Laura Hillier’s story is a poignant reminder of the resilience, courage, and enduring spirit she embodied during her battle with leukemia. Her passing, though deeply saddened, catalyzed an outpouring of love and support from around the world. The beautiful tribute of decorating her casket with glitter markers, which turned it into a colorful yearbook full of heartfelt messages, is a testament to the influence Laura had on those around her.
When Laura Hillier was thirteen years old, she was diagnosed with leukemia. It had been four years since she had been cancer-free. Unfortunately, the cancer returned.
On January 20, 2016, Laura, a talented and popular student at Nelson High School in Ontario, Canada, died of this terrible disease.
Later that day, on the Hope for Laura Facebook page, her family posted the following details to their large network of friends and supporters:
“You would all be extremely proud of her for her brave fight. Her composure, bravery, tenacity, and genuine spirit were evident until the very end.”
In honor of Laura, her family, friends, and teachers decided to decorate the casket with glitter markers to create a beautiful work of art.
The images and story quickly went viral and influenced people around the world, even strangers.
At the age of 18, Laura Hillier died on January 20, 2016. Suffering from acute myeloid leukemia, she died while waiting for a transplant.
Laura died in a Canadian hospital surrounded by her loved ones.
When Laura was thirteen years old, she received her first cancer diagnosis. She was in remission for four years before relapsing in May of this year.
Laura was known for her love of drama and music at Nelson High School in Ontario.
Before she died, she was given her 12th-grade yearbook, but her classmates and relatives insisted that her funeral look like a traditional “yearbook send-off.”
Together, Laura’s friends, neighbors, teachers, classmates, health professionals, and co-workers turned her casket into an outstanding yearbook that will honor her life, infectious energy, and extraordinary talent.
There were heartfelt notes written all over the casket in different colors.
Laura’s stark white coffin with its brightly colored inscriptions became an internet sensation. The inscriptions are touching, personal, and full of heart.
You had a musical voice. You had artistic talent. You showed understanding. My best friend was you.
Life is a melody. Sing until your soul is satisfied.
incredibly strong and courageous. You will forever be a hero.
Purple, Laura’s favorite color, was also expertly incorporated into every aspect of the funeral service, from the beautiful flowers to the attendees’ attire, which included ties and scarves.
To help eradicate childhood cancer, Coast to Coast is a national organization accepting donations in Laura’s honor.
Her passion for music and drama, her strength in the face of adversity, and her infectious energy left an indelible mark on the lives she touched. The global response to her story showed the power of community, empathy, and the universal desire to honor those who inspire us.
Through the viral spread of her story, Laura’s legacy continues to resonate and drive awareness and support for childhood cancer research. The purple-themed funeral, reflecting her favorite color, became a symbol of remembrance and celebration of her life.
While her physical presence may be gone, Laura’s spirit lives on, encouraging us to cherish every moment, find strength in adversity, and spread kindness and hope to those in need. Her journey and the impact she made serve as a reminder to embrace life, follow our passions, and change the world.
In memory of Laura Hillier, her legacy continues to inspire a movement of compassion, unity, and support, driving efforts toward a future where childhood cancer is a thing of the past.
beautiful