An Ottawa teenager who inspired people around the world has died from complications of the rare condition that made his skin so delicate he was known as the "butterfly boy."
Jonathan Pitre, who had epidermolysis bullosa (EB) — one of the most painful diseases in existence — died in a Minnesota hospital on April 4, according to TSN and the Ottawa Citizen. He was 17.
In a Facebook post Friday morning, his mother Tina Boileau (who dedicated her life to caring for him and never left his side), called Pitre a "fearless warrior."
"Jonny's story has been made very public over the last few years as he invited you into his life and his daily struggles with EB as he tirelessly fought to raise awareness for this horrific disease. