25 Anonymous Submissions about Claire's Ongoing Impact

Claire meant so much to so many people. Her impact went far beyond the CF community. She taught people how to live their lives outside the fear of death and how to overcome any obstacle. For this reason, we wanted to provide a space where people could anonymously share their memories of Claire, how she impacted their lives, and what they learned from her.

When we launched this new website just 1 year ago, we were all very excited to include just that feature and since then we have been overwhelmed with the wonderful words you have sent us. They are a reminder that Claire’s legacy and impact lives on.

So, in celebration of Claire’s 25th Birthday, we wanted to share 25 excerpts of these anonymous messages and encourage you to submit your own here.

1

“Claire taught me that I could miss somebody I never knew... Claire was wise beyond her years and a true beacon that will shine forever. As someone who believes in heaven, there is not a single person I wish to meet for the first time more than Claire.”

2

"Every time I start feeling overwhelmed in my own little world, just watching one of Claire's videos make me want to stop whining about what I don't have and just enjoy what I DO have and enjoy my life as it IS and not what I wish it were."

3

"You made the world a better place to live. With your vision and hard work, you made a lot of people overcome their fears and live a wonderful life... Your work for the CF community will always be remembered. You are such an inspiration."

4

"Claire, I found your documentary on YouTube by chance last weekend and I can’t stop thinking about it. You’ve give me a new way of looking at the world and my reason for being here... Your legacy lives on. "

5

"Just that 30 mins of watching her I feel like a weight has been taken off my chest... What a GIFT she was and still IS to this world!

Thank you, Claire."

6

“Claire found purpose and meaning from her illness and rather than focusing on the illness, she made a choice to help others and focus on what she could control. She not only inspired people with CF, but she inspired so many people.”

7

“Having someone like Claire who spoke about terminal illnesses gives me hope that more children like me living with serious diseases will receive the support and treatment they deserve.”

8

“You gave me a sense of peace in myself and pulled me out of the dark place I was drowning in and I can still feel you here with me. Thank you for saving me, Claire.”

9

I’m so proud of you, Claire. I never met you, but I feel so much about your fight and about your life. You were glorious and brilliant for sure. May we meet in another life.”

10

“I can identify with Claire so much. Although I suffer from another condition I can relate to her words and view on life in general and the part the illness takes. It helps so much to listen to her words as she picks exactly the right way of using them. She raised awareness and she encouraged us to be more mindful. Thank you so much. What a wonderful, strong and inspiring woman!”

11

“Claire didn't wait until she got better to live a life she would be proud of, and I'm not going to wait until I'm dying to do the same.”

12

“Claire, I've never met you in person (I so wish I did, even once) but I want you to know that you've touched my heart and gotten into my soul just from watching you live and love your own life.”

13

“Your legacy still lives on to this day. We love you.”

14

“People always use the saying ‘what an angel’ but my idea/standards of one have never been met… until you came.”

15

“Being in nursing school, years after watching your videos, I thought of you. I’m so moved by your words and feel such an emotional connection that I have to say something or do something in your honor, I’m going to try my hardest to ace my oxygen/circulation exam for you and do my best as a nurse for patients who also have CF and other respiratory illnesses, you’ve given me a perspective on life and on what it’s like to be on that side of healthcare. I promise to remember your words, Claire.”

16

“I’m so amazed by Claire. She was/is still such a smart and powerful woman. She made me think about my life lately and gives me more motivation to live my life. She is such a wonderful human being and she will always be with us in our hearts.”

17

“You inspired me be a better person. Your life was a gift for us whom where touch by your message.”

18

“Thank you Claire, you've been the best influence and motivation for me. I hope you are living the time of your life in heaven, and is able to see all the positive changes you have done to the world.”

19

“I've recently developed crippling existential anxiety and a fear of death. It has stopped me right in my tracks. Tonight, I've been watching Claire’s old videos and interviews, and she's really made me feel less alone. But also, so human. I am so grateful for that. I am alive now, in this moment I am okay, and it was Claire that helped me see that. Thank you.”

20

“Life is important, and yours was no exception. Everyone misses you and your sweet face, and you will never be forgotten. I never met you or knew you at all, but I saw the impact you've had on people, and your encouraging words.”

21

“I've never met Claire personally but she has inspired me and continues to inspire me every day. I wish I had gotten to know her and share her energy in person, but just watching her videos, she is such a force of energy and inspiration, it just radiates through her and touch you even from thousands of miles away.”

22

“You have helped so many people. I want to help people the way you helped them.”

23

“I don’t have CF but I watched your videos everyday when I was going though the darkest time of my life. I didn’t think I could be anything or that my life was worth living. I thought I had already failed but you told me that it was important to live. That death isn’t scary but there isn’t a reason to run to meet it but to spend the time giving love and kindness anywhere its dark and scary.”

24

“It makes me so sad that Claire's days were limited, but I am so glad she had the days that she had. And she made change. For me, and for many other people.”

25

“Her purpose here on Earth was fulfilled and now we, the living must continue to spread joy and hope like Claire did. It is our turn to live a life that we're proud of. Wouldn't the world be a better place! Thank You Claire for your wisdom, selflessness, and inspiration. I hope at the end of my life, I can say that I am proud of the life I lived and that I made a difference in the world.”