BY K.P. SANDER 

Eastvale – With a loving and courageous spirit, Eastvale’s 12-year old Sabrina Archer recently lost her battle with cancer. On what would have been her graduation into middle school, family and friends will gather for her memorial service on Thurs., June 26.

 

Sabrina struggled with rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) for over three years.   RMS is a cancer made up of cells that affect the muscles, and for Sabrina it began in 2011 with a tumor in her arm. After two years of chemotherapy and radiation, she was cancer free. Then in May of 2013, she began feeling pain in her stomach. A cat scan revealed two more tumors in her spleen, and Sabrina endured another round of chemo and radiation. Again, there was freedom for a while, and then heartbreakingly, last March came with more pain and three large tumors in her intestines. With the size of the tumors and the damage from previous treatments, Sabrina’s little body could no longer prevail, and she passed away on Father’s Day, June 15.

 

No doubt Father’s Day will always have a very significant meaning for Sabrina’s father, Ernest. He speaks of his daughter with a strength masking a loss that no parent should have to endure. He says that Sabrina was very outgoing and cheerful; she never met a stranger. “Even in the midst of all that she endured, she was wonderful; everybody loved her. We are very grateful for her spirit and grace through all the trials of cancer. SHE IS a kind and loving spirit,” said Ernest.

 

Sabrina has been a student at Rosa Parks Elementary in Eastvale since Kindergarten. Staff at the school describe her as courageous, with a beautiful smile and concern for everyone but herself. Sabrina spent a lot of time in the library, and Librarian, Sue Nichols, says, “Sabrina was a friend to everyone. She always had a bright smile that lit up a room when she entered it. Sabrina was loved by all and will be greatly missed.” Rosa Parks will be presenting a special tribute for Sabrina at the 6^th Grade (B Track) Promotion this Thursday morning.

 

Sabrina is survived by her parents, Ernest and Nellie; her brother, Justin, 18, a recent High School graduate; and her younger brother, Garrett, 11, who is a 5^th Grader at Rosa Parks Elementary. Sabrina will be intermed at the Holy Cross Cemetery in Los Angeles. Rest in peace, sweet spirit.

 

Services for Sabrina Archer will be on Thurs., June 26, at 4 p.m., at the Ontario First Church of the Nazarene, located at 1311 West 5^th Street in Ontario (91762). The family has requested that children wear white, if possible, and would like Rosa Parks’ staff and students to attend.