Laura Hillier was first diagnosed with leukemia at the age of 13. After four years of being cancer-free, the disease tragically returned.

A gifted and well-loved student at Nelson High School in Ontario, Canada, Laura passed away on January 20, 2016, at the age of 18. Despite the intense battle she fought, she succumbed to acute myeloid leukemia while waiting for a transplant. She spent her final moments surrounded by family and friends at a hospital in Canada.

On the day of her passing, Laura’s family shared a poignant message with her many supporters on the “Hope for Laura” Facebook page: “She fought bravely and all of you would have been so proud of her. Her poise, her courage, her strength, and her pure spirit shone through right until the end.”

To honor Laura’s life, her family, friends, students, and teachers came together to create a unique and heartfelt tribute. Using colorful markers, they transformed her  casket into a beautiful canvas filled with messages celebrating her life. This tribute, resembling a yearbook send-off, was inspired by Laura’s 12th-grade yearbook, which she had received shortly before her passing.

The casket, covered in these touching inscriptions, quickly went viral, resonating with people far beyond her community. The messages included expressions of love, admiration, and memories that highlighted Laura’s musical talent, artistic abilities, and the deep impact she had on those around her. Phrases like “You were musical. You were artistic. You were understanding. You were my best friend,” and “Life is a song… Sing ’til your heart’s content” were among the many heartfelt notes.

Purple, Laura’s favorite color, was thoughtfully incorporated throughout her funeral service. From the flowers to the attire of those in attendance, whether a scarf or a tie, the color served as a vivid reminder of Laura’s vibrant spirit.

In memory of Laura, donations can be made to Coast to Coast, a national charity dedicated to ending childhood cancer.