Michaela reached out to War Child about ten years ago. She wanted to support children affected by war. Her drive to act came from her own experiences, and she understood what it meant to live through conflict - Michaela grew up in Sierra Leone and lost both her parents during the civil war.
Fear and violence dominated her childhood, but one dream kept her going: to become a ballet dancer.
That dream became a reality, and Michaela went on to become a professional ballerina, starring as a soloist at famous venues around the globe.
As an ambassador, Michaela worked tirelessly for War Child. Her visits to projects in Uganda and Lebanon, but also closer to home in asylum seeker centres in the Netherlands, were evidence of her dedication. Her endearing smile, warm hugs and personal story touched the lives of hundreds of children impacted by conflict.
"War Child gives children the support I would have loved to have had as a child," she told our colleagues. That desire to help others was a driving force in everything she did.
The War Child family are devastated by this loss. We will remember Michaela as a star who inspired everyone to pursue their dreams even in the darkest moments. We are committed to carrying on her legacy by continuing to fight for the rights and well-being of children living through conflict.
At this very sad time, we are thinking of all who knew, loved, and were ever involved with Michaela.
