In memory of
Nori Cheong
November 22, 2014 - October 10, 2026
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.
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.