Peter Kramer/Bravo/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty ImagesJackie Collins has one final message to her fans.
Less than three weeks after the best-selling author died from breast cancer, her team is sharing the last letter she wrote for readers around the world.
"As you may have recently heard, I revealed that I have been LIVING life to the fullest with Stage 4 Breast Cancer for the past six and a half years. With October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month, my message is this," she explained in a post from her personal website. "Early detection can save lives! Get regular mammograms, and/or tell your loved ones too."
She continued, "Even if you've been screened, and you have a gut feeling that something in your body is off, get a second opinion!"
At the time of her death, fans learned the 77-year-old was diagnosed with stage four breast cancer more than six years ago. She chose to keep her illness almost entirely to herself except for her three daughters.
While Collins argued that she didn't want to be a burden to her family, the author assured readers that a cancer diagnosis isn't the end of the world by any means.
"Cancer does not have to be a death sentence! You, or someone you love, can live an extraordinary life regardless," she wrote in her final letter. "Be kind and be grateful. Never underestimate the power of your mind. Embrace what you love, and LIVE life to the fullest, as tomorrow is not promised to any of us."
In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Collins is donating 20 percent of her self-published book sales to the Susan G. Komen Foundation.
"Whatever your pain or struggle in life, don't allow it to turn you into a victim," she wrote. "Let your battle turn you into someone else's hero!"
We remember more stars who passed away this year in the video below.