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ANNE SOPHIA HURTADO
An Inspirational Life Cut Way Too Short At Age 18
Written By Miranda Wainberg
October 30. 2020
It is with heavy hearts that we pause to honor the life of Anne Sophia Hurtado, 18. She passed away on October 30, 2020 after a heroic battle with stage 4 neuroendocrine pancreatic and liver cancer since age 16.
See Sophia’s Original Warrior Page.
She was born in October 2002 in Plantation, FL to Juan and Maryanne (Marks) Hurtado. She is survived by her beloved brother, Sebastian. Though her life was short, it was full of many amazing stories about how funny, kind, and courageous she was.
“Sophia NEVER refused a call for adventure, learning, and fun,” said her mother, Maryanne. “Whether it was her opening the lower school play with a quick dance, dressing up in Nicaraguan folk clothing, or carrying the Nicaraguan flag at international day, she was always there.”
Sophia often said that her friends meant the world to her. It was her hope that her life and death would inspire all to live life to the fullest.
“During this fight, she met the most amazing people,” continued Maryanne. “But as she drew near the abyss and toughest part of those early battles, some mentors and helpers stood out. There was Dr. Lynn Meister, her palliative care doctor with whom Sophia ended every call with “I love you.” Then there was Camille Moses whose advocacy for pancreatic cancer research inspired Sophia in finding her voice.”
Sophia was educated from age 2.5-18 at American Heritage School in Plantation, Florida. While there she had dozens of teachers who served as mentors to her.
“I remember you in 7th grade at FSPA and coming to me and asking me why the middle school did not have music at their get together,” said Maria Molina of Sophia. “I promised that the following year I would have some music for the JH kids and I made the FSPA board allow for a speaker. You danced the night away. So now that you are no longer in pain, dance my Nicaraguan warrior.”
Sophia was a varsity cheerleader and Patriot for Life! The school’s motto is “Knowledge, Integrity, and Compassion.” It perfectly describes just a few of the virtues Sophia possessed.
Sophia would like people to know that she loved her pets, Kitty and Nico. She loved her friends, old and new; she loved Boston, and she loved her family most of all. She loved to dance. She was an avid blogger, online shopper, and make-up enthusiast and connoisseur. Anyone who saw her blogs and videos knows that Sophia was all heart and pure love.
Here is an excerpt from the last blog Sophia posted before her passing:
Her friendship, smile, and kindness will be missed, but never forgotten.
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