Olivia Wise, the girl known for her cover of Katy Perry’s hit single, Roar, passed away on Monday, November 25, leaving thousands of fans and her family mourning a great loss.
“She died peacefully in her home surrounded by the extraordinary love of her family,” a family statement sent to CNN said.
Olivia was diagnosed with a very aggressive form of brain cancer in January 2012. She took the news that she had an inoperable brain tumor very well and was determined to not let it kill her spirit.
Olivia Wise, I can hear you singing with the angels now. Your spirit & strength has inspired me & so many others… May you rest in peace.
— Katy Perry (@katyperry) November 26, 2013
“Every day, she wished for a cure, and rarely succumbed to negative thoughts,” Olivia’s mom said. “To tell the truth, her diagnosis didn’t change her personality. It only enhanced it. She took the news in a mature, reasonable, responsible way. … Even in the most difficult moments, she managed to bring laughter and friendship to all that were caring for her.”
In September, after learning that there were no more treatments available, Olivia had a wish to record Roar in a professional studio. Her wish came true and she later posted the video to YouTube. The video shows her sitting in a chair singing the lyrics to the song flawlessly. Her cover instantly went viral, and as of today, has 1,108,557 views.
Once Perry learned of the video, she sent a message to Olivia via YouTube. “I was very moved and you sounded great,” Perry said. “I love you. A lot of people love you and that’s why your video got to me. It moved everybody that saw it.” Perry ended her video saying, “Keep roaring!”
The Liv Wise Fund Foundations has raised $109,719 so far for brain cancer research. You can make donations to The Liv Wise Fund on Olivia’s tribute page. Olivia’s cover of the song is also available on iTunes and all proceeds will go to brain cancer research as well.
[Image via YouTube]