The sister of slain murder victim Troy Davis lost her battle with cancer last night. Martina Correia breast cancer. She was 44 years old. At the same time as she fought to save her own life, Martina Correia struggled valiantly to save that of her brother’s — Troy Anthony Davis.

Troy Davis was executed by the state of Georgia on September 21 despite major doubts about the case, including the recantation of seven of the nine non-police witnesses. Correia was her brother’s staunchest advocate, at times leading rallies and public events from her wheelchair. She will also be remembered for her relentless women’s health activism after advocating for the creation of mobile mammography vans serving poor women in Savannah.

“We were very blessed to know Martina and to work with her for more than 11 years,” Laura Moye, Death Penalty Abolition Campaign coordinator for Amnesty International USA, told Atlanta Progressive News.

“She was a true champion and hero for human rights in the U.S. and beyond. She changed all of us and she changed this world. We know her spirit is very strong and is going to continue to be a force for changing this world for the better,” Moye said.

“I was with Martina this week in the hospital, and she had a peaceful passing,” Moye said.

“We are inspired by her strength and by her courage. We are so grateful that she was a part of our cause and that we could be a part of her cause,” Moye said.