Talia Castellano facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Talia Joy Castellano
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Talia with her special magazine cover, first shown on Ellen
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| Born | August 18, 1999 |
| Died | July 16, 2013 (aged 13) Orlando, Florida, U.S.
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| Cause of death | Neuroblastoma |
| Resting place | Ohev Shalom Cemetery |
| Years active | 2011—2013 |
| YouTube information | |
| Years active | 2011–2013 |
| Genre | Makeup tutorials |
| Subscribers | 1.42 million |
| Total views | 96.2 million |
Talia Joy Castellano (born August 18, 1999 – died July 16, 2013) was a brave American internet personality and model. She became well-known for her fun YouTube videos, especially her makeup and fashion tips. In 2012, she was even named the first honorary CoverGirl. Talia faced a tough battle with two types of cancer, neuroblastoma and leukemia, for six years. She passed away on July 16, 2013. Her YouTube channel continues to inspire many, with over a million subscribers.
Talia's Early Life and Health Journey
Talia was born on August 18, 1999, in Orlando, Florida. She grew up in central Florida with her mom, Desiree, and in New York City with her dad, Marc. She had three siblings: Kaitlyn, Jackson, and Mattia.
When Talia was 7 years old, she started having fevers and tummy pain. On February 14, 2007, doctors found something unusual. She was diagnosed with neuroblastoma, a rare type of cancer that affects children.
Talia went through many treatments and was even declared cancer-free at one point. However, the cancer came back three times over the next six years. She was also diagnosed with another condition called myelodysplastic syndrome, which is sometimes called pre-leukemia. Doctors found it very hard to treat both cancers at the same time. When Talia learned her cancer could not be cured, she chose to focus on palliative care. This type of care helps people feel comfortable and have the best quality of life possible.
Her Amazing Career and Activism
When Talia was first diagnosed, she found comfort in a family friend, Tammy DeLaRosa, who had also survived cancer. Tammy taught Talia how to use makeup. On August 27, 2011, Talia uploaded her very first makeup tutorial video to YouTube. It was called "Crazy eyeliner" and quickly got over 30,000 views!
Talia and her father, Marc, also started a charity called Band of Parents. This group worked to find a cure for neuroblastoma. They became a big supporter of cancer research at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.
In September 2012, Talia appeared on The Ellen DeGeneres Show. It was a huge moment when she was announced as a face for CoverGirl cosmetics. She even appeared in CoverGirl magazine ads with her famous slogan, "Makeup is my wig." Talia also worked with the BASE Camp Children's Cancer Foundation in Orlando. This program helps children battling cancer and their families. Talia often shared in her videos that she was not afraid of dying. She said, "when it's my turn to go, that will be my turn to go."
The YouTube Rewind video of 2013 was dedicated to Talia. At the end, it showed the handwritten words, "For Talia Joy, who still inspires us."
Talia's Legacy
Talia passed away at the Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children in Orlando, Florida, on July 16, 2013. This was about a month before her 14th birthday. She had spent her last three months receiving comfort care. After years of difficult treatments, she decided not to have any more aggressive treatments. The news of her passing was shared on the Angels For Talia Facebook page.
On the day Talia died, her older sister, Mattia, posted a video on Talia's YouTube channel. Mattia explained that she wanted Talia's friends to help carry on Talia's wishes. Talia had a "bucket list" of things she wanted to do. Mattia also shared her dream of creating a makeup line and a clothing line in Talia's honor. Friends and family shared pictures of things from Talia's bucket list, like getting a tattoo and having a "huge water balloon fight." Talia's YouTube channel and Twitter are now managed by her older sister and mother, who share occasional updates and promotions.
