Our beautiful, joyful daughter, Lilian Kieffer, Lily for short, died on April 23—just ten days after her first birthday. The tragic news has created an overwhelming outpouring of grief and support from the community and her family’s large following. Momager Lizzie Kieffer, an influencer and physical therapist with almost 300,000 followers on Instagram, posted about it on her social media accounts to raise awareness about her tragic loss.
Originally diagnosed with a stage four mass on her brain, a diagnosis that would cause Lilian to die much too soon. Her family said she was a “Daddy’s girl” and had an infectious spirit full of life. Of course, they remember how she enjoyed climbing into the ball pit. Just driving around in her little red car with big sister, Mia, 2 years old, was all it took to make Shiloh smile.
The Kieffer family is excited to be welcoming another child sometime this September. This joy compounds the complexity of their grief. Their daughter Lilian had a profound influence on their lives, as Lizzie Kieffer describes in this touching tribute to their son.
“You will always, always be a part of us and although the hole will never be filled, speaking your name will sing through our days bringing joy into the moments,” – Lizzie Kieffer
The deep loss feels like an unfillable hole in their daily lives. In her remembrance, Lizzie considered what she had learned from Lilian in her short time on this earth.
“She taught [them] more in 1 year than most can in their life,” – Lizzie Kieffer
Lilian’s parents have referred to her as the family’s “angel” during this difficult time. After anger, they experienced one of the few comforts … she was being kept in a fabulous place by God.
“You’re our light in this darkness and we know God is holding you in an extra special place,” – Lizzie Kieffer
This is an especially difficult time for the Kieffer family. Though they miss her deeply, too, they’re keeping Lilian’s joyous spirit alive by celebrating her contagious positivity and love through the memories they share. The community is firmly behind them, and we will continue to support their family as they mourn the loss of their beautiful daughter and sister.
