Influencer Erin Oudshoorn Mourns Death of Daughter Lulu After Sharing Her Epilepsy Battle
Influencer Erin Oudshoorn has revealed the death of her daughter, Lulu, through a series of posts where she opened up about her child’s struggle with “incurable epilepsy.” Oudshoorn unveiled the tragic news in a heart-rending post dated Jan. 27.
“I never imagined I would have to write such words,” Oudshoorn began. “Our little angel Lulu peacefully expired in our arms yesterday after a short beautiful life full of love, laughter and sunshine. We were there, and so were her loving extended family.”
She also conveyed her and husband Dave’s despair. “Just the two of us, Dave and me, have been completely shattered,” was part of her message. “We are in a situation that words are failing us. Our little girl is no more.”
Earlier, Oudshoorn was running an Instagram account solely for Lulu’s journey through West syndrome, a very unusual type of epilepsy.
Erin Oudshoorn Told of Lulu’s West Syndrome Diagnosis and of the Daily Hardships That Led up to Her Passing
Erin Oudshoorn had shared Lulu’s diagnosis story in a blog post that she wrote for a City to Surf 14k run fundraiser benefiting Epilepsy Action Australia. She revealed that Lulu was diagnosed with West syndrome when she was only 11 weeks old.
“At almost three years old, she still has daily seizures, severe global developmental delay that prevents her from walking, independently standing, or feeding herself, and she is also non verbal,” Oudshoorn had penned at that moment. “So far, our journey has been nothing less than a nightmare since we have been unsuccessful in controlling or getting the freedom of seizures.”
After her diagnosis, Oudshoorn amassed a large online following via Instagram @little.lulu.love, where she continually showed Lulu’s life with the illness. She shared the account of each day that had passed since her daughter’s diagnosis very frequently.
People has attempted to contact Oudshoorn for further comment. Since the news spread, there have been various responses from commenters who have been touched by the grief and raised their voices in support of the Oudshoorn family.
Community Members Share Heartfelt Tributes Following Lulu’s Death
After the news of Lulu’s death was made public, community members and family members took to social media to express their feelings through emotional tributes to the little girl.
A user commented, “I am so very sad to read this, Lulu is a light in our community forever, love you and always here friend.”
Elizabeth Dowd, whose Ava is the third of the four children of Lulu’s best friend, posted a tribute in the memory of the two along with Erin. “We are completely devastated because Lulu, Ava’s darling little best friend, passed away yesterday,” Dowd expressed while posting the photo of the two little girls together.
Dowd talked about the relationship between their families. “Lulu and Ava have been schoolmates since last year and through their friendship we’ve come to know the family and have most beautiful friendship with them. I had always thought of our children as neighbors, growing up together, our daughters and sons being so close in age and sharing life. It was very sweet to see them play,” she explained.
Dowd finished her post, “My heart goes out to their family in this terrible loss. I still find it hard to believe it is their lot. Lulu was a source of love, laughter, and light to the many lives she had touched with her presence here. Soar high, darling girl. Spread your heavenly wings wide.”
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