Chef Fati Touched Hearts And Inspired People To Dream Big!

Prayers and condolences have been pouring in from friends and fans alike for former Top Chef contestant Chef Fatima Ali. The chef who moved to New York when she was 18 died due to a rare form of bone cancer – Ewing’s Sarcoma.

She was declared free of cancer in early 2018 but the terminal disease had returned a few months later in September. In an emotional and moving op-ed she wrote for Healthyish, she wrote about how she intends to live her life given the limited time she had:

“It’s funny, isn’t it? When we think we have all the time in the world to live, we forget to indulge in the experiences of living. When that choice is yanked away from us, that’s when we scramble to feel. I am desperate to overload my senses in the coming months, making reservations at the world’s best restaurants, reaching out to past lovers and friends, and smothering my family, giving them the time that I so selfishly guarded before.” —- via Healthyish

Her family penned down a heartfelt message after she passed away and it had us in tears.

View this post on Instagram

Fatima was at home with us, surrounded by her loved ones and beloved cat Mr. Meow, when she left us in the early hours of the morning. When someone as bright and young and vivacious as our Fati passes, the only metaphor that seems to fit is that of a star—a beacon in the darkness, a light that guides us, on which to make wishes, from which to weave dreams. For all the comfort and beauty they offer us, stars, too, are impermanent. This morning a great one was snuffed out. Though she’s no longer here with us, her spirit will continue to steer us. We hope that you, too, will listen to her lessons: Live your life as she did—to the fullest. Pursue your passion; spread love and joy; be kind and forgiving; be generous; enjoy every morsel—from humble street food to decadent fine dining; cook for the people you love. Travel the world and seek out adventure. Help others and don’t be afraid to take the road less taken. Fatima will always be a part of us, and in fact if you look deep enough, you may find your own inner Fati. If you’re lucky enough to find her there, trust her, listen to her, because she will change your life for the better. We’ve learned a great deal over the course of her illness, not only pragmatic lessons we wish we hadn’t needed to learn about her disease and our health system, but about the immense love of which people are capable; about the power of being true to yourself; about how we can be better if we model ourselves after someone like her. We want to thank everyone from the bottom of our now broken hearts. We’re eternally grateful for the unending support, love, and generosity shown by people along the way—from random strangers we passed on the street who would tell her how much they admire and respect her; to all her doctors and nurses who did their best; the chefs and hospitality friends who are now part of our extended family; and the big wigs that reached out to see how they can make her dreams a reality. This has been a truly humbling experience for us all and even in her last chapter as she began to leave us, Fatima showed us how we should live.

A post shared by Fatima Ali (@cheffati) on Jan 25, 2019 at 7:45pm PST

“We hope that you, too, will listen to her lessons: Live your life as she did—to the fullest. Pursue your passion; spread love and joy; be kind and forgiving; be generous; enjoy every morsel—from humble street food to decadent fine dining; cook for the people you love. Travel the world and seek out adventure. Help others and don’t be afraid to take the road less taken.” —-excerpt from the message

Similarly, fans and friends have been paying their tributes in their own unique ways.

Here is jewellery designer Zohra Rahman’s tribute to Fati’s legacy:

View this post on Instagram

In memory of @cheffati – RIP ? #FuckCancer

A post shared by zohra rahman (@zohra_rahman) on Jan 27, 2019 at 11:07pm PST

And then there’s the host of Top Chef Padma Lakshmi who shared a close bond with Chef Fatima.

View this post on Instagram

Goodbye lil’ sis. One of our brightest stars has fallen from the sky…. I have no words, but here are some of hers: “I dream of being better. I dream of being myself again, but I know I’ll never quite be the same, and that’s okay. I know I’ll be different, and, despite the worry that settles into me every time I wake up, I look forward to meeting that woman one day.” #teamfati

A post shared by Padma Lakshmi (@padmalakshmi) on Jan 25, 2019 at 4:46pm PST

Chef Bruce Kalman remembers her and the times spent with her at Top Chef.

View this post on Instagram

It’s with a heavy heart we say goodbye to Fatima Ali today, as she has lost her battle with cancer. I will miss you Fati, and you will be in my heart forever. I’ll always remember the great times we had, especially our interview during the tailgating episode discussing football, stadiums, and Taylor Swift. Much love, Bruce 😘 #fuckcancer #cheffati #topchef #friends #family #itsnotfair

A post shared by Bruce Kalman (@chefbkalman) on Jan 25, 2019 at 10:27am PST

Do you remember the heart to heart she had with Ellen on her show? we sure do. She also posted a throwback picture in her remembrance. How thoughtful!

View this post on Instagram

I was lucky to share this visit with @cheffati. I wish I could have shared more. Sending so much love to her family. I hope they find comfort in knowing how much light she brought to the world.

A post shared by Ellen DeGeneres (@theellenshow) on Jan 25, 2019 at 3:42pm PST

More than anything, Chef Fati made us think about the limited time we have on this planet and to make the most of our days, for we know things can change any second.

What are your thoughts? Please share with us in comments below.

Also read: 31 Unwritten Social Etiquettes We All Must Be Aware Of

Also read: HIV In Pakistan: An On-Going Battle!