Incoming Ateneo women’s football rookie Alyana “Yana” Bautista, the sister of national team forward Martie Bautista, died of COVID-19 on Wednesday, July 22.

She was 17 years old.

Martie confirmed on Thursday, July 23, that Yana was diagnosed with acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM), a disease affecting the brain and spinal cord, before contracting the coronavirus.

“These past few months have been difficult for Yana. She was diagnosed with ADEM that was further complicated by COVID-19. Many challenges continued to surface where much of them left us extremely exhausted – especially for my little sister,” wrote Martie on a Facebook post.

“It is to our despondency to announce that my sister is now finally at peace and with God.”

ADEM is a rare autoimmune disorder where the body’s immune system attacks its own brain tissue due to an environmental stimulus in response to a vaccine or infection.

Yana tested positive for coronavirus after taking a swab test on Saturday, July 18, and has been in the intensive care unit until Wednesday.

The 17-year-old defender from Miriam College committed to play for the Ateneo Lady Eagles in Season 83, and played for Nomads-Ateneo in the 2019 Philippine Football Federation Women’s League (PFFWL).

“Yana had a lot of things planned out for this year. She had high hopes booting up for Ateneo as she was expecting to come in as a freshman this August,” added Martie.

“Yana was also thrilled planning for our future trips abroad as a family. Overall, we knew how exhilarated she was to learn how to drive as this September would mark her 18th birthday.” – Rappler.com