo of her first night out after surgery, writing, "I feel like Hazel Grace from the fault in our stars ✨ making oxygen the new fashion statement." Rihanna posted a lengthy comment, praising Monia for her fighting spirit and sending her love and support.
"Sis we are all praying for you! Your strength and your ability to let the beauty in your spirit shine through, even in the midst of adversity, is tremendously inspiring!! Thank you for continuing to share your journey with us! I imagine it's quite a lonely one, hours on end in hospital walls, being scared to even fall asleep because you're afraid u won't wake up, feeling like nobody will ever understand that, the physical agony, the medication and all their side effects...I can't begin to imagine what you feel, so I want you to know we are all here for you and I encourage the NAVY to rally around you during these times! Love you!"
Like many victims of cancer, Monia was taken from this world too soon. However, she will not be forgotten, as she lives in through the memories of others.
