Our Founder, Claire Wineland, dies one week after lung transplant

Last night at 6:00pm, Claire Wineland our inspirational founder passed away. She was not in any pain and the medical staff said it was the most peaceful passing they had ever witnessed.She was surrounded by love and with her mother Melissa Yeager and father John Wineland; they saw her into this world for her first breath and were with her for her last.She suffered a massive stroke on August 26th after a successful double lung transplant. The stroke was caused by a blood clot. After a week of intensive care and various life saving procedures, it became clear that it was Claire’s time to go.Yesterday, Claire’s family and a few very close friends came to say their final farewells and offer their support to the family.In Claire fashion, she is an organ donor. Claire’s remarkable family were so happy for the other families that were now getting the calls that the organ they had long been waiting for was now available for transplant. They had been on the receiving end of that call just one short week ago.We know Claire was loved all over the world. Your prayers, support and encouraging words, have been a huge source of strength for her and her family. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your massive amazing out pouring of love.We are asking to please give the family privacy at this time. They have so generously shared their lovely Claire’s remarkable journey with us all, but now is the time to give them some peace from the public spotlight. They will emerge eventually, but please give them the time to come to terms with their family member's passing.In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to be made to Claire’s foundation.Claire’s Place Foundation is committed to upholding Claire’s legacy by assisting Cystic Fibrosis families in need.In the words of our precious founder Claire Wineland: “Death is Inevitable. Living a life we can be proud of is something we can control.”You sure made the whole world proud of you Claire!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.Hug your loved ones close,LauraLaura McHolmChairman of the BoardClaire's Place FoundationPhoto Credit: Larissa PerrouxFULL POST on Facebook.com