PELICAN RAPIDS, Minn. (WJW) — “I am Alexa Elizabeth Bekkerus, AKA ‘Alex,’ and this is my story.”

This marks the beginning of a self-penned obituary by a young Minnesota woman who lost her battle with breast cancer at 27 earlier this month. Following her passing and funeral, Bekkerus’ heartfelt words have been circulated on social media by both loved ones and strangers.

Her obituary reflects on a joyful childhood growing up alongside her brother on her family’s farm, her years at Concordia College, and pharmacy school, only to face a cancer diagnosis in 2020.

“At 22, I received a terminal diagnosis,” she expressed. “Just as I was beginning my adult life, I was also facing its conclusion. Until then, I had scarcely known illness. Suddenly, my life was running against time.”

Bekkerus said she made peace with the fact her life would be cut short. She spent the next years going on fun trips to the beach and mountains and to see historical monuments. She spent time with family and her horses and dog. She credited her doctors at the Mayo Clinic for helping her to stay healthy for so long.

“In December, my oncologist told me the chemo was no longer working and that I was going to die in less than six months,” Bekkerus said in the obituary. “The cancer had moved to my lungs. Not a surprise, as I felt something was happening.”

Bekkerus, who said she felt God had blessed her life, did not die alone.

“My momma promised me she would be with me to the very end and she was as she held me in her arms until I took my final breath,” she said. “And now I’m in the arms of Jesus free of pain and able to breathe again.”

Bekkerus said that death comes for us all and shared the main thing she learned through the years of being sick: “Life is made up of moments, don’t miss them because you will never get them back again. Treasure every day.”

She signed the communication, “Love, Alex.”