Cassandra Kirkland remains valiant to the end

Cassandra Kirkland fought a positive and endearing battle against cancer. Despite her spirited efforts, she finally lost her battle against lung cancer on Sunday night.

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Cassandra Kirkland

May 01, 2017: The Ladies European Tour and its players were sent into a pall of gloom at the news of Cassandra Kirkland’s demise overnight. The golfer, liked universally, for her exploits on and off the course lost her battle against Lung Cancer. The 32 year old was a winner in the Sanya Ladies Open in 2012, but her greatest battle came in the form of a well documented fight against cancer, since her diagnosis in April 2015.

The spirited French woman was vocal and vibrant in dealing the deadly effects of her disease. Unfortunately, she discovered her cancer in the later stages, despite never smoking or indulging in similarly harmful habits.

Cass, as he was fondly known to her fellow professionals, launched a campaign at the Evian Championships in 2016, that resonated across the golfing world. She released a tee shirt that read “F#@* CANCER,” underlining her resolve to overcome the disease.

“I want to be an example, share my experience with people touched by cancer, in order to help them have a better life and fight to live,” she said at the time of that event.

Condolences and words of grief were almost immediate and universal. “Very sad this morning hearing about Cassandra,” said Holly Aitchison. “She fought such a courageous battle with style and positivity, Cass you will be missed by so many. Rest in peace your inspiration will live on.”

“I played with Cassandra a lot a few years back. She was a lovely person and great competitor,” said Kiran Matharu. “Over the last few years she has fought hard and it is quite a shock to hear of her passing. Most of us thought she was doing well.”

Cassandra just finished playing at the Lalla Meryem Cup in Morocco when she received news of her fatal condition. The resolute French lady came back to play the same tournament a year later, in an outing that proved to be her last professional appearance.

Cassandra will be remembered fondly by her friends, family and fellow professionals for a positive spirit to the very end.

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