Funeral For Teen Cancer Fighter Celebrates Inspiration She Gave Community
GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (CBS4) - A Colorado girl's brave fight against cancer ended last week, but her memory and inspiration remain strong in the community.
Delaney Clements' funeral was held Saturday afternoon at the Fellowship Church in Grand Junction.
"I've heard the saying that god gives his hardest battles to his strongest soldiers and I honestly believe that I am one of his strongest soldiers," said the 13-year-old in a video from last year.
For six years, this Colorado soldier fought cancer and conducted a campaign to meet Taylor Swift.
Despite her cancer treatments, Delaney still had the energy to dance in a video with her friends, and performed to Swift's song "Shake It Off."
In December 2015, her dream came true. Taylor swift stopped in Grand Junction to meet Delaney. The surprise visit came days before Christmas, and days after the teen entered hospice care.
On Saturday, her grandfather, Grumpy, shared his favorite memory.
"October 19, 2015, it was the last time Delaney and I spent together alone. We were driving to Denver and we sat there and talked about her life and all the friends in her life and all the people that have helped her," he said.
Delaney touched a lot of lives.
"At (age) 34-35 years old, I found out my hero was 12. Pretty unbelievable," said family friend Brandon Halcomb.
Briley Ghtroutwine, a teenage friend of Delaney's, said, "One thing she taught us is it only takes one person to bring one community together to change something. To always have strength and courage in whatever you do."
If you would like to keep Delaney's legacy going, you can donate to her charity Delaney Donates.
