Chelsea Wheeler

On July 21, 2017, Chelsea Marie Wheeler passed away at the age of 14 after a long illness, surrounded by her family and the caregivers at The Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh whose lives she touched. Although her body failed, Chelsea’s soul triumphed.

Chelsea was born in New Haven, CT, on February 4, 2003 to Linda Kikta Wheeler and Chris Wheeler and grew up in Oxford, CT, with her two sisters and two brothers.

She loved all things purple, Harry Potter, writing novels, playing around with medical staff, all forms of music and her beloved animals, Pig and Dakota, her cat and dog. A creative cook, she was also an outspoken food critic. Her outrageous socks, colorful clothing, and original hats marked her as a fashionista. Her dry humor inspired her outrageous pranks and her clever, witty, and bold personality. She not only marched to her own drum, but she also conducted her own life’s orchestra and was unabashed about singing in public at the drop of a hat. She had a million ideas, which she managed to get off the ground before another brilliant thought took her off in a different direction. She started her own company, wrote a book, designed a website, and ended every day in the hospital with a researched “fun fact” for her nurses.

But most of all, she loved her family. Her mom never left her side, and her dad was her best buddy. Her sisters Haley and Julia and brothers Casey and Nick were her dearest friends. Haley was the subject of all her elaborate practical jokes. She and Casey watched Finding Dory and shared quiet time together. Nick (aka Nicky-Boo) never failed to make her smile. Julia was her partner in crime and best friend. She loved her Grandma and Grandpa Kikta, and brought out their softest side. She cherished her Grandma and Grandpa Dolan who loved her unconditionally.

She had a huge number of aunts, uncles, and cousins whom she adored.

Chelsea’s attitude about life can be summed up in these ways. Her motto was “Go big or go home.” She found a kindred spirit in Dory of Finding Dory: just keep swimming, love who you are, and use your strengths. That is her legacy. Also, always wear something sparkly.

Chelsea will be missed by all whose lives she touched during her journey.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Chelsea’s memory to two places that have been a special part of her journey: The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp - www.holeinthewallgang.org or the Creative and Expressive Arts Therapy Program at The Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh - http://www.givetochildrens.org/ceat.