In Memory of Nori Cheong and a New Chapter
Nori Zhi Yan Cheong, our daughter, our light, and our warrior, crossed over on October 10, 2026, at the age of 11. She passed away peacefully in her sleep at SickKids Hospital, a place where she felt safest, surrounded by the loving care of her medical team, with Mom and Dad by her side.
Shortly after Nori was born, a friend noticed that her name spelled backward is Iron. The nickname “Iron Nori” was born, growing richer and more meaningful with every passing year.
When Nori was diagnosed with cancer in 2021, that name took on its truest meaning. She embarked on a journey not only facing her illness with unmatched resilience, but also using her voice to champion and speak on the importance of philanthropy for children’s healthcare.
While much of the past six years revolved around treatments and hospital stays, Nori never allowed cancer to define her. She poured her heart into being her best self in everything she touched: dance, art, drumming, kickboxing, video games, and even the dreaded Kumon. She embraced hard work and never backed down from a challenge, discovering early on that overcoming obstacles, big or small, brought genuine joy. Above all, she deeply cherished the people who inspired and supported her along the way.
An old soul from the beginning, Nori naturally resonated with adults. Her deepest bonds were often formed with her teachers and mentors, her nurses and doctors, and close family friends.
Our family was extraordinarily fortunate that, through the grace and generosity of countless people alongside the devotion of our incredible family, Nori truly lived a full and vibrant life. It was a life filled with endless adventures, once in a lifetime opportunities, and boundless love. No regrets.
In her final days, Nori shared that her greatest wish was simply for everyone to be happy. As we talked through what that truly meant to her, she reflected with wisdom beyond her years: she understood that life cannot be happy every moment, and that fleeting happiness alone is not what gives life purpose. Together, we explored what mattered most to her heart. Her wish was to leave a lasting legacy rooted in bringing joy and creative opportunities to others through the arts, dance, and music; continuing to support the communities that brought her joy and shaped her journey, including SickKids Foundation, Campfire Circle, Children’s Miracle Network, and Make a Wish Foundation; and, most importantly, dedicating efforts not only toward finding a cure for neuroblastoma and other paediatric cancers, but also improving the everyday quality of life for young patients and their families.
True to form, her final words to us were: “Don’t mope around. Be strong.” Always the one to keep us grounded, we carry her fierce spirit forward. We will honour her wish by continuing our work alongside SickKids Foundation and beginning a new chapter in her name through the formation of the Iron Nori Foundation.
Memorial donations may be made online to the SickKids Foundation through Nori’s memorial page:
https://give.sickkidsfoundation.com/fundraisers/IRONNORI
Thank you for your love, strength, and unwavering support.
My Achievements
Fundraising page
Updated Profile Pic
Added a Blog Post
Received 5 Donations
Reached Goal
Increased Target
Thank you to my Supporters
$5k
Ching Hua Tsui
$5k
Dr Omar De Rita Medical Prof Corp
$2.5k
Sara And Jeff, Alissa And Jesse, Caren And Michael
Dear Mae and Jeff: our family joins you in both grieving and celebrating the life of Iron Nori...an amazing child, with wisdom beyond her years.
$2k
Henry, Juan And Narmin Molina
This isn’t good-bye. Just, see you later. You will always be our favourite.
$2k
Felicia, Theo And Adrian
$2k
Rose Tsui
Iron Nori, love you forever and ever!!! ❤️
$2k
Gerald Throop
$1,000
Samantha Lee
$1,000
City Dance Corps
Nori- our fierce dancer. Strength and grace, beauty and power, patience and perseverance... she encompassed all the qualities of a true dancer. Your legacy and lessons will live on forever in your dance home, with your fellow dancers and beyond.
$1,000
Delina Law
Nori will remain a very special place in my heart!
$1,000
Anonymous
Your strength and bravery through this journey has been inspiring. We will forever cherish all the memories we’ve made with you, and love you always ❤️🌈.
$1,000
Jeffrey Cheong
$1,000
Olly, Andrea, Shai & Ronen Kremeris
Nori, you’re just getting started on your mission to change the world - your impact will live on forever and ever. We are proud to know you and may we all be a little more like you. We love you!
$1,000
Tom
❤️
$1,000
Mae Tsui
$1,000
Ket, Monica, Mira And Jayen
$1,000
Mary Leung
$1,000
Therese Leung
$1,000
Humphrey Law
Nori bright smile and beautiful enthusiasm made her a truly unforgettable soul.
