Obituary of Anika Sunshine Cromarty

With heavy hearts we announce the loss of a daughter, sister, granddaughter, niece and cousin. Anika Sunshine Cromarty peacefully passed away Friday, October 26, 2012 at 4 years of age. Anika was born on February 19, 2008 in Provost to Kim and Gary Cromarty, making Emma a very proud big sister. A happy newborn, she quickly became known as Baby Sunshine. As a baby she loved watching Emma, and Emma couldn't have been happier to help take care of her little sister. Time flew by, and Anika grew into a feisty toddler. Around this time she discovered a new favourite word - Boo! Trying to scare someone was a game that never got old. If there was work to be done, Anika enjoyed being a part of it. She liked to put on her apron, pull up a chair and "help" Mom in the kitchen. Taking care of the cows or riding in the tractor with Daddy was fun too, especially if it meant she got to pack a lunch. Spending time at Parent Link was something Anika looked forward to. When Emma started school and Anika was left at home, Parent Link became "school" for her. She also tried swimming lessons and soccer, but really found her fit last spring when she started archery. Her favourite bow was taller than she was but that was a minor detail. Finally, after much anticipation, she was also able to try preschool and Sparks for a short time this fall. Anika was very proud when she got the chance to show how grown up she was. She absolutely adored babies and if there were no real babies available to take care of, she had a doll to fit any make believe situation. Most games involved packing them up to go camping with Daddy at the lake or going to Kamloops to visit Auntie Jacki. In the summer of 2011, Anika was diagnosed with advanced hepatoblastoma, a childhood cancer that affects only about one in a million children. Even through challenging treatments at the Stollery, Anika enjoyed bright moments like digging through the poke prizes in the Treasure Chest, discovering the many playrooms, especially the Beach, and day passes to visit the Kids with Cancer House. She learned a few new skills keeping a close eye on the doctors and nurses and was continually gathering medical supplies for her very extensive doctor's kit. After practicing her skills on Grandma Bev, a very excited nurse Anika was awarded her own hospital ID badge. Anika bravely endured months of challenging treatments, and by August it was time to just go and have fun. Feeling great, Anika was thrilled to take a trip to Callaway Park & the Calgary Zoo with Daddy, Ashley & Emma, followed by an exciting trip to visit Auntie Jacki & Jason with Mom, Chris & Emma to cap off the summer. October held one last adventure for Anika and her family. The Make A Wish Foundation sent everyone to the Fantasyland hotel and Toys R Us for a shopping spree. A girl can never have too many dolls! Anika played hard and fought hard but eventually the boo's and out-of-season April Fools jokes slowed. She passed away peacefully Friday, October 26, 2012, at 4 years of age, with Mommy & Daddy holding her hands, and her sunshine will remain forever in the hearts of all who knew this special little girl. Anika's bright spirit and beautiful smile will be remembered daily by her daddy, Gary; mommy, Kim (Chris Bur); best big sister, Emma; paternal grandparents, Jim & Loraine Cromarty; maternal grandparents, Grant & Bev Giggs; aunts & uncles, Janet Bonde, Sandy (Mike) Downey, Jacki Giggs (Jason Fox); and many great aunts, uncles, cousins, neighbors and friends.