Laura Hillier was first diagnosed with leukemia at the age of 13. She had experienced four years of remission before the cancer tragically reappeared.

Laura, a talented and beloved student at Nelson High School in Ontario, Canada, lost her battle with this devastating illness on January 20, 2016.

Later that day, her family shared the following information with their many friends and followers on the Hope for Laura Facebook page:

“She displayed incredible bravery, and we know you would have been immensely proud of her. Her grace, courage, strength, and vibrant spirit were evident until the very end.”

In honor of Laura, her family, friends, and teachers chose to decorate her casket with vibrant, colorful markers, creating a beautiful tribute.

The photos and story of this heartfelt gesture quickly spread online, touching the hearts of people around the globe…

Laura Hillier passed away on January 20, 2016, at the age of 18. She succumbed to acute myeloid leukemia while awaiting a transplant.

Laura died in a hospital in Canada, surrounded by family and friends.

Laura was first diagnosed with cancer at the age of 13. After enjoying four years of remission, she unfortunately relapsed in May of this year.

At Nelson High School in Ontario, Laura was well-known for her passion for music and drama.

Though she received her 12th-grade yearbook before passing away, her classmates and family were determined to give her a proper “yearbook send-off” during her burial ceremony.

Laura’s family, friends, neighbors, teachers, classmates, medical staff, and coworkers came together to transform her casket into a beautiful yearbook, honoring her life, infectious spirit, and extraordinary talent.

Heartfelt messages, written in an array of colors, covered the casket, creating a touching tribute.

Laura’s plain white casket, now beautifully covered in vibrant messages, has captured attention worldwide. The inscriptions are deeply personal, heartfelt, and profoundly moving.

You were musical. You were artistic. You were understanding. You were my best friend.

Life is a song…Sing ’til your heart’s content

Very brave and strong. You will always be a hero.

Laura’s favorite color, purple, was thoughtfully incorporated into every aspect of her funeral service — from the stunning floral arrangements to the attire of those in attendance, whether it was a scarf, tie, or another accessory.

Donations in Laura’s memory can be made to Coast to Coast, a national charity dedicated to ending childhood cancer.