Claire Wineland, YouTube Star and Cystic Fibrosis Activist, Dies at 21

Bernie Sanders, Joe Manganiello and others share condolences

claire wineland
Jesse Grant/Getty Images

Cystic fibrosis activist Claire Wineland, the founder of non-profit organization “Claire’s Place Foundation,” died Sunday as a result of a stroke she suffered just over a week ago after a double lung transplant. She was 21.

The foundation’s chairman of the board Laura McHolm announced the news on Facebook on Monday, writing, “She was one red hot spark of inspiration and joy, wasn’t she? Rest In Peace Sweet Warrior Claire, we will continue where you left off.” The foundation, which Wineland started at the age of 13, is meant to provide support to children and families affected by cystic fibrosis.

Wineland brought awareness to the disorder, which affects mainly the lungs and makes breathing difficult, through her YouTube channel, which amassed more than 250,000 subscribers. Her candid posts on her social media touched on subjects surrounding living with cystic fibrosis such as her treatments and transplant. She also spoke at a Tedx talk, last year.

“Life isn’t just about being happy,” she said in her talk. “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.”

Wineland guest-starred in an episode of the medical drama”Red Band Society” in 2014. She was also featured in the CW docuseries “My Last Days,” hosted by “Jane the Virgin” star Justin Baldoni.

Many people, including Baldoni, Bernie Sanders and Joe Manganiello, have honored Wineland’s legacy on Twitter:

https://twitter.com/LarsonShyla/status/1036848984374038528

Comments