CoverGirl star and makeup guru Talia Joy Castellano “earned her wings” early Tuesday morning after a hard-fought six-year battle with cancer.
Castellano inspired millions around the world with her online makeup tutorials and her story. The 13-year-old Orlando, Florida teen was diagnosed with Stage 4 neuroblastoma at the age of seven, during which she began undergoing chemotherapy treatments as the cancer went in and out of remission.
Despite the hardships, Castellano remained bubbly and cheerful, refusing to wear a wig even when she lost all her hair. Instead, the girl channeled her energy and passion into perfecting makeup tutorials that she later posted online, wowing YouTube viewers with her confidence and beauty know-how.
In September 2012, the teen was granted one of her many wishes and appeared on Ellen DeGeneres’ show. Castellano had longed to meet DeGeneres, who was herself inspired by the teen and brought her a surprise announcement.
“I’m a CoverGirl,” said DeGeneres. “And CoverGirl heard your story and they want to make you an honorary CoverGirl.”
But last year, Castellano’s cancer spread to her bones and she was soon diagnosed with pre-leukemia. Castellano then made the decision to stop cancer treatment and posted a video on YouTube informing her fans of the diagnosis.
“Having cancer has been a gift, yet a horrible, horrible terrifying thing,” she said. “But I’ve gotten so many benefits from it … having a YouTube channel and having to inspire people and having people look up to me and explaining to you guys how I adore and love makeup — using it as my wig — and having so much self-confidence and going out to the grocery store without a wig. It’s amazing but every journey has an end.”
Ellen DeGeneres publicly mourned the teen’s passing on Tuesday with a tweet and an Instagram photo of the girl. Castellano’s family posted an official announcement on her Facebook page, which has since been flooded with condolences from the girl’s fans and the family’s supporters.
Castellano’s YouTube channel is online here, and everyone can still watch the videos to remember a girl who, in spite of the challenges she faced, remained brave and confident to the very end.