Chef Fatima Ali’s family pens down an emotional goodbye note

Top-chef famed Pakistani-American Fatima Ali, who passed away on Friday is being mourned all across the world.

Fatima Ali, who had moved to New York at the age of 18, lost her battle against cancer. She was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma, a rare form of cancer that affects bone and soft tissue, in October 2018.

Shortly after her death, her family has shared a heartfelt statement on social media.

The statement reads:
Fatima was at home with us, surrounded by her loved ones and beloved cat Mr. Meow, when she left us in the early hours of the morning.

When someone as bright, young and vivacious as Fati passes, the only metaphor that seems to fit is that of a star — a beacon in the darkness. For all the comfort and beauty, they offer us, stars, too, are impermanent and this morning, a great one was snuffed out.

Though she’s no longer here, her spirit will continue to steer us. We hope that you, too, will listen to her lessons: Live your life as she did — to the fullest.

Pursue your passion; spread love and joy; be kind and forgiving and be generous. Fati will always be a part of us and if you look deep enough, you may find your own inner Fati.

Her family has also expressed gratitude to everyone who came out supporting Fatima in her tough days.

The statement further reads, “We want to thank everyone from the bottom of our now broken hearts. We’re eternally grateful for the love – from strangers on the street, all her doctors and nurses who did their best, the chefs and hospitality friends who are now our extended family and the big wigs that reached out to see how they can make Fati’s dreams a reality. This has been a truly humbling experience and even as she began to leave us, Fatima showed us how we should live.”

Fatima became an instant celebrity and  won millions of hearts when she competed on Top Chef: Colorado.  She managed to become one of the most-loved contestants by the audience as well as her competitors.

She was voted “fan favorite” during the Season 15 of Bravo’s Top Chef. and was out of the show after securing the prestigious top seventh place.