Jewish Teenager Who Covered Katy Perry’s ‘Roar’ Dies of Brain Cancer
Graphic by Angelie Zaslavsky
(JTA) Olivia Wise, the Jewish teenager from Toronto whose cover of Katy Perry’s “Roar” became a viral hit, died of brain cancer on Monday, CNN reports. She was 16.
Wise made the moving recording in September after learning her condition was untreatable. She was wheelchair-bound, unable to stand or walk, but her spirit was evident nonetheless.
The video touched many — including Perry, who shot back a video message of her own. “I love you, a lot of people love you, that’s why your video got to me,” Perry said. “And it moved everyone who saw it.”
Perry responded to Wise’s death late Monday night. “Olivia Wise, I can hear you singing with the angels now,” the pop star tweeted. “Your spirit & strength has inspired me & so many others… May you rest in peace.”
Olivia Wise, I can hear you singing with the angels now. Your spirit & strength has inspired me & so many others… May you rest in peace.
ampmdash; Katy Perry (@katyperry) November 26, 2013
Named in her honor, the Liv Wise Fund has so far raised over $90,000 in support of brain tumor research. You can make a donation here.
Why I became the Forward’s Editor-in-Chief
You are surely a friend of the Forward if you’re reading this. And so it’s with excitement and awe — of all that the Forward is, was, and will be — that I introduce myself to you as the Forward’s newest editor-in-chief.
And what a time to step into the leadership of this storied Jewish institution! For 129 years, the Forward has shaped and told the American Jewish story. I’m stepping in at an intense time for Jews the world over. We urgently need the Forward’s courageous, unflinching journalism — not only as a source of reliable information, but to provide inspiration, healing and hope.
Support our mission to tell the Jewish story fully and fairly.
