Athena Krueger of Minneapolis wanted to spend at least one birthday with her daughter.
The 33-year-old account executive found out that she was pregnant in 2013. Not long after, however, Krueger reportedly noticed some pain in one of her breasts.
Krueger and husband, Ben, initially thought the pain was being caused by one of her milk ducts. Instead, it turned out to be stage 2 invasive ductal carcinoma, a form of breast cancer.
According to the American Cancer Society, cancer is rare in pregnant women, but is becoming more prevalent among those who have children later on in life.
Amari — which, according to an interview her father gave Today, means a precious miracle from God — was born by cesarean section eight weeks premature so her mother could undergo further chemo therapy treatments.
The cancer, however, spread to Athena Krueger's lungs, brain, and lymph nodes. She documented her fight with cancer on her blog.
Knowing that it might be the only birthday she would get to celebrate with Amari, Athena and her husband, along with family and friends, started planning an Alice in Wonderland–themed birthday tea party for their daughter.
Although her doctors advised against it, Athena left the confines of the hospital to attend her daughter's party.
The party was held on May 2, with Ben Krueger dressing as the Mad Hatter.
The party was an epic success, giving the entire family a chance to spend some quality time together outside of the hospital.
Amari's actual birthday fell on May 5. Athena Krueger died the following day.
Her husband, Ben, told Today that he hopes the pictures will help Amari see the love her mother had for her.
"I'm hoping that between the pictures of this party and everything, they'll help me teach Amari all about her mom as she grows up. I don't want her to ever forget who she is or where she came from — it's pretty amazing."