We all remember 29-year-old chef, Fatima Ali, who was based in New York, right? A force to be reckoned with, she was also a contestant on the popular cooking show, Top Chef.

View this post on Instagram

#cosanostra #popuppakistan #tgifmag

A post shared by Fatima Ali (@cheffati) on Jan 21, 2016 at 8:34am PST

She had plans to return to Pakistan to establish subsidized kitchens with cheap and organic food for the poor, but fate had it otherwise. Fatima was diagnosed with Ewing Sarcoma, a form of cancer that occurs in the bone and affects the tissue around it, in 2017, shortly after the filming of Top Chef wrapped up.

Although she was declared cancer free in July, the cancer returned and this time it was terminal. The doctors told her that she had a year at most to live.

View this post on Instagram

Embracing the new look as cancer treatment continues. I know a little piece of me has changed already and as each new challenge is conquered with the help of my family and friends, I can only hope to emerge even more resilient, honest and kind. #fuckcancer

A post shared by Fatima Ali (@cheffati) on Nov 4, 2017 at 4:15am PDT

She wrote in her essay for Bon Appetit, “The cancer cells my doctors believed had vanished are back with a vengeance in my left hip and femur bone. My oncologist has told me that I have a year to live, with or without the new chemotherapy regimen.”

Fatima also talked about how she was looking forward to being 30, flirty, and thriving. “Guess I have to step it up on the flirting. I have no time to lose.”

View this post on Instagram

I still can’t believe this is real, but it is. I’ll be on @theellenshow today at 3/4pm (check your local network time). And if you want to know where my Beenie is from, check out @artsavvy page. ✌🏽#theellenshow #ellendegeneres #bff

A post shared by Fatima Ali (@cheffati) on Nov 2, 2018 at 9:35am PDT

For Fatima, it was a year to do all that she had always wanted to do – and she decided to do just that, unwavered by her condition.

View this post on Instagram

My nurses are the best!!! Trying to get me pumped up for the premier tonight of #Topchef. Feeling a bit lost because of the changes since filming but I’m determined to stay positive. #teamfati #bravo #chef #fuckcancer

A post shared by Fatima Ali (@cheffati) on Dec 7, 2017 at 10:23am PST

She documented her entire journey with cancer on her Instagram, and her posts used to radiate this absolute positivity and resilience – telling the world just how absolutely badass she was. 

View this post on Instagram

On Thursday I’ll find out if my surgeons removed all of the cancer inside of my shoulder. I have spent my life taking many things for granted- but if I get a second chance to do this right, I know now that life is all about the little things. Photo by my brilliantly talented friend @marktomphotography 🖤 #fuckcancer

A post shared by Fatima Ali (@cheffati) on Jan 29, 2018 at 8:00am PST

Earlier this month, she took to Instagram to announce that she was unfortunately getting sicker, and asked for prayers and forgiveness.

She also promised her followers that she would keep everyone updated with the developments as best as she could.

View this post on Instagram

I know it’s been ages since I posted and most may have figured out why. I’m sick and unfortunately I’m getting sicker. Right now all I need are prayers; prayers that are simple. I hope, because a wish is putting on too much responsibility on the other, that you will somehow find forgiveness in your big heart for whenever I must have hurt you. I thank you a million times over for when you have given me joy. I’ll try to keep everyone updated the best that I possibly can.

A post shared by Fatima Ali (@cheffati) on Jan 10, 2019 at 6:58pm PST

In the wake of her last message, the alumni of Top Chef season 15 had a bittersweet reunion where they all leaned on to each other for love and support through the tough times. 

Fellow contestant Claudette Wilkins said how she wished they had met under better circumstances, for when one is hurt, everyone is, and said how Fatima is loved beyond belief and they’re all there for her.

View this post on Instagram

“There are things we do that make no sense and they make no money and those things may be the real reason we are here. To love each other and eat each other’s cooking and say it was good.” -commonplace These people are my people. Hard to explain the bonds that happen during our time together. I wish they under better circumstances that we were together but when one hurts we all hurt and we rally. @cheffati is loved beyond belief and we will be here for her and each other. Thankful my kids got to meet them yesterday to see how funny and comfortable we are with each other. #forfati #fuckcancer #topchef @bravotopchef #season15 #family

A post shared by Claudette Wilkins (@claudettezwilkins) on Jan 14, 2019 at 10:03am PST

It has been reported, however, that Fatima Ali has, unfortunately, passed away.

Top Chef contestant Fatima Ali loses battle against cancer https://t.co/75hxLLrZEg

— Geo English (@geonews_english) January 25, 2019

Multiple sources shared how Fatima lost her battle against cancer…

View this post on Instagram

Fatima Ali (Chef Fati!) and her brave battle with cancer ended today. Known for her win on Top Chef, but even more for her dynamic personality and hilarious wit, the young chef inspired thousands across borders. Please recite a special prayer for her and her loved ones. May she rest in power💔#cheffati #fuckcancer

A post shared by This&That (@thisandthat.pk) on Jan 25, 2019 at 8:13am PST

Pakistani-American chef Fatima Ali dies of cancerhttps://t.co/bo4iP225Ph

— Daily Times (@dailytimespak) January 25, 2019

…just a few weeks after sharing the unfortunate health update.

Pakistani-American chef Fatima Ali dies of cancerhttps://t.co/bo4iP225Ph

— Daily Times (@dailytimespak) January 25, 2019

Her unfortunate passing is a huge blow to not only those around her, but also those who loved her deeply and followed her awe-inspiring work. Consequently, as this news has spread, people are taking to social media to express their sorrow.

Some are saying that she was a wonderful talent and will surely be missed.

Deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Chef Fatima Ali. Wonderful talent who lost her life to cancer. May her family have infinite patience in this time.

— Reza Ali (@RezaAli1980) January 25, 2019

Others are simply heartbroken.

Top Chef Fan favorite, Fatima Ali just lost her battle with cancer. 🙁 pic.twitter.com/dOD7AV5ygg

— Shamila Ghyas (@ShamilaGhyas) January 25, 2019

'A cloud of death is following me' said the Top Chef star Fatima Ali, 29, she courageously looked death in the eye and aspired to ‘live her best life’ after receiving a terminal cancer diagnosis. she ended her suffering today. Rest in peace Fatima #cheffatimaali pic.twitter.com/m8iRTThGPM

— Hamid Rehman Anwar (@HamidRehmaan) January 25, 2019

People are deeply saddened by this heart-wrenching news and are praying for Fatima.

Rest in Peace….

— MutiulHaq Anjan (@mutiulhaq777) January 25, 2019

Cancer is a bitch. She @cheffati lost her battle today. Rest in Peace Fatima Ali. pic.twitter.com/Isj2xHk0XW

— Xma (@AasmaQamer) January 25, 2019

The sorrow everyone feels is palpable.

Very sad to hear about the passing of Fatima Ali. A beautiful woman & an incredible chef. The KGS community will sincerely miss you, the Pakistani community will always take pride in you & the world will forever remember the joy food brought to you. May u rest in peace @cheffati

— Daanika Kamal (@daanistan) January 25, 2019

Even Juggun Kazim shared how this is a huge loss.

We’re all deeply saddened by the news, and we hope her family is bestowed with the strength to get through this.

Rest in peace, Fatima. You will be missed.

This Pakistani Chef Only Has One Year To Live Because Of Her Cancer, Here’s How She’s Making The Best Of It