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MANILA, Philippines – Talia Castellano, a cancer patient who became a viral make-up guru on YouTube and an honorary CoverGirl, died on July 16 (July 17 Manila time) at the age of 13.
A post on her Facebook fan page announced that she “earned her wings” at 11:22am on Tuesday.
It added, “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 here with us. We will miss you more than you will ever know baby girl.”
According to Huffington Post, Castellano battled two types of aggressive cancer for 6 years: neuroblastoma and preleukemia.
Kidshealth.org defines neuroblastoma as “a rare disease in which a solid tumor (a lump or mass caused by uncontrolled or abnormal cell growth) is formed by special nerve cells called neuroblasts.” Preleukemia is a condition in which the bone marrow does not produce enough healthy blood cells.
Despite this, Castellano continued to give bubbly beauty tips and make-up tutorials on her YouTube Channel, taliajoy18, which currently has more than 800,000 subscribers. Though she lost her hair to chemotherapy, her profile picture shows “Make Up Is My Wig” written on her scalp in pink.
The channel also features personal vlogs about her battle with cancer.
In October 2012, the teen’s long-time dream became a reality when she appeared on “The Ellen Degeneres Show.” Degeneres surprised her with the announcement that Castellano was made an honorary CoverGirl or face of the American cosmetics brand, CoverGirl.
A CoverGirl portrait of Castellano was unveiled during the show and has since gone viral.
Watch Castellano on “The Ellen Degeneres Show” here:
Hearing news of Castellano’s death, Degeneres tweeted:
This year I met a very special girl, and today we lost her. Sending my heart to Talia's family. I'm so sad.
— Ellen DeGeneres (@TheEllenShow) July 16, 2013
CoverGirl joined in mourning for the inspiring teen:
Talia Castellano was the meaning of a true COVERGIRL. Please join me in sending love and honoring her memory. pic.twitter.com/apfwOQRw8e
— COVERGIRL (@COVERGIRL) July 16, 2013
– With reports from Pia Ranada/Rappler.com
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