Claire Wineland, famous YouTuber and inspiration to countless others living with cystic fibrosis, has passed away at 21 years old.
Last week, she underwent a lung transplant. The transplant itself was successful.
A post from her foundation explains what happened, and Claire’s own final Instagram post from the day she died tells you exactly who she was as a person.
The Claire’s Place Foundation Facebook page broke the difficult, heartbreaking news.
“Last night at 6:00pm,” the page begins. “Claire Wineland our inspirational founder passed away.”
“She was not in any pain,” the post confirms. “And the medical staff said it was the most peaceful passing they had ever witnessed.”
“She was surrounded by love and with her mother Melissa Yeager and father John Wineland;” the post continues. “They saw her into this world for her first breath and were with her for her last.”
“She suffered a massive stroke on August 26th after a successful double lung transplant,” the post shares. “The stroke was caused by a blood clot.”
The post reveals: “After a week of intensive care and various life saving procedures, it became clear that it was Claire’s time to go.”
“Yesterday, Claire’s family and a few very close friends came to say their final farewells and offer their support to the family,” the Facebook post offers.
The post continues: “In Claire fashion, she is an organ donor.”
Some families have a hard time grappling with organ donation. Fortunately, Claire’s did not.
“Claire’s remarkable family were so happy for the other families that were now getting the calls that the organ they had long been waiting for was now available for transplant,” the post explains.
After all, the post reminds Claire’s fans and followers, “they had been on the receiving end of that call just one short week ago.”
“We know Claire was loved all over the world,” the post continues.
The post affirms: “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,” the post expresses. “For your massive amazing out pouring of love.”
Claire was a thoughtful, intelligent, and friendly person. She shared some final words of her own.
On August 26, the same day that she passed away, Claire took to Instagram to make a post before going into surgery.
“So grateful for everything this month,” Claire wrote. “I’m grateful for all the people who donated to help me get through transplant.”
“I’m grateful for the doctors that’ll be scooping out these lungs and giving me some more life to work with,” she wrote. “I’m grateful for the chance to keep being a person.”
“I’m grateful for my own head and for all the weird things in it,” Claire said. “I’m just really overwhelmingly grateful for all of this.”
Claire concluded what would be her final Instagram post: “There is no passionate rant to be had here I am just happy and thought I would let you all know.”
This is so tragic. It’s one thing to know, intellectually, that Claire was only 21. Somehow, her age becomes much more real when you realize that she was born in 1997.
Claire was intelligent and creative and well-read.
If you really want to hurt your own feelings — and maybe you feel that you owe it to her — check out her YouTube or even just her Instagram.
She will never again get to share her thoughts and experiences with her countless fans, or with her loved ones.
Rest in peace, Claire. Our hearts go out to her family and friends at this time.