$1,000
Qiang, Xiaozhu, Shimeng, Dong, Freddie, Elliot & Aurelian
$1,000
Karen & Martin
You're etched in our hearts forever. We love you, Nori.
$1,000
Judy & Steve Quan
$1,000
Old Mi New Mi Inc.
$1,000
Hsiung And Yahua
$1,000
Bill & Susi
$1,000
Linda & Tai Heng Chew
❤️🕊️
$1,000
Angelina Law
$1,000
Christina Tsang
Your bright smile, courage, and self-determination touched so many hearts. Nori, you are a little star whose light will shine on forever. I love you and will miss you dearly. ❤️
$1,000
Brandon, Jessica, Freddy And Miles Throop
It was a privilege to witness Nori’s extraordinary strength, kindness, positivity, and determination to give back, even while fighting her own battle. She was living proof that superheroes are real. It was an honour of a lifetime to know her, be inspired by her, and learn from her.
$800
Jason, Ying, Jina And Jamie
$800
Bettina
$750
Stephanie Cassin & Anaiya Grant
Nori lived life to the fullest and didn’t take a moment for granted. May her wisdom, joy, grit, and resilience be a lesson for all of us.
$750
Sarah, Ted, Rivers & Connor Bingham
Nori was such an inspiration to us. We loved her sweet personality and her confidence. She was so much fun to be around! We feel so lucky to have known her, and we will carry her in our hearts forever. We love you, Nori!
$515
Kyla
I'll always cherish your kindness, your friendship, and our shared love of anime. I will miss you always, but you will always be with me.
$500
Shirley Ng
$500
Amy C. Chen
You are always in my thoughts and prayers. 💕
$500
Auntie Astrid And Uncle Sheldon
Love you forever xo
$500
Mnason Chew & Tue To
With love and the biggest hugs
$500
Amy Cameron
$500
Tassie Cameron
$500
Tahir Ali
$500
Crone Family
Your influence on us, Nori, is immeasurable and will echo for eternity.
$500
Shirley Ng
$500
Alison Chew
Always in our hearts.
$500
Joanne Moody
$500
Davin Macintosh
$500
Valerie Wang & Yong Taing
Dear Nori, although we never met, we have heard so much about you, about how strong and beautiful you are!! Thank you for inspiring us all! We will always remember you, Iron Nori! With Love.
$500
Angie Wong & Jesse Mirsky
Love you forever and always sweet baby girl! 🩵
$400
Maureen & Bill Henderson
Nori’s positive resilience lives on in her campaign to raise money for Sick Kids. Bravo to the parents who raised such an amazing daughter.
$300
Jenna & Andrew Tian
$300
Kailyn Henderson
$300
De Leon Family
$300
Peter And May Cheong
$300
Philip, Pansy, Renee, And Portia Slen
Nori lived her life fully with courage and strength. We are blessed to have gotten to know her and share in her joy. She is an inspiration to us all and will be in our hearts forever. 💛💛
$300
Raymond And Roni Cheong
$300
Shaw, Waverly, And Marius
$300
Leng Tee Tay
❤️🕊️
$250
Roberts Family
$250
Mclean Family
$250
Kathy Schimnosky
$250
Stephanie Yong & Steve Vomacka
Knowing Nori was a privilege. Sweet, sassy, and smart, she had a spark that was entirely her own - so full of life and energy, with so much to give those around her. Eleven years could never be enough, but the time she shared with us will always matter. She was the kind of person you felt lucky to know and so happy to be around. We will always be grateful to have known her.
$250
Anonymous
$250
Sonia Mancini
I'm am very sorry for the loss of your incredible daughter. I heard from my nephew (Damon) and his parents (Vince and Barbie) how incredible she was a friend to Damon. I know that her legacy will live on in the people whose lives she touched. Sincerely - Damon's aunt Sonia
$250
Jq
May Nori’s beautiful spirit and legacy continue to shine through the lives she touches. What a meaningful way to honour her memory and turn love into a lasting impact. Sending your family so much love.
$250
Muse Movement
$200
Albert & Rita Wu
$200
Chuen Fung Leung Cheung
$200
Doris Au ❤️
❤️
$200
Flavia Su
May God bless you all and everything you do!
$200
Charles Locoh-donou
In honour of one the most beautiful souls and one of my biggest inspiration.
$200
Victoria Derose
$200
John Edralin & Van-c Brion
$200
Stacy And Yoni
$200
Carrie Edralin
I'll miss you Nori, you are an inspiration!!!
