Claire Wineland, YouTube star and activist, dies at 21
Claire Wineland — YouTuber, inspirational speaker, and activist — died at age 21 on Sunday night.
Wineland, who had cystic fibrosis, founded a non-profit organization called Claire’s Place Foundation to support children and families living with the disorder. On Monday, the organization announced her death in a Facebook post.
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Wineland's death came days after she suffered a severe stroke on August 26, which resulted from a blood clot that formed after a double lung transplant.
"After a week of intensive care and various life saving procedures, it became clear that it was Claire’s time to go," Laura McHolm, Chairman of the Board, wrote on Facebook.
"We know Claire was loved all over the world. Your prayers, support and encouraging words, have been a huge source of strength for her and her family. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your massive amazing out pouring of love."
McHolm ended the post by sharing the following memorable words from Wineland: "Death is Inevitable. Living a life we can be proud of is something we can control."
Fans and people around the world who were inspired by Wineland shared their condolences on social media, thanking her for all she's done for the YouTube and cystic fibrosis communities over the years.
she was truly one of the greats. i'm going to miss you Claire. pic.twitter.com/90q1tSfThd
— Casey Neistat (@CaseyNeistat) September 4, 2018
Just read that Claire Wineland has died. When she was 12 I tutored her...often times at the hospital. She had an amazing spirit and was wise beyond her years. I've watched her journey from afar and saw how she inspired so many people even as she suffered. May she rest in peace. https://t.co/cfkdFXAWlt
— Fortune Feimster (@fortunefunny) September 3, 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
What a true loss for the world, but heaven gained a real fighter. Rest in peace @clairewineland, you deserve it. <3 xo https://t.co/pAo00WzlPo
— Molly Burke (@MollyBOfficial) September 4, 2018
I just heard that one of our show’s most inspirational guests, @clairewineland, has passed away. My team and I are heartbroken. She touched so many people in this world, right up until the moment she left it. Our thoughts are with her family & loved ones. https://t.co/dl6V8ol9w5
— Dr. Mehmet Oz (@DrOz) September 4, 2018
I am heartbroken beyond words Today we lost @clairewineland To call her an angel,inspiration is an understatement. I know her attitude,sense of humor and light left a lasting impression on all of us Today is a sad day but I know she’s in a good place and breathing easy pic.twitter.com/0snKkepuXT
— Rev Riki Rachtman (@RikiRachtman) September 3, 2018
I got a news alert about Claire Wineland in a store, and it was a gut punch. Only knew her through her videos & as a GoFundMe supporter. This young woman showed millions how to live. Devastating and enormous loss. What a life.
RIP warrior. Breathe easy. https://t.co/jYHlI33Mc9— Aisha Sultan (@AishaS) September 3, 2018
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
Had to sit and have a moment of gratitude for everything I have this morning after hearing about Claire Wineland passing. Been following her journey for a while now and I really thought she'd live forever. An inspirational and beautiful ray of sunshine. RIP xxxx
— Portia Conn (@PortiaConn) September 4, 2018
I watched Claire Wineland’s videos for years and years. She felt like my friend and the world is less bright without her. Rest In Peace angel.
— Loey (@Loeybug) September 4, 2018
“death is inevitable, living a life you are proud of is something you can control.” -Claire Wineland
rip claire you were an inspiration to so many people including me. no matter how hard it was, you were always so positive. ill miss watching your videos + seeing your happy face pic.twitter.com/kso9KC3OZF— amy (@AmyMarie2713) September 4, 2018
Wineland, who was an organ donor, has already saved the lives of two people, according to an email Claire's mother shared with CNN. Her right kidney reportedly went to 44-year-old San Diego woman, and a 55-year-old man from Northern California is said to have received her left kidney.
"Claire's corneas and tissue was recovered and she will be able to enhance the life of up to 50 people," a family services specialist wrote in the email. "Claire's gift is huge, I want your family to know that your daughter is a hero."
Wineland's family asks that anyone who wants to honor Claire's memory donate to her foundation, which will continue to assist people around the world who are impacted by cystic fibrosis.
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