Fort Worth 8-year-old who ‘showed everyone to keep fighting’ dies after cancer battle
A girl who became an honorary police officer and inspired people across Dallas-Fort Worth with her strength has died after her battle with a rare form of cancer.
Adriana Nixon was diagnosed in June 2019 with hepatocellular carcinoma, a 1-in-a-million form of stage four cancer. Adriana died on Feb. 5, according to the GoFundMe that raised money for the girl’s cancer treatments. She would have turned 9 years old on Feb. 28.
“We are so proud of you Baby Girl,” Adriana’s family posted on her Facebook page on Monday. “Adriana you are the strongest, bravest ever. You showed everyone to keep fighting, keep smiling no matter what.”
On Monday, the Fort Worth Police Department posted about Adriana’s death. Adriana was sworn in as an honorary Fort Worth police officer in January 2020.
“This is a moment to reflect on all the great memories we have of her,” the Fort Worth Police Department’s Facebook post said. “She’ll forever be in our hearts.”
Fort Worth Police Chief Neil Noakes tweeted about Adriana’s passing on Saturday, saying that, “Heaven’s gain is our loss.”
“She is now at peace,” Noakes’ tweet said. “We at@fortworthpd will miss her beautiful smile and wonderful laugh. Please continue to pray for and support her family. The halls of heaven now ring with her laughter.”
In December, Adriana’s family posted on the AdrianaStrong Facebook page that the 8-year-old was “fighting relentlessly since relapse in February.”
“She is battling stage IV liver cancer with lung mets,” the post said. “There is no known cure for this type of cancer with relapse. Adriana hasn’t been feeling great the past few weeks. Scans in November showed treatment may not be working. She is so strong and brave.”
In an interview with the Star-Telegram in February 2020, Adriana’s parents — Andrea Pederson and LeeAndrew Nixon — said that even as a baby, Adriana had a big personality, was slightly “bossy” and full of energy. She always wanted to keep up with her older sister, and her energetic attitude earned her the nickname “Smiley.”
During her long stays at the hospital, Adriana liked to pet her favorite service dog, a golden retriever named Chanel. She methodically put together Lego sets made up of thousands of pieces and played with her siblings.
Visitation for Adriana is scheduled from 1 to 3 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 13, at the Tree of Life rotunda at 1051 S. Handley Drive in Fort Worth. The service will be held at noon on Monday, Feb. 14, at the Greater Friendship Missionary Baptist Church at 2001 Bonnie Brae St. in Fort Worth. She will be buried in Skyvue Memorial Gardens in Mansfield.
This story was originally published February 8, 2022 at 1:25 PM.