$200
Yen Yong
We are so proud of you Nori!
$200
Fiona Kwong
$200
Helena Chu
$200
Anonymous
$200
Sammy Allison
One of the most special parts of my time working at Campfire Circle was getting to know Nori, who I met during my very first week at the hospital. When my parents attended a Campfire Circle dinner last year, they came home telling me about an incredible little girl who spoke in front of everyone. They barely had to say a word before I knew exactly who they were talking about. Of course, it was Nori. Wise beyond her years, with a personality and spirit that leave such a lasting impression on everyone who has the privilege of knowing her. Sending so much love to the entire Cheong family. Our hearts are with you. ❤️ With love, the Allison family
$200
Mia C
Dear Nori, I shared some of my best memories with you, and I'll cherish them forever. You taught me to never give up, follow my heart, and live life to the fullest. You'll always have a special place in my heart. 💛 Love, Mia
$200
Celine Gaspar
$200
Audrey D And Family
Sweet Nori, I hope you know what an incredible impact you made. We feel so lucky to have spent time in your light. Thank you for being such a wonderful friend.
$200
Patrick And Selena Wu
We heard about Nori through our friends Judy and Steve. Our condolences and prayers go out to your family.
$200
Victor Wong
$150
Obi M.
I had the pleasure to dance and become friends with Nori. She was so energetic and kind. I remember her solo from last year, Humble by Kendrick Lamar like it was yesterday, as soon as she got on stage the crowd roared. They absolutely loved her, and couldn't get enough. I want you to know Nori that you made such a big impact in everybody's lives, especially mine. Thank you, I will never forget you. Love Obi💕
$150
Christy
Nori, you are one special kid. You filled our Bobos 2 fam with so much love and positivity. You are forever GOLDEN in my heart!
$150
J. Lo
$150
Heritage Wellness Society. Saskatoon
A Big Thank you for all the Wonderful work you have done , while on Earth, before returning to the Lord. Amen
$120
Anika S
I am so lucky to have met Nori, she brought so much joy to my life, and I will miss her every day. Nori was always there for me when I needed a friend, and school will never be the same without her.
$108
Sara Winter
$100
Chinnan Family
$100
Niko Koren
Nori was the kindest and funniest person. I remember once at a dance recital, i was feeling nervous and Nori helped me get through it. I love you, Nori. Rest in peace.
$100
Mark And Cherie Mager
$100
Litong Zheng
$100
Mei Chen And Chau Yong
Nori was the sweetest, gentle little girl. We will always remember you.
$100
May Reed
$100
Sophia Mcnolty
Nori, the most amazing girl❤️forever grateful for you. You made the world a better place for all❤️
$100
Shelly Shannon
$100
Ilana Lander
For the strongest coolest most badass girl! Maybe we all have a little bit of iron Nori in us!
$100
Tanya, Shravan, Naomi & Dani
A true inspiration to all who had the honour of meeting her. The world lost a fierce fighter, but heaven gained an angel. Rest in peace, sweet Nori.
$100
Lauren Facto And Spencer Geurts
$100
Anonymous
$100
Ritchie
Mighty life fighter Nori, rest in peace. Thinking of you and your courage.
$100
Chloe Powell Gimenez
To me beside being my bestfriend Nori was an inspiration to everyone around her. She always knew what to do and what to say and had a way of making everyone feel special. I will always remember her and Iron Nori will always continue to inspire others and complete her mission. With love,Chloe.
$100
Judith Kramer
I feel lucky to have known Iron Nori. Her legacy will live on. May her memory be a blessing.
$100
Esra Leia
$100
Michelle-shayne Matin
Iron Nori, your incredible strength, courage, and beautiful spirit will continue to inspire everyone who had the privilege of knowing you. ❤️🕊️
$100
Shannon Adams
Nori was a pillar of strength, and a light for all of us who had the absolute gift and pleasure of crossing her path. Sending love and heartfelt condolences to her family, friends, and the entire SickKids community. Her courage, warmth, and spirit will never be forgotten.
$100
Susan Powell
Nori…your gift of joy, generosity and kindness will live on in our hearts and in your legacy foundation IRON NORI. You are beloved.
$100
Corey Meehan
$100
Cloooodles
For sweet Nori 🤍 Thank you for sharing your light and cuteness with the world. You will be remembered with so much love. — Clo & Kelvin / Cloooodles
$100
Foo Strasser Family
Nori, your strength and Iron spirit continue to inspire us. You are loved so deeply, and your wish will continue to help other kids every single day.
