Claire Wineland was profoundly peaceful when she died at 21, maybe because she had already done what anyone could accomplish in a lifetime. Apparently, she did not grieve over her departure from this world or her ultimate separation from her near and dear ones. But, everyone who loved her, grieved deeply over her death. Claire passed away on 2nd September 2018, leaving the lives of those who loved her in darkness.
Claire lived a life, forgetting herself. She lived for others, completely forgetting that she herself was suffering from a fatal illness. Claire, a motivational speaker, imbued the light within her to thousands of people through her speeches.
She founded a non-profit organization called Claire’s Place Foundation when she was only thirteen years old. Its objective was to help the young people who suffered from fatal illnesses and their families. Her inspiration for founding that organization was her own illness. She was suffering from cystic fibrosis. Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disease, which affects lungs and digestive system. It is a deadly disease as well. Accompanied by breathing difficulty and frequent lung infection, this disease makes the life of the patient a mess. Nonetheless, Claire never allowed her to be overcome by the disease.
Claire was also an activist, who stole the hearts of thousands on social media with her uncommon sense of humor and wisdom. Her vision of life was to perceive beauty everywhere. That was why she was able to utilize her time fruitfully and joyfully, without sitting and wailing over her illness.
On 26th August 2018, she announced the news of her lung transplant through Twitter. Her words were optimistic. Everybody who knew her was optimistic like her as well. Initially, the surgery seemed a success. But, a stroke that occurred in the middle, thwarted it all. As a result, she had a blood clot. And Claire passed away on 2nd September. It was a serene and painless death. When she died, her beloved parents were standing on either side of her bed. She closed her eyes forever as her parents looked on with moistened eyes. She left undying memories in the minds of everyone who loved her. Claire, who spread light into the lives of many even when her own life was flickering, was truly a light that brightened the world.
