Talia Joy Castellano, a 13-year old YouTube vlogger, who inspired many through her video makeup tutorials, has died. The young girl lost her battle to cancer on Tuesday.
Castellano had been battling cancer since 2007. She suffered from both neuroblastoma and leukemia. Chemotherapy treatments had left the young girl bald for years, but she turned to makeup, calling it her "wig." She often posted videos to YouTube to share makeup tips and update fans on her condition.
In a video posted on August 12,2012, she said ""Having cancer has been a gift yet a horrible, horrible, terrifying thing. But I've gotten so many benefits from it...
Having a Youtube channel and having to inspire people and having people look up to me and explaining to you guys how I love and adore makeup, using it as my wig and having so much self-confidence to go out to the grocery store without a wig... it's just amazing."
Fans also kept up to date on her condition through a Facebook page called Angels for Talia. The page has around 295,000 like. On Tuesday, Castellano's family posted a message informing her fans that the young girl passed away.
"It is with a heavy heart that we share with all of you that Talia has earned her wings at 11:22am. Please lift her beautiful soul, her beautiful light to heaven and please send your love and prayers to her family during this most difficult time. God speed little one, may you be free from pain and suffering, may your soul feel the light and love that you brought to so many of us on this Earth during the short time you were her with us. We will miss you more than you will ever know baby girl," the message read.
The young girl was surrounded by her family during her last days. On July 8, the family posted to the page, ""Talia woke up again and asked for more to drink. Her family and friends in the room started showing her the packages and fan mail again. After a few minutes, Talia paused. She looked around the room and said 'I could cry right now...' Her Mom got up real close to her and said 'What's wrong baby?.. Don't cry.' And Talia said 'I'm just so grateful... I'm so grateful for you guys...' Her family said that "This all melted our hearts."
Castellano appeared on the Ellen show in September. She was given a CoverGirl makeup table and $20,000 from the makeup brand. She was also made an honorary CoverGirl by the company.
Ellen Degeneres responded to the death, saying "This year I met a very special girl, and today we lost her. Sending my heart to Talia's family. I'm so sad."
Thousands of fans have taken to Twitter and Facebook to mourn the loss of the inspiring little girl.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
