Obituary: Leslie Carabantes, 18, Walt Whitman High School Student

Leslie Carabantes, 18, a Walt Whitman High School student passed away on Thursday after battling a critical illness.

Leslie battled a bone marrow transplant for two years that her body rejected, which ended in respiratory failure. She was able to complete her academic requirements and earn a high school diploma before she passed, South Huntington UFSD Superintendent Dave Bennardo said in a statement.

"Leslie's strength is an absolute inspiration to us all and her hard work, coupled with the compassion and focus of our district staff and home tutors, resulted in special sources of pride and comfort during these past several months," he said. "There are few words that can make sense of a beautiful 18-year old girl's death, and even fewer expressions that can heal the broken heart that accompanies this unthinkable time. It is important to keep Lesly and her family in our thoughts and prayers and hug our children and loved ones a little tighter, while remembering the blessings of this time on earth."

Viewing for Leslie will be held Friday, May 19 from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. at A.L. Jacobsen Funeral Home, located at 1380 New York Ave. in Huntington Station.

Church service will be held Saturday, May 19 at St. Hughes of Lincoln R.C. Church, located at 21 E. 9th St. in Huntington Station.

Cards and condolences can be sent to the the Ramirez Family, located at 12 Glenwood Lane in Huntington, NY 11743.

A YouCaring donation page is raising funds for Leslie's funeral.

The page was created by Vanessa Acevedo, Leslie's nursing coordinator. "Leslie passed away with her nurse and her family by her side," Acevedo wrote. "I just want to make sure she has the proper funeral that her family deserves to give he ! Any amount will help!"

The page made an update on Friday following the teen's passing.

"Thank you for helping us during this very difficult time. Your kindness and concern for our family means a great deal to us. We appreciate all the love and support you have extended to us during this period of sadness. Everyone has been very generous. Leslie will be greatly missed."

Donate to Carabatnes' funeral fund here.

For more information, go here.

Image via YouCaring