Jasmina Anema, the spirited 6-year-old New York girl whose courageous fight against leukemia won her visits and praise from Rihanna and President Obama, died on Wednesday night. Her mother, Thea Anema, made the announcement in a blog she'd set up to keep her thousands of well-wishers up to date on Jasmina's condition, posting on the leukemia support site Caring Bridge, "Today, January 27, at 10:55 p.m., Jasmina lost her fight against leukemia," according to People magazine.

In January 2009, Jasmina was diagnosed with leukemia, a cancer of the blood or bone marrow that typically results the loss of bone marrow and a buildup of abnormal white blood cells. She received a bone-marrow transplant last June — her body rejected the marrow, which was not a perfect match — and was admitted to NYU Langone Medical Center on Monday night, suffering from a fever and shortness of breath and was diagnosed with pneumonia in both lungs.

By last night, People reported that she'd taken a turn for the worse when the antibiotics doctors gave her were not working and her lungs began to fill with fluids. Unable to fight off the disease, she died shortly before 11 p.m.

President Obama released a statement saying, "It is with great sadness today that Michelle and I extend our condolences on the passing of Jasmina Anema. Jasmina showed tremendous bravery in the face of adversity, and her ability to stay positive throughout her battle was an inspiration to me and to all those she touched. As the parents of two young girls, our hearts particularly go out to Jasmina's devoted mother Thea. Our thoughts and prayers are with her and with all who knew and loved Jasmina."

Jasmina visited the White House in December and spoke to president Obama briefly after meeting with Rihanna in April. The singer had seen a video made by Jasmina's best friend in an effort to find a bone-marrow donor and Rihanna followed up with her own video seeking a donor.

As a result of Rihanna's visit and video, People reported that a number of celebrities joined in the cause, including former Destiny's Child member Michelle Williams and NBA star Paul Pierce.