A cherished dancer from Ohio State has passed away following a battle with a rare blood disorder linked to the Epstein-Barr virus.

Cailin Joyce, aged 19, discovered her condition at the start of the academic year and spent the last three months confined to bed before her death on Saturday.

The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a common virus most people encounter during their lifetime. It is infamous for causing mononucleosis, often dubbed the ‘kissing disease,’ as it spreads through saliva.

Joyce endured a lengthy hospital stay with her mother, Terese, constantly by her side. However, on December 4, her health ‘deteriorated suddenly and significantly,’ according to a GoFundMe page.

The fundraiser expressed, ‘Despite the exceptional medical care she received and the numerous prayers for her recovery, she passed away peacefully, enveloped in love.’

Joyce spent eight weeks undergoing extensive monitoring, testing and treatment before she was moved into hospital due to the blood disorder caused by EBV, also known as the mononucleosis virus. 

‘Cailin [was] unable to do simple tasks that many healthy individuals take for granted,’ the GoFundMe said. ‘Things such as hugging people, going outside, taking a hot shower and being around people are all tasks Cailin [could not] partake in.’

Joyce was forced to miss many of the joyful early days of college life, including living in the dorms, going to OSU football games, and attending classes as well as being unable to pursue her passion for dance. 

The virus is one of the most common in the world, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 

 Cailin Joyce, 19, was diagnosed with a rare blood disorder due to the Epstein-Barr virus at the beginning of the school year and the dancer was left bed-ridden before passing on Saturday

After spending a significant amount of time in hospital with her mother, Terese seen on the left and Joyce’s father Sean on the right, Joyce’s condition ‘took a sudden turn for the worse’

The young teen was an active member in her parish’s youth ministry program and the Ohio State Club Dance Team

Most who contract the virus show no symptoms, which include fatigue, fever, inflammation of the liver and throat, rash, swollen lymph nodes and an enlarged spleen. 

Many who do present symptoms, which typically appear as teens or adults, recover in around two to four weeks. Currently, there is no specific treatment for EBV and no vaccine. 

For Joyce, her immune system became compromised and her organs suffered ‘extreme inflammation resulting in her body retaining a ton of fluid,’ the GoFundMe said. 

But her condition only worsened and she succumbed to the illness after a months-long fight. 

‘Cailin was a bright, joyful, faith-filled young woman whose presence touched so many. She will be remembered by the JOY she brought to everyone she met. She lit up every room she walked in,’ the fundraiser said. 

The young teen was an active member in her parish’s youth ministry program and the Ohio State Club Dance Team, which celebrated third place in the NCA & NDA Collegiate Cheer and Dance Championship in April. 

Her teammates wrote on Instagram that Joyce ’embodied everything that our team represented.’

‘She was kind, humble, determined, loyal and oh so funny. She danced with a fire behind her eyes and a passion that could move mountains. She made everyone around her better. Her full out love for life was contagious. Everyone that crossed paths with Cailin knew that she was special,’ the post said. 

Her teammates on the Ohio State Clubs Dance Team wrote that Joyce, seen with a fellow competitor on her team, ’embodied everything that our team represented’

A close friend and dance teammate of Joyce wrote that the teenager was and ‘abundance of kindness and passion and selflessness and love’

Joyce was forced to miss many of the joyful early days of college life, including living in the dorms, going to OSU football games, and attending classes

‘Thank you for changing our lives. Our forever friend, teammate and guardian angel. We know you are dancing full out in Heaven and we can’t wait to dance with you again one day.’

A close friend and dance teammate of Joyce wrote that the teenager was and ‘abundance of kindness and passion and selflessness and love.’ 

‘You were overflowing with God’s love. He was in every word that you said, every step you took, and every dance you danced. I’ve never seen someone shine the love of Christ the way you did,’ she wrote. 

‘You changed the life of everyone that crossed your path, without even trying. Because that’s just who you were. You were everything and more. An angel on Earth.’

Another long friend of the teen said in a separate post: ‘My sweet Cailin, there will never be a day that I won’t miss you. You have been my best friend since the beginning, and I will forever miss our time together. You have truly made my life so full with all of our unforgettable memories and countless hours spent laughing together.’

‘You made life so much sweeter, and I am forever grateful to be able to know you and to be known by you. You were the light in every room you were in. 

‘There aren’t enough words to explain how much of a positive impact you had on my life and so many others. I know now you are at peace with the lord and dancing in heaven. I will carry you with me forever. I love you,’ her friend wrote. 

The ‘cherished’ daughter leaves behind her parents, Sean and Terese, and her older brother, Sean, as well as her grandfather, aunts, uncles and cousins. 

Joyce, seen with her older brother Sean, graduated from high school in May 2024

The ‘cherished’ daughter leaves behind her parents, Sean and Terese, and her older brother, Sean, as well as her grandfather, aunts, uncles and cousins

‘Cailin lived life to the fullest and was a light to so many in her far too short life. She lived her Catholic faith and shared it with many,’ her obituary said. 

‘A saint among us, Cailin moved mountains with her fight and going “full out.” The purest soul and loving sister to older brother Sean. Always supporting him in the stands and giving the biggest hugs. 

‘She is now a guardian angel to us. Cailin is now dancing in heaven and her love will never fade. No more pain and suffering, just love.

‘The best daughter a parent could wish for. The world lost the brightest of lights.’