On February 14, 2007, at the age of seven, Talia Joy Castellano was diagnosed with neuroblastoma, a form of childhood cancer. After three relapses and a diagnosis of a secondary cancer, MDS/preleukemia, Talia continued to fight two forms of cancer at the same time. She continued treatments knowing there was no cure, but hoped to slow down the progression to prolong her life. After six and a half years, on July 16, 2013 at 11:22am, Talia Joy Castellano lost her battle to childhood cancer.
Throughout her battle, Talia never stopped dreaming. She loved people, shopping, music, the beach, watching YouTube, fashion, social media and most of all makeup! Talia started using makeup when she was seven years old, after she was diagnosed with neuroblastoma. Combining all of her loves into one, Talia started her own YouTube channel, Taliajoy18. Talia gave her subscribers makeup tutorials and uploaded vlogs that shed light on her cancer. Talia still has over 2 Million subscribers on YouTube and over 1 Million followers on Instagram, @taliajoy18. She continues to inspire people to live their lives to the fullest and to love themselves as they are.
Unfortunately, Talia lost her hair while battling childhood cancer and makeup became her passion. Talia created the motto "Makeup Is My Wig". Talia wanted to help other children feel pretty and confident like she did, so she started Glam WARS. Glam WARS is now a program that teaches young girls how to apply makeup to help them feel empowered while fighting childhood cancer.
Talia has been featured on numerous national television shows, magazines, and online publications. In September 2012, Talia had the privilege of being on The Ellen DeGeneres Show. Here she was bestowed the honor of becoming an honorary COVERGIRL. She had the opportunity to be a correspondent for The Ellen Show at the iHeart Radio Music Festival where she interviewed Gwen Stefani and No Doubt, Usher, Ryan Seacrest, Miley Cyrus, Demi Lovato, Miranda Lambert, Jason Aldean, and more!
Talia saw life as her chance to shine, a way to leave behind a legacy for her fans, friends and family. Talia always said she wanted to leave her footprints and hand prints on this world so she will never be forgotten.
