Meet Claire Wineland
At the age of 13, Claire Wineland founded Claire’s Place Foundation to provide support to children and families affected by cystic fibrosis (CF). Claire lived with CF her entire life. Claire was an activist, speaker, philanthropist, and author. She committed her life to traveling the world and speaking about her experience, from the beautiful and humorous, to the painful parts of her life. She inspired all who followed her journey and broke down barriers for those who live every day with a chronic illness.
Claire’s inspirational outlook led her to be a social media star and TEDx Speaker. She spoke at leading events across the globe, as well as at top universities and companies such as Zappos and Philips. To truly feel the power of Claire, please watch her talks below.
Claire’s Place Foundation was a way for Claire to give back with hope, strength, and joy. The foundation gave meaning to her life experience. In her own words, "I know my life will be shorter so every day has meaning." She was driven to find new ways to help the CF community and other children afflicted with chronic illness. In September of 2018, Claire passed away at the age of 21.
Claire was honored as Glamour Magazine’s 2018 “College Women of the Year” grand prize winner and she received numerous other awards including one of Seventeen Magazine’s “17 Power Teens” of 2016, Fox Teen Choice Awards 2015, Global Genes’ RARE Champion of Hope Award, World of Children Youth Award, the Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes and winner of Los Angeles Business Journal’s “Small Nonprofit of the Year,” among others. She was featured on The Dr. Oz Show, CNN, Huffington Post, ABC News, Cosmopolitan, People, Ladies’ Home Journal, and more.
Year Two. Everyone knows year one after a loved one’s passing is going to be heartbreaking and excruciatingly difficult. And yes, it does get easier. Not easier because you miss them less, but easier because you have learned how to get up and keep going while you miss them.