Images

Chef Fatima Ali's family asks her admirers to find their 'own inner Fati'

Chef Fatima Ali's family asks her admirers to find their 'own inner Fati'

The young Top Chef contestant inspired everyone she met, including Padma Lakshmi and Ellen Degeneres
26 Jan, 2019

After she lost her brave battle against cancer yesterday, chef Fatima Ali's family released a statement on Instagram that encapsulates the legacy of her young life.

Fatima was known for her appearance on last year's Top Chef, but there was more to her than culinary prowess.

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

"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."

Her family said she taught them many lessons that everyone should emulate:

"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."

Condolences began pouring in and Top Chef host Padma Lakshmi and Ellen Degeneres, who recently gifted her $50,000 to dine around the world, were one of the first to pay tribute:

May Fatima rest in peace.

Comments

Rihaab Fareed Dhariwal Jan 26, 2019 01:06pm
Rest in peace Fatima. May Allah grant you the highest ranks in Jannah, Ameen.
Recommend (0)
Pure ind Jan 26, 2019 03:08pm
RIP
Recommend (0)
Emp Jan 26, 2019 03:46pm
Rest in peace . Fatima I don't know you. But your subtle smile is an insight to the wonderful person you were. May Allah accept you into his Mercy and give patience to your loved ones.
Recommend (0)
Random Indian Jan 26, 2019 04:11pm
What a wonderful person she was! Lived life in her own terms. So much goodness and passion. God bless her soul.
Recommend (0)
Zak Jan 26, 2019 07:10pm
A great message from a true Pakistani.
Recommend (0)
Ehsan Jan 26, 2019 08:28pm
Rest In Peace and best wishes for the family.
Recommend (0)
Sami Jan 27, 2019 02:53am
Fatima, We hardly even got to know you! Rest in peace little big girl.
Recommend (0)