Motivational speaker and social media star dies one week after lung transplant

Social media star Claire Wineland passed away at the age of 21 only a week after undergoing a nine-hour transplant surgery.

Claire drew her last breath on Sunday, September 2, 2018; her family made the heartbreaking decision of taking her off life support because there was nothing more that could have been done for her.

According to a post made by Claire's Place, Claire's foundation, on Facebook, the 21-year-old was surrounded by her loved ones, including her parents, Melissa Yeager and John Wineland, at the time of her passing.

“Her mother Melissa Yeager and father John Wineland saw her into this world for her first breath and were with her for her last. After a week of intensive care and various life-saving procedures, it became clear that it was Claire’s time to go.”

Claire's Place, Facebook, September 2, 2018

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HER FINAL MOMENTS

It was revealed in the post that Claire, who was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at birth, suffered a massive heart attack on August 26 after the successful double lung transplant.

The stroke caused the blood to clot and, after a week of intensive care and several life-saving procedures, doctors realized that the best decision was to allow Claire to have a peaceful death.

A HEART OF GOLD

But, even though Claire has passed, she will be able to continue making a difference in the lives of thousands of people, not only through her words but through her actions.

The 21-year-old was an organ donor and, so far, her kidneys have saved two lives and it is estimated that she will be able to do the same for 50 others.

SHE WAS SO PASSIONATE ABOUT LIFE

Claire used to share her struggles with cystic fibrosis, either by posting photos of her treatments or by delivering inspirational and emotional speeches, such as the one she did at a 2017 TEDx Talk.

On the day of the surgery, Claire was very excited and shared a photo of herself hugging her mother, revealing that the lungs were a perfect match and that everything was ready to go.

HER LIFE LESSON

“Life isn’t just about being happy. It’s not about how you feel second to second. It’s about what you’re making of your life and whether you can find a deep pride in who you are and what you’ve given.”

Claire Wineland, TEDx Talk, July 2017

Claire may be gone, but her message of love and hope will forever live through her words and she will be remembered as a very strong and beautiful woman who never let her disease bring her down.

John McCain, who was laid to rest on Sunday, September 2, at the U.S. Naval Academy, in Maryland, where he graduated from in 1958, was also someone considered to be very strong and considerate of others.

Although he had his own opinions regarding several subjects, McCain didn't mistreat anyone, regardless of their gender, beliefs, age or political stance, and, just like Claire, people like that are getting harder and harder to find.