'Thank you for the affection': Cancer-stricken influencer, 20, bids farewell to followers in harrowing video
MADRID, SPAIN: In a heartbreaking video, a 20-year-old influencer who has a rare kind of cancer bids her followers farewell and revealed that her symptoms have gotten worse and she is receiving end-of-life treatment. Elena Huelva, from Spain, was diagnosed with a rare type of bone cancer in 2016 called Ewing sarcoma.
Huelva has more than 655,000 followers on Instagram owing to the documentation of her medical journey online. In the last six years, she has been open and honest about her battle with the illness on social media. Huelva gave her fans a sorrowful update on Sunday, December 4, saying goodbye and disclosing that her health had gotten worse. The influencer was visibly upset but managed to contain her tears as she said that "things were not going well" in a video posted to her Instagram account, captioned, "I wanted to drop this video here, because at the end of life is the memories we take, the people, the love, and I've already won. For love, for fight, for people, forever."
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She said in the video, "They found more disease in my windpipe, which is very dangerous, as you know, because that's where we breathe," said Huelva in the video. "I don't need to say much more. No matter what happens, I know that my life has not been in vain because I have fought and I have achieved what I want, to [bring awareness to the disease]." She explained that she hoped she would never have to make this video, but added, "I want to make it clear that I've already won. With all the love and people I have by my side, I've already won. At the end of the day, life is about living and making memories with people, and I take away many good memories with lots of wonderful people and many other things. I would like to thank you for all the affection you have always given me. I love you."
The video has gone viral, gaining over 680,000 likes. Many of her followers have sent supportive and loving comments in the video's comment box. She was referred to as a "champion" by one and an "inspiration to all" by another. "We love you and we admire you. You are an inspiration to all," one person wrote. "You're a champion. You already won no matter what," added another. Someone else said, "My darling, you are an example of love and constant struggle. Your desire always wins! We love you." "I love you very much Elena, the best example of self-improvement I ever met," read the fourth comment.