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BOUNTIFUL — A 3-year-old who took a ride in KSL's Chopper 5 for a bucket list item has passed away.
Mariah Teller was diagnosed with diffused intrinsic pontine glioma in July 2013, and doctors gave her less than a year to live. As a result, she and her parents decided to make a bucket list of items to accomplish. The Tellers teamed with a local non-profit charity, Children and the Earth, for assistance with her bucket list.
Children of the Earth volunteer Sarah Hancock said Mariah completed everything on her bucket list before she died. The list included a Jazz game where she got to meet the team, Disney On Ice, a ride in a helicopter, a trip to Hawaii and Disneyland.
"It made so many memories for that family to hold on to and live in their hearts forever," Hancock said.
Mariah rode in Chopper 5 on Nov. 19 and flew over Bountiful and saw her house and her grandmother down below.
The 3-year-old lost her battle to the agressive cancer on Monday, April 7. Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 12, at Lindquist’s Bountiful Mortuary. The funeral will be open to the public. The Children and the Earth is helping to gather some items for the funeral, including 500 purple helium balloons and 300 purple ribbons.
Hancock said the family wanted to celebrate Mariah's life after the funeral with some of her favorite things — all in her favorite color, purple. They are looking for donations of cotton candy, flowers, a few bounce houses and a photographer.
The Teller family released a statement:
"We are saddened there isn't a cure for DIPG. But are so grateful for all those who helped us make life long memories with our angel! Thank you for the out pouring of support. We did not have insurance on Mariah and could use help paying for the costs. Again thank you for the love and support."
There will also be a ride to honor Mariah after the funeral. Motorcyclists riding in her honor can meet at the Lindquist's Bountiful Mortuary at 12:15 p.m. and ride from the mortuary to the cemetery with a police escort. The Templar Knights will serve as the road captains for the ride. Anyone attending the funeral or ride should wear purple or a purple bandana.
Anyone wanting to *donate items, money or services for the funeral can contact Sarah Hancock with Children of the Earth at 801-787-4000 or at gofundme.com.
Contributing: Andrew Wittenberg
*KSL.com
