Cystic fibrosis activist Claire Wineland, the founder of non-profit organization “Claire’s Place Foundation,” died Sunday as a result of a stroke she suffered just over a week ago after a double lung transplant. She was 21.
The foundation’s chairman of the board Laura McHolm announced the news on Facebook on Monday, writing, “She was one red hot spark of inspiration and joy, wasn’t she? Rest In Peace Sweet Warrior Claire, we will continue where you left off.” The foundation, which Wineland started at the age of 13, is meant to provide support to children and families affected by cystic fibrosis.
Wineland brought awareness to the disorder, which affects mainly the lungs and makes breathing difficult, through her YouTube channel, which amassed more than 250,000 subscribers. Her candid posts on her social media touched on subjects surrounding living with cystic fibrosis such as her treatments and transplant. She also spoke at a Tedx talk, last year.
“Life isn’t just about being happy,” she said in her talk. “It’s about what you’re making of your life and whether you can find a deep pride in who you are and what you’ve given.”
Wineland guest-starred in an episode of the medical drama”Red Band Society” in 2014. She was also featured in the CW docuseries “My Last Days,” hosted by “Jane the Virgin” star Justin Baldoni.
Many people, including Baldoni, Bernie Sanders and Joe Manganiello, have honored Wineland’s legacy on Twitter:
I would like to acknowledge Claire Wineland who passed away last night. You are an inspiration and brought joy to many. You’ll be missed deeply. pic.twitter.com/BsTEFmquR7
— Bernie Sanders (@BernieSanders) September 4, 2018
Rest In Peace @clairewineland, you were a real life angel… pic.twitter.com/9GsyG4OtQL
— JOE MANGANIELLO (@JoeManganiello) September 4, 2018
@clairewineland held the keys to the secrets of the universe. We will miss her dearly, but her story is just beginning. She wanted her foundation to live on & make a difference in the lives of other kids/ families w/ #cysticfibrosis. In awe of her. What a gift to us all she was. pic.twitter.com/3GUSptTY5p
— justin baldoni (@justinbaldoni) September 4, 2018
Today I found out that one of the best people on this earth had left us. Claire Wineland was only 21 years old when her life long journey with Cystic Fibrosis came to an end just a week after her lung transplant. Watching her last week so full of emotion after receiving THAT call pic.twitter.com/zeklPNYlun
— o (@lilwaynesplug) September 4, 2018
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