Avalanna Routh suffered with cancer for most of her short life; at just 18 months old, she was diagnosed with a rare and extremely agressive tumor which only responded to treatment for a short time. Hers was a life of pain and confusion, yet she was one of the brightest spots in the lives of those who met her, a tiny girl with a huge spirit.

While in the hospital last year for treatment, Avalanna’s nurses staged a “wedding” between her and her favorite musician, Justin Bieber, with a cardboard cutout to stand in for him. At just five years old, she became Mrs. Bieber and made national news with her story. The wedding attracted the attention of a very important person, as well: Bieber himself. The singer arranged to fly Avalanna and her parents to New York, where he hung out with her playing board games for an afternoon and then invited her to his concert, where he led her onto the stage. It was a high point for the little girl, but it was also a day Justin will never forget. As of this past summer, the two of them had still been keeping in touch via webcam.

“That was one of the best things i have ever done. She was AWESOME! Feeling really inspired now!” the singer tweeted after spending the day with Avalanna.

Sadly, Avalanna succumbed to the cancer on Wednesday, bringing an end to a short but full life. Upon hearing the news of her passing, Justin took to Twitter to show his support and love for her family and to ask for prayers from his followers.

Image: Justin Bieber