Afton Wallace, a recent Warren Central graduate, who became a champion for thousands in her yearlong fight against cancer, died Sunday. She was 18.

Wallace’s family announced her death on the Facebook page dedicated to her cancer fight.

“This morning, Sunday, May 24, our sweet, precious and amazing daughter, Afton Colleen Wallace, graduated from mortal life. We dearly loved her and we deeply appreciate all the prayers and kindnesses that have been extend by all of you. She has felt and been lifted by your faith and prayers. Thank you.”

Nearly a year to the day, Wallace, who was a star student and athlete at Warren Central, was diagnosed with state IV Ewing’s sarcoma, a very rare, aggressive, childhood bone cancer.

Since her diagnoses, Afton spent more than 120 days in the hospital, underwent 45 radiation treatments and received 70 doses of chemotherapy.

In recent weeks, as the cancer progressed and treatment seemed to stop working, the family asked the public for continued prayers for her recovery and for her to make it to Thursday’s graduation ceremony.

Afton was named the Class of 2015’s Star Student for her academic achievements and had received a full scholarship to BYU.

In an article in The Vicksburg Post, Wallace said it was important to maintain a positive outlook on life even in the face of such a life-threatening diagnosis.

“If you go around moping about how much my life sucks, ‘oh, I have stage IV cancer, and everyone gets to have a normal senior year,’ you’re going to be miserable,” Wallace said. “You have to take the happiness when you can. It’s easiest if you put a smile on your face. Even if it isn’t genuine, it turns into something genuine.”