Harrison Gilks, who became a TikTok star because of his viral “wish list”, died of a rare cancer last week on the age of 18.
Walked “with mom, dad and brother holding hands and by his side” we read within the obituary.
“Harrison was an inspiration to many,” he continues. “He has all the time found the great in every situation and touched the lives of many, spreading hope and encouragement through his TikTok videos where he chronicled and shared his cancer journey with the world.”
Based on a Canadian content creator in November 2020, he was diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare, normally childhood cancer that affects the soft tissues CDC news.
By that point, doctors had found a tumor near his prostate and spots on his lungs, CDC News reports, leading to months of grueling treatment with chemotherapy and radiation.
In February 2022, he was showing signs of remission and decided to go on a family vacation to have fun – but it surely was premature. Only just a few months later, the cancer returned and his condition was declared terminal.
Harrison who assembled 300,000 followers on TikTok announced his devastating diagnosis within the app last June and launched his “wish list” – determined to travel and experience the whole lot possible before his time runs out.
“He was determined to not let cancer stand in his way,” reads his obituary. “But after almost two and a half years of hard fighting, knowing he had done as much as he could, knowing he was loved and robust, he said goodbye.”
The Recent Brunswick native got to see his favorite sports teams in addition to hockey picturesque places he only dreamed ofcorresponding to the Rocky Mountains and Banff i Canadian destinations Jasper.
On TikTok, he shared his unthinkable journey, including clips standing on the sector at football matches, sitting on the bench during hockey games AND meeting his heroes.
His father, Trevor, reflected on Harrison’s many “firsts and lasts” for CBC News.
“Each time there was something that put an enormous smile on his face and you could possibly tell he had forgotten concerning the cancer at that moment,” said Trevor. “You see these moments and it’s all price it.”
Harrison’s diagnostic post garnered over 7 million views as users encouraged the young creator to make the perfect use of his time. With the assistance of the area people, he was in a position to fulfill his last wish.
“It’s just like the whole community made sure it was possible,” said Trevor, calling it “extraordinary.” “It’s what chokes me probably the most when strangers need to be a component of it.”
Even after Harrison’s death, his online community participated in “He’s sticking with Harrisonby posting photos and videos of hockey sticks in his memory.
Harrison’s last video was posted on March 21 from his hospital bed when he revealed that he was affected by complications cancer that spread after the ultimate family vacation to Mexico.
On the time, he said he did not have much time left since the tumors had caused considered one of his lungs to fill with fluid, making it difficult to breathe. Within the clip, he said he wished his doctors – and even his devout followers – could do something to save lots of him, but his prospects are grim.
“I like you guys. Thanks for all of your support with the whole lot,” he said within the film which reached 5.4 million viewers. While his wish list wasn’t complete, it was pretty much as good because it gets.
“Wish list series ready,” he said, ending the video. Within the comments, his fans poured out love, support and prayers for the young TikToker.
Ten days later, his death was announced.
His younger brother David published a heartwarming clip on Harrison’s account, announcing Harrison’s departure and assuring supporters that the sports lover was not hurt when he left.
“I just wanted to return here and thank everyone from world wide for his or her support and encouragement,” he said. “It really meant so much to him.”
Harrison was survived by his brother David; Trevor and Sonya’s parents; in addition to his aunts, uncles, cousins and grandparents. His funeral will happen on Friday and his family is asking for donations to the charity named after him.