Dying is Inevitable. Living is Not: Wayne Earl at TEDxYouth@SanDiego

Wayne Earl reveals the power of living and loving life by sharing the wisdom of his daughter, Esther Earl, who lost her battle with cancer just before her 16th birthday. Esther's courage, positive spirit and hope for the future transformed all who knew her. She showed the world what it meant to live life before death (via her well known vlogs and blogs) and that love is the engine of life. Esther Earl shared her spark of possibility with great generosity and was the inspiration for author John Green's #1 New York Times bestseller, The Fault In our Stars.

Wayne Earl recently authored the compelling life story of his daughter, Esther Grace, who succumbed to cancer shortly beforeher 16th birthday. Before she died, a deepening friendship with her favorite author, John Green, greatly encouraged her. The friendship also inspired Mr. Green, most notably in his writing of the world- renowned novel, The Fault in Our Stars, which he dedicated to Esther. The Earl Family founded the non-profit organization, This Star Won't Go Out, to help ease the financial burdens of families caring for children with cancer.

In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)

[wayneearl]

It doesn't get any better than thinking that she'd be proud of me! She was a wise, old soul.

[inezhermansson]

When I first heard of Esther, she had already passed away. But even tho she's not here on earth, she's been such a big insperation to me.

[wayneearl]

There was never any other choice. When I first held her, I said, "Hello, Esther Grace."

[loriearl]

This is Lori, answering for Wayne. Graham is 47xxy--his primary disabilities are speech issues, and some developmental delays. He's 17, curious, loves Doctor Who and Scooby Doo, and doesn't really think of himself as having a disability, except for speech :)

[sabinabarber]

I always tear up when I watch videos about Esther, especially this one with her father. Esther was exactly 2 months older than me, and in essentially the same time on this planet, I felt like I had not accomplished anything, whereas Esther left behind this amazing legacy of bringing light to peoples lives, something that still echoes throughout Nerdfighteria. Since I joined Nerdfighteria, and learnt about Esther, and her passing, I decided I would do something with my life, with Esther as my guide. I'm English, I live in Britain, but I have been out to America for three months and volunteered. I've also volunteered a lot in England, and I'm doing all I can to make my life count, and I like to think that wearing my TSWGO wristband means Esther is with me, helping me to keep pushing on.

[trutherone]

We come into this world with a unique purpose that will touch other lives. When the time clock runs out it is because our mission has perfectly completed.

[wayneearl]

Only by crying before and after the talk. And because I was so nervous! ;)

[hannahdorph]

not ashamed to say i cried and cried and cried during and after this video.

[skygonecrazywithstars]

I was not prepared for this much crying. But it's a lovely talk.

[Adorienn]

"She's my star." The Fault in Our Stars...

[AprilCMango]

This Star Won't Go Out. We won't let it.

[Bwildered]

I couldn't help but crying out of overwhelming understanding for the love you had for your daughter and the love you continue to spread with her image. You, Esther, are one star that will never be extinguished. DFTBA.

[ImaRawrr]

I'm sitting here, bawling like a baby and in one sense I'm extremely sad because she sounds like such an amazing person and she's gone. But on the other hand, I can't stop smiling, because such an amazing person actually did exist. RIA Esther. Your stars still shining bright for Nerdfighters and everyone else to see.

[adrianataveira]

Since I read The Fault in Our Stars, I wanted to know who Esther was... There was no better way than this. This star will never go out!

[jgfmer]

I am so glad I had the opportunity to meet these wonderful people and talk to them for a little while. Esther day in Quincy was awesome. Dftba

[agostinho]

Every time I see things like this lecturer and others -- 'like the last lecturer" -- I assume the main thing is simple: love, live well, pursue your dreams. And these are because life is great but tough. It is totally bittersweet. Without dreams, goals, love, we are just insignificant miserable mortal creatures. But we can, we can with faith take it to another place. How many of us now are going through some hardship? Hang in there. That too shall pass.

[ginnye]

She was beautiful... and always will be, because she lives in her parents and siblings' hearts... and now, thanks to her dad and John, in ours. Thank you for sharing her with us.

[fcukyouuuuus]

"I called her, My star" *sniffs*

[themripley]

The fact he calls her Esther Grace reminds me of the The Fault In Our Stars and how Augustus always calls her Hazel Grace. RIA Esther, we love you, present tense.

[emeraldmir]

Hearing about Esther will never fail to make me cry.