Natasha Gould, who championed cancer research, succumbs to brain tumour

A 12-year-old Calgary girl who battled an aggressive inoperable brain tumour to fulfil her dream of becoming a competitive cheerleader has died.

Natasha Gould's family released word of the child's death Thursdaynight as people gathered outside their home for a candlelight vigil.

Natasha joined the Calgary Stars Gymnastics and Cheerleading Centre earlier this year as an honorary member and later performed in a competition at Mount Royal University.

Her cancer had been diagnosed a year earlier, but she overcame the debilitating effects of radiation treatments to pursue her goal and inspire others.

During a trip to Washington, D.C., last fall to take part in a candlelight vigil for cancer research funding, Gouldspoke out in interviews with several American media outletsafter Secret Service officers shut down the event over security concerns.

Online campaigns to raise funds for Gould's funeral expenses have gleaned nearly $80,000.

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