Tuesday, July 16, 2013

Talia Joy Castellano - In Memoriam


We first met Talia Joy Castellano six years ago when her battle with neuroblastoma began.  Her life has been one of Love...bringing awareness of childhood cancer to the forefront.   Talia Joy left our world today at the age of thirteen, but her spirit lives on.

Over the years, as Talia bravely fought the cancer within, she turned outward and became an Internet sensation with her make-up videos, her line of fashion, and her presence on Facebook and YouTube. An appearance on The Ellen Show brought her many new friends and accolades.

The photo above was taken at a special birthday party last August. It was a spectacular event with a Las Vegas casino theme. The party was put together by family and friends in an Orlando hotel. We were privileged to be invited and that was the last time we saw Talia.

People Magazine has a story about Talia, and there are numerous articles in the media tonight, including a very nice piece by The Huffington Post. Talia spent most of the last six months in the hospital and was in a great deal of pain toward the end.

Tonight, her pain is gone, but her bright and smiling face, her intelligence, and her love of life will not be forgotten by those who were blessed to know her.  And her spirit lives on...

20 comments:

Halcyon said...

Her friends and family will be in my thoughts. What a strong and thoughtful young woman she was. I'm sure she will be missed by many.

Randy said...

Such a lovely young woman. So very brave.

Olivier said...

triste nouvelle, et un bel hommage pour cette jeune fille qui c'est battu toute sa vie...;(((

Olivier said...

une pensee a sa famille et ses amis

cieldequimper said...

That's why I find it so hard to believe there's a you know who...

Andy said...

Cancer is an ugly disease that as made life so painful for so many.

brattcat said...

she has proven it is possible to make a difference in the world no matter how short your time is.

Birdman said...

Peace.

Dave-CostaRicaDailyPhoto.com said...

I have not seen the media about her. Thank you for a very touching and fitting tribute.

Judy said...

Such a touching post and a beautiful portrait.

Sharon said...

This is a most touching tribute to a strong and beautiful young woman. Her spirit is an inspiration to all of us.

EG CameraGirl said...

How sad such a lovely person died so young.

Anonymous said...

Her spirit lives on indeed.

magiceye said...

May her soul rest in peace

Kay said...

Beautiful portrait; she sounds like a remarkable young woman.

Stefan Jansson said...

It is a horrible disease. Sorry to hear about your young friend.

LOLfromPasa said...

Wonderful tribute, Lowell, to a lovely and brave young lady. Thank you for sharing.

Small City Scenes said...

A beautiful young lady.
....and her spirit lives on......

Rest in Peace Sweet One.

MB

Hilda said...

This is a beautiful portrait, and an even more beautiful tribute. I am glad her pain is over, though, but I will pray for the family and friends she left behind.

Kate said...

Oh, Lowell! This post makes me want to weep. A lovely young soul with so much to offer. LIfe just ain't fair.

"Photographers deal in things which are continually vanishing and when they have vanished there is no contrivance on earth which can make them come back again." — Henri Cartier-Bresson