There’s nothing that scares a parent more than the thought of losing one of their kids. Just ask any mom or dad, no matter where they are in the world, and they will agree with you.
Unfortunately, this was the harsh reality for the parents of Laura Hillier, who found out she had leukemia when she was only 13 years old. After four long years, she was told she was cancer-free, but then the disease came back in a cruel twist of fate.
It’s heartbreaking to say that Laura, a bright and well-liked student at Nelson High School in Ontario, Canada, passed away on January 20, 2016.
Her family shared the sad news on a Facebook page they created to keep friends and supporters informed about her battle.
“She fought with so much bravery, and all of you would have been incredibly proud of her. Her grace, her bravery, her strength, and her beautiful spirit shone brightly until the very end,” her family wrote.
To honor Laura and her inspiring bravery, her classmates and teachers did something really special for her funeral, customizing her casket to show just how much they all loved and missed her.
Not long after, images of Laura’s casket circulated online… and it’s clear why they attracted so much attention.
It was late January 2016 when Laura Hillier lost her battle. At just 18 years old, she succumbed to acute myeloid leukemia while waiting for a transplant.
According to reports, the young girl left this life surrounded by her loved ones in the hospital.
Laura’s battle with cancer started when she was only 13, after being diagnosed with leukemia. After a challenging four years, during which she went through numerous treatments, she was finally declared cancer-free.
Unfortunately, in May 2015, her cancer returned with more intensity.
Laura, who went to Nelson High School in Ontario, Canada, was famous for her passion for music and theater.
It was reported that Laura’s classmates wanted to take the idea of writing notes in high school yearbooks and use it for Laura’s funeral. They wanted her to have a farewell filled with love, just like a cherished friend and student deserves.
The outcome was as beautifully heartwarming as anyone could imagine. To honor Laura’s life, her friends, family, neighbors, teachers, classmates, and the staff at the hospital where she received care all wrote tributes to her on her casket.
Their heartfelt, handwritten notes filled her whole coffin.
As Laura’s family read the messages, they felt so much love and support.
One message said: “You were so musical. You were creative. You were so understanding. You were my best friend.”
Another message said: “You were very brave and strong. You will always be a hero.”
Purple, which is Laura’s favorite color, was clearly visible at the funeral. The church was decorated with purple flowers, and everyone who attended the wedding had some purple on their clothes.
It’s obvious that Laura left us too soon, but it’s really touching to witness the love from her community.
Rest in peace, Laura.
