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Popular YouTuber Melanie Ham dies of kidney cancer aged 36

By Jo Abi|

Popular YouTuber Melanie Ham has died from cancer. Her husband Robert shared the tragic news on his wife's Instagram page.

Melanie, 36, had been fighting kidney cancer but remained focused on her work, continuing to post content until shortly before her death on January 12.

"It is with a heavy heart and deep sadness I share the news of the passing of my sweet, amazing, beautiful wife Melanie," Robert said. "If you've been following our journey I'm sure you were, like us, hopeful she could defeat this insidious disease."

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Husband Trent shared the sad news his wife's Instagram.
Popular YouTuber Melanie Ham has died from cancer. (Instagram)

He said his wife's condition had become "progressively worse" over the past "few months", writing that they made it through the holidays and "tried to make every moment count".

Sadly Melanie died nine days before the couple's 16-year wedding anniversary.

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"My family, our doctors, our nurses and especially Melanie fought until the end and did all we could do to avoid today, but that is not our path," he continued. "Let me reassure all those rooting for us, Melanie fought like a warrior queen."

He said while the family is experiencing "deep grief" they are trying to "celebrate an amazing woman and a life well lived".

YouTuber Melanie Ham wedding
Melanie died nine days before the couple's 16 year wedding anniversary. (Instagram)

"She loved passionately, created beautifully, provided abundantly and was my best friend all the way to the end," he said.

He has asked Melanie's followers to share "photos, memories and projects" of hers that have inspired them through the years.

"She was an extraordinary woman and God has another beautiful angel," he added. "She can now walk, and sing, and dance in a way her body did not allow over the last few months. She relied on her faith in Jesus all the way to the end and she will always be with me."

Of his choice to include a photo of his wife looking gaunt and frail shortly before her death, he said: "Please understand the intent of the last one, it is very vulnerable, but am honored to be here with her on this journey."

Robert Melanie photo shortly before death
Robert chose to share a 'vulnerable' photo of Melanie photo shortly before death. (Instagram)

Her memorial will be held in Valencia, California in the US on January 29 and can be viewed online here.

Melanie had shared her journey on her social media channels, from the initial discovery of a mass on her kidney to her surgery and subsequent treatment.

YouTuber Melanie Ham main
Her memorial will be held in Valencia, California in the US on January 29 and can be viewed online. (Instagram)

In one post following surgery she wrote: "I'm healing well and starting the mTOR treatment next week. I posted an update on my blog if you're interested.

"Thank you all so much for your well wishes and prayers, love you all!! ?@hammrproductions."

When she wasn't well enough to share updates herself, husband Robert took over her socials with updates such as this one:

"Surgery update: Success! First thank you all for your thoughts and prayers we could feel them all today! Our amazing surgeons said they had a very successful surgery and got out 99% of the tumors (which was better than expected). I'm with Melanie now in post-op and she's doing great and beautiful as ever! She's super groggy cause they gave her the good stuff but she says hi.

"We're so thankful to God for our two super B.A. women surgeons (my heroes) who literally saved my wife's life today (these stupid tumors we're growing fast and trying to get her!). And thanks to the rest of the surgical team and our oncological team."

Melanie made her fears over her condition known, writing in one post of the "tough news" she has discovered the growth and her subsequent cancer diagnosis.

"Over the last several weeks we have discovered that the mass has come back," she shared at the time. "I am having abdominal surgery on Monday to get as much as possible before starting an mtor treatment.

"If you're a praying person, would you pray that they get as much as they can and that it would go well? I wrote more detail on my blog if you're interested. Thanks, friends. Here's to a successful surgery!"

The mass had initially been diagnosed as benign, or non-cancerous.

"The thing I've learned through this health scare is that we never know what the next day will bring... as cliche as that sounds," she said at the time. "I am sooo grateful for my outcome, but I often think about others who didn't get the same happy phone call from their doctor. ?I promise to do good with my good news. ?

"?It's not ultimately about me, but what HE can do through me. Sending you love and peace this season, if you are going through a tough time know that am praying for you!"

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