$100
Phyllis + Tony Lau
$100
Blair Myers
$100
Ac
Thank you for teaching us about positivity and resilience through your words and actions. You are a blessing to all of us at the Foundation, and your impact lives on in our hearts. Rest in peace.
$100
Anonymous
$100
The Groupx Academy
You inspire me ❤️
$100
Nazek Abdelmutti
$100
Anonymous
$100
Emily, Kevin, John And Jack
$100
Felicia Wong
$100
Jane Neprily
$100
Amanda Dipasquale
$100
Emma C
Nori made an impact on everyone that she met. She was smart, funny and extremely talented in all aspects of her life. Her SickKids family will forever miss her bright smile and will continue to carry out her mission. Rest easy Iron Nori!
$100
Danielle Gaede
I had the honour of getting to meet Nori when we made a video for for Sick Kids’ donors. I say honour because I’ve never been more inspired by kid than her. She was wise beyond her years and even after I left the agency I’d been working at my thoughts often drifted back to her. I am heart broken that her journey has ended so soon. We are all better having met her, if only briefly. ❤️
$100
Craig And Linda Crone
In memory of your precious daughter Nori may the joy and love she brought into the world live on forever.
$100
Jennie Pappas
$100
Meng Sun
$100
Paola Dotta
Some moments stay with us forever. I will always remember dancing with Nori and the pure joy of her beautiful spirit. Thinking of you all with love.
$100
Donna Chan
$100
Lynsey
Mae I'm so very sorry.
$100
Izzy Chernick & Family
$100
Lyndsay Timmins
$100
Nicole Mcsweeney
$100
Kimberly Lyn
$100
Gordon And Sally Timmins
Nori’s legacy will inspire generations to come.
$100
Jackie
I didn’t actually get to meet her in person. But knew her through her Aunty Monica. She was an amazingly strong and inspirational little girl. She definitely fit the nickname Iron Nori.
$100
Muzzillo Family
$100
Alison Klenk
$100
Erika Jee
I feel so lucky to have met Nori and her family. They all helped make our spot for the SickKids 150th campaign, better than we could have imagined. She is truly inspiring and I will never forget her amazing.
$100
Erin Wolff
$100
Michelle Chan
$88
Ella & Lily Payumo
$75
Ashley & Chris Francato
$50
Anonymous
It was an honour to have worked with and met Nori. Wise, kind, and talented beyond her years. Thank you, Nori 💙
$50
Nisha Joshi
$50
Anonymous
$50
Lauren Kinsie
$50
Zak Smith
Thank you for the opportunity to learn a bit more about Iron Nori's journey. I have lit a candle in her honour and my heart is with her family.
$50
Kevin & Sharon Lau
$50
Anonymous
$50
Rebecca, Richard, Cole, Jake And Ellie Heessels
$50
Anonymous
A little Angel left us ❤️
$50
Anonymous
Wishing the Iron Nori Foundation continued peace and strength
$50
Gabrielle Vali
Nori was an absolute joy to teach and I will always remember her! My thoughts and prayers are with her family.
$50
Sherry Joy Hugh
Nori inspired so many people to take action and live fully as an ambassador for SickKids and for Canada's 13 children's hospitals through Children's Miracle Network. It was an honour to have met her and her amazing family.
$50
Tutran Lam
$50
Chet Rattanavong
Wow she seemed like a wonder child!
$50
Anonymous
$50
Marianna R
Rest in peace, Iron Nori
$50
Kathy Allen
$50
Shanelle Carvery
Your were such a light Nori. I feel so blessed to have known you. Sending so much love to Nori and her family.
$50
Kara Hepner
$25
Sherry Lin
$25
Russell Lee
Nori was the strongest person I know, she brought positivity and smiles to everyone around her. I was extremely privileged enough to have known her and her vibrant presence will never be forgotten.
$25
Anonymous
$25
Barbara Bowes
$25
Morgan Stasiewicz
$25
Joy Noguchi
$25
Carissa Dupuis
$25
Vivien Trinh
$25
Song Rattanavong
$25
Anonymous
$25
Jayden Liuzza
$25
Dree Pauze
$25
Anonymous
$20
Mason Lee
$5
We can't control how long a life lasts, but the love left behind can go beyond time itself. Nori's life was short, but the light she gave will always shine on everyone who loved her. Rest in peace, sweet Nori. 🕊️❤️