LYNDON STATION, Wis. -- A local woman lost her battle against a rare, fast-growing brain cancer this week.

Tracy Hoffman, who was the subject of a News 3 profile in November, died surrounded by family and friends. A celebration of her life service is planned for Sunday, Dec. 4, at 6:30 p.m. at the Chula Vista Resort in Wisconsin Dells.

Tracy's Story: Fighting A Rare Brain Cancer

Prior to her passing, Hoffman said that she lived for the precious moments with her little girl.

"With this happening I know so many people, and it's keeping them aware of what they do have, and they're thankful," said Hoffman.

The 31-year-old Lyndon Station woman said that she felt grateful, too.

She and her husband Jeff had been able to adopt their daughter Ashley, after several agonizing trips to Russia and the lengthy adoption process.

"She keeps it fun," said Hoffman of her daughter. "You forget and it's all easier."

Tracy's Story: Her Inspiration To Live

Hoffman said that the girl, who is 2 1/2 years old, was the core of her determination to fight the rare brain cancer that eventually claimed her life.

Hoffman had survived four surgeries since spring, and during each procedure, doctors removed baseball-sized tumors.

News 3's Teri Barr had followed Tracy through her radiation treatment and follow-up appointments. Shortly after the story aired, the Hoffman family told News 3 that Tracy fell ill again and doctors discovered another large mass in her brain.

A fund was set up to help with Hoffman's medical expenses. It's named the Tracy Hoffman Fund c/o Bank of Mauston, P.O. Box 8, Mauston, 53948.

To read and watch video of the original stories, click on Part 1 and Part 2.