'Jesus is preparing my room'

Annabelle Vassallo, who was diagnosed with terminal cancer three years ago, is ready to move into the room Jesus is preparing for her in his Father's spacious house.

But this does not mean her will to live has abated in any way since the 39-year-old's passion for life sparkles through her eyes.

"Of course I want to live. There are so many people in this world who love me... For me even an extra five minutes is precious. So much can happen in that time. You can give a hug or tell someone you love them," Ms Vassallo said soon after receiving a pro-life award yesterday.

Ms Vassallo thanked pro-life lobby group Gift of Life for honouring her with the award, a butterfly statue, "in favour of life that is so beautiful".

The award was handed over to her by President Emeritus Eddie Fenech Adami - last year's recipient of the award - who thanked Ms Vassallo for her courage, determination and love of life.

"It's a privilege to be giving you this award... Annabelle, keep it up for yourself and for us who are also beneficiaries of your great life," he said.

In her emotional speech she explained that since she had been diagnosed with cancer three-and-a-half years ago, she had learnt to appreciate the small things in life.

"I appreciate waking up in the morning and being able to breathe. I love spending time with my family and friends and adore looking at my nephews and holding them...

"My priorities have also changed. I was obsessed with my hair and used to get annoyed if it did not stay in place properly... Look at me now, I have great hassle-free hair," she laughed as she touched her bald head.

Ms Vassallo spoke about how her illness had brought her closer to her faith, which helped her recognise life was a gift and everyone had the right to live, no matter the circumstances.

"I'm no hero. I get frustrated and have my moments... But I'm not scared of death as such since I have faith in Christ's promise... Jesus is preparing my room... and I think I'll soon move there," she said as people in the audience sniffled quietly.

Ever since appearing on popular television show Xarabank, Ms Vassallo has touched the hearts of thousands with the story of her fight against cancer.

Last December, after 28 cycles of chemotherapy, she was told there was no more hope of treating the aggressive tumour in her neck that had spread through her body. Since then, she has been living on borrowed time.

In March she launched her book, Irrid Ngħix (I want to live). Written in just three weeks as steroids kept her awake at night, it recounts her battle with the soft tissue sarcoma.

Gift of Life chief executive officer Paul Vincenti said the title of her book echoed the cries of the unborn children who were to be aborted, asylum seekers out at sea and those battling illness.