BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — Stella Usiak began fighting leukemia in 2011. Since then, she has gained thousands of supporters, dubbed Stella's Warriors, due in no small part to her positivity, kindness and courage.
On Saturday, January 9th, the 17-year-old passed away.
Usiak has had numerous proud moments over the past several years. Among the more public was in 2018, when she and Stella's Warriors donated more than 200 backpacks filled with toiletries, hats, mittens and snacks to the Community Missions in Niagara Falls.
The donation was meant to give back to the community after thetremendous fundraising effort to send Usiak to Toronto so that she could see her favorite musician, Taylor Swift, live in concert.
In a January 7th post on Usiak's Facebook group, her mother Jennifer wrote "If you are done here then I know you've been stronger than anyone could possibly be and have gone through more than any adult would have tolerated."
The post also describes a painting that Usiak completed a few days ago on behalf of Oishei Children's Hospital, which is intended to be used for thank-you cards to donors who have contributed to the Patricia Allen Fund in honor of Bills' Quarterback Josh Allen's late grandmother.
"It is a blessing to be chosen as your mother. You make me a better person each and every day with your selfless kindness despite all you endure," Jennifer wrote.
Tributes to Stella Usiak can be shared online at Fretthold Funeral Home.
