Inspirational Paralympics star dead at 18

SAMMAMISH, Wash., Jan. 4 (UPI) -- Marin Morrison, whose appearance at the Beijing Paralympics despite a brain cancer diagnosis inspired thousands, is dead at the age of 18, her family says.

Morrison's father Matt said his daughter had been determined to take part in the 2008 competition in China despite suffering from partial paralysis and undergoing four surgeries, The Seattle Times reported Sunday.

"Her lifelong dream was to swim in Beijing, and we had to make that happen for her," the proud father offered. "And she made it happen for herself."

Morrison, who was officially diagnosed with cancer in 2005, met U.S. President George W. Bush in the White House after traveling to the Beijing Paralympics in October.

Morrison took part in three events at the international competition despite having recently undergone an operation and renewed chemotherapy, but failed to earn a medal during her inspirational appearance.

The newspaper said Morrison, who died Friday of unspecified causes in Sammamish, Wash., is survived by her parents, Matt and Nancy; her sister Camlyn, her brother Michael and other relatives.