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ST. GEORGE — A 5-year-old St. George girl who drew worldwide attention when she suffered severe complications from undiagnosed Type 1 diabetes died early Saturday morning.
Kycie Terry's parents said she died around 4:30 a.m., posting on the Kisses for Kycie Facebook page: "Kycie Jai peacefully passed away in her fathers arms and with her mother by her side."
"We are heart broken but thankful for the Plan of Salvation and the atonement of Jesus Christ." Josh and Jamie Terry added. "Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers at this time."
Saturday evening, neighbors remembered Kycie by placing hundreds of white balloons outside the Terry home.
Kycie was diagnosed with diabetes early this year after she went into Diabetic Ketoacidosis. Doctors originally said she may have strep throat when she came down with flu-like symptoms.
The little girl's struggle to recover inspired many across the world, as over 40,000 people followed her Facebook page. Josh and Jamie Terry have updated the social media site since their daughter's diagnosis.
Doctors initially said Kycie would have zero quality of life, but she achieved several milestones, such as wiggling her toes, rolling her body over, and even walking and riding her bike with a lot of help.
As she was inspiring others through her strength, strangers, family members and friends raised funds for Kycie, and neighbors decorated her house with her favorite color: purple.
Kycie's story helped save many children with undiagnosed Type 1 diabetes as her parents updated the Facebook page with symptoms associated with the disease.
A video released by the family in May shows Kycie's journey.
In a statement released to KSL-TV Saturday evening, Kycie's family they said, "Her mission on this earth was complete. We have found inspiration and strength from her courage. We are thankful for the last five months, that she was able to be home with her family and, at the same time, change the world."
