SHENANDOAH — Hundreds of people came out on Saturday in Luzerne County to celebrate the life of a little girl who lost her battle with cancer.
The memorial service was held to honor little Audrianna Bartol who captured the hearts of thousands in the Hazleton area.
on Saturday, Audrianna was remembered for her laughter, her strength, and her fight.
It was a tearful goodbye to Audrianna outside the Faith United Church of Christ in Hazle Township.
Hundreds of people came out to honor Audrianna and remember her long hard fight against cancer.
“Audrianna had so many people who loved her, 80,000 followers on her Facebook page, and every person who met her touched their heart and they loved her,” said Angela Bartol, Audrianna’s mother.
Dozens and dozens of people lined up inside the church all to to pay their respects to Audrianna’s mother and family.
Audrianna died last Friday after a six year battle against a rare form of cancer called neuroblastoma.
Audrianna’s mother said they chose to have this kind of memorial, with balloons, and painting and food, instead of funeral services.
“We wanted to have a celebration of life, that’s the way Audri was, any smile on her face would brighten up your life,” said Judy Kasarda, Audrianna’s grandmother.
Several who came out to support Audrianna said they hope this will bring awareness to such an awful disease.
“It’s a horrible thing. They need to find a cure for it, we see a lot of it doing dog therapy and dog visits, we see too much of it, and there needs to be a cure. Someone this young to die is just so sad,” said Michele Barnhart of McAdoo.
Audrianna’s family said they will continue Audrianna’s memory, continue to raise money and turn Audrianna’s wish into a foundation to help other children who are battling cancer.
They will fulfill these kids’ last wishes, like going up in a hot air balloon or a helicopter because it’s what Audrianna would have wanted.
“Then they’ll be able to say Audrianna sent us up in a hot air balloon because that’s what she watned, that’s her legacy, that’s her voice, and her legacy will not be silenced, and she will live on,” said Angela Bartol.
Along with the foundation, Audrianna’s family will also plant a butterfly garden at helping hands in Luzerne County this spring.
