Her six-year battle with cancer inspired celebrities and fans alike
Talia Castellano – YouTube star, fashion designer, honorary CoverGirl – died this morning at the age of 13. Her six-year battle with cancer is finally at an end. But her legacy isn’t. She leaves behind a fashion line, makeup tutorial videos and a wake of lives that she changed forever.
Talia was diagnosed with stage four neuroblastoma at the horrifically young age of seven. It’s been an uphill battle for the little girl since then. She’s had chemo, gone into remission, followed by several relapses and finally the ultimate injustice of having neuroblastoma and leukemia at the same time. An ordinary person (child or adult) would struggle to cope with all of that.
Talia thrived under the adversity. The chemo caused her hair to fall out, but instead of wearing a wig, Talia turned to make-up to boost her confidence. Then she tried to help instill that same confidence in girls everywhere by posting makeup tutorials on YouTube.
This girl’s spirit inspired everyone who met her. Ellen DeGeneres had Talia as a guest on her show last October. The talk show host couldn’t stop gushing about how amazing she thought Talia was.
“You’re an old soul and you are very special and amazing, and I’m so honored that you wanted to meet me and that I got to meet you,” DeGeneres said.
DeGeneres followed that up by telling Talia that she was going to be an honorary CoverGirl.
Talia also got to design her own clothing line, called That Bald Chick, with designer Urbana Chappa. Chappa has also dealt with cancer, overcoming breast cancer at the age of 19. She hopes to soon find a major retailer to sell Talia’s line at.
Celebrities, including DeGeneres and Miley Cyrus, took to Twitter today to mourn Talia’s passing.
Ellen DeGeneres – “I met a very special girl, and today we lost her. Sending my heart to Talia’s family. I’m so sad.”
Miley Cyrus – “Rest in Peace, Talia. This is so sad. You will be missed angel.”
Talia’s family announced the news on her Facebook page with a message that truly sums up Talia’s spirit.
“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.”
