Charity Tillemann-Dick, a 35-year-old aspiring opera singer, has passed away. The news was announced by “Peace of Persistence” podcast host Abby Wright on Wednesday, April 23. Tillemann-Dick was known by her nickname, “Sunshine.”
Wright shared an emotional post on Facebook about Tillemann-Dick’s death.
“This morning, life’s curtain closed on one of its consummate heroines,” the post read. “Our beloved Charity passed peacefully with her husband, mother, and siblings at her side and sunshine on her face. Our hearts are broken. In this moment, the world is dark. But Charity’s rays extend far beyond her tragic finale on this earthly stage. Her light continues to illuminate the hearts of thousands and, in that way, Charity is with us always. She is our hero. We love her.”
All of the information we know about Charity’s death can be seen below.
Charity Tillemann-Dick Cause of Death: Idiopathic pulmonary hypertension
At the age of 20, Charity was diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary hypertension which is “a severe and progressive disease, usually culminating in right heart failure, significant morbidity and early mortality.” Throughout her life, Tilleman-Dick underwent two lung transplants, with her first transplant taking place in 2009. The Denver, Colorado native was on advanced life support following her first transplant due to complications. Eventually, a second match was found.
Our deepest condolences go out to Charity’s family and friends during this incredibly difficult and tragic time.