China Dream Achieved, 8-year-old American Dorian Murray Succumbs to Cancer

Dorian Murray, the eight-year-old Rhode Island boy whose dream was to become "famous in China," died Tuesday from a rare form of cancer, his family announced via a Facebook page they had established for him. 

"It is with a very heavy heart that i share this news. Dorian J. Murray (#‎dstrong) has gained his beautiful angel wings tonight and is now pain free. He was surrounded by people who love him and his transition to heaven was very peaceful. He was embraced by both mom and dad," the announcement reads.

Murray become a social media sensation when, via the Praying for Dorian Facebook page, his father Chris put out a call to "prayer warriors" and "contacts in China" to help the boy become "famous in China." "You know what I really want before I go to heaven?" Dorian said to his father on January 10. "I would like to be famous in China."

Using the hastag #D-STRONG, Chinese and foreign Internet users answered the call, taking their signs to the Great Wall and sending back selfies, which Dorian referred to as "that bridge" because "people walk on it." The response included a group of New England Patriots fans organized by True Run Media (parent company of the Beijinger) General Manager Michael Wester during an NFL playoff game viewing at Paddy O'Shea's. 

We came to think of Dorian as an honorary Beijinger, even though he never made it to our city. RIP, little man. 

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Email: stevenschwankert@thebeijinger.com
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