A teen TikTok star who’d been documenting his bucket list adventures passed away at the age of 18.
Harrison Trevor Gilks started documenting his journey on TikTok @harrisongilks1 after he was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer as a teen.
Unfortunately, he lost the battle to cancer on March 30, 2023. According to his obituary, Harrison passed away peacefully at the hospital with his mom, dad, and brother holding his hands and by his side.
“After nearly two and a half years of a hard-fought battle, knowing he did as much as he could, knowing he was loved and strong, he said goodbye,” the obituary read. According to CBC News, Gilks was diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma back in November 2020.
The American Cancer Society notes that rhabdomyosarcoma is a rare form of aggressive cancer that typically affects children. Older teens and adults who develop the cancer typically have less positive outcomes than those who are diagnosed before 10 years of age.
Since his diagnosis, Gilks took to TikTok to share about his last, bucket list adventures. He traveled to different parts of the world and even enjoyed a trip to Mexico with his family before the cancer took over.
His obituary read: “Harrison was an inspiration to many. His smile could light up a room, his laugh could cheer anyone up. He was our sunshine on a cloudy day. He always found good in every situation and touched the lives of many with his messages of hope and encouragement through his TikTok videos, where he chronicled and shared his journey with cancer with the world.”
It went on to say that while cancer took his ability to do things he loved like “play hockey, softball, jet skiing and tubing, rugby, skiing, mountain biking or dirt biking, he managed to get some time in the woods with his dad to go hunting this fall, then he turned his attention to travel, while he was still able.”
Words fall short of expressing our grief for your loss, as we mourn with family and friends for this great loss. We are truly sorry to hear of the loss of this promising being. Please accept our condolences, and may our prayers help comfort you. Please accept our heartfelt condolences.
