MURFREESBORO, TN (WSMV) -
A high school pep rally became an emotional tribute to a well-known student whose fight against cancer has inspired many.
Taylor Filorimo passed away Wednesday from a rare form of kidney cancer.
Her classmates at Riverdale High School held a pep rally Friday before their football game against Maplewood, and the celebration included cheers for the teen whose three-year battle against the disease had a huge effect on the people around her.
Most of the students and cheerleaders wore lime green and black because they were Taylor Filorimo's favorite colors, and the students chanted "Pray for Tay" while holding neon glow sticks.
Her mom was at the pep rally to see it all.
"It was awesome. This is what she would have wanted. Taylor loved this school. This is where she always wanted to be," Maria Filorimo said.
And even though Taylor Filorimo isn't with us anymore, her legacy lives on through her friends and family.
"I was truly blessed to be called her mom for those short 16 years. I will continue to be her voice and raise awareness about childhood cancer," Maria Filorimo said.
A special banner will unveiled at Friday's Riverdale game for Taylor Filorimo, and her own inspiring words continue to spread awareness on T-shirts and bracelets worn by friends.
A fund has been established to help with medical expenses in her name at any branch of Suntrust Bank.
For more information on how and where you can donate blood and platelets to aid cancer fighters and others who need it, visit: http://www.redcrossblood.org/donation-centers/TennesseeValley.
Copyright WSMV 2012 (Meredith Corporation). All rights reserved.
