A young influencer with a rare form of cancer has bid a moving farewell to her fans as she revealed she is now receiving end-of-life care.
In a heartbreaking video shared with her almost 700,000 followers on Instagram, Elena Huelva, a 20-year-old from Sevilla, Spain, candidly explained that her health has rapidly deteriorated.
The young woman has gained a loyal following for documenting her battle with Ewing sarcoma, a rare type of cancer she was diagnosed with in 2016. The cancer occurs primarily in the bone or in the soft tissue, most often beginning in the legs and pelvis.
Over the past six years, Huelva has been transparent about the difficulties of the disease and shared candid updates on her condition, becoming a source of inspiration and symbol of resilience for other cancer sufferers.
But in her update on Sunday (local time), a visibly emotional Huelva revealed that the cancer has spread to her windpipe, the air passage from the throat to the lungs.
According to reports that translated the footage, Huelva said "things were not going well" and explained how the new discovery meant her prospects were not hopeful.
Holding back tears in the devastating footage, Huelva updated her supporters on her condition, saying: "They found more disease in my windpipe, which is very dangerous, as you know, because that's where we breathe. 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].
"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."
A translation of the caption reads: "I wanted to leave this video here, because in the end, life is the memories we take with us, the people, the love, and I have already won. For love, for the fight, for people, forever."
The video has since gone viral, amassing almost 750,000 likes at the time of writing and prompting an outpouring of love from fans, supporters, and others who came across the emotional farewell online.
Among the heartening messages of consolation and grief, many applauded Huelva for her efforts to raise awareness about the devastating realities of living with cancer, with hundreds calling her a "champion" and "inspiration to all".
Huelva's story has caught the attention of numerous Spanish celebrities, such as actress Ana Obregón, whose son died of the same condition, TV presenter Sara Carbonero and pop singer Manuel Carrasco.
In an emotional message, Obregón praised Huelva as a "fighter", adding: "You are my hero, because as my son [[did], you give all of us who love you a lesson in life."
"We love you my precious girl! Your desire won us forever! We can only love you, love you and love you," Carrasco wrote to her, while Carbonero said: "I love you very much Elena and I admire you. You're an angel."
Spanish singer and actress Aitana added: "I love you very much Elena, the best example of self-improvement that I have ever met."
"You are light. Always," Spanish comedian Dani Rovira said in a simple but touching message.
Colombian singer Sebastián Yatra wrote: "You're a champion. You already won no matter what," with Spanish musician, singer and composer Alejandro Sanz adding: "Elena, I don't know you in person but thank you for your [strength] that completely won my heart. [I'm] in your team always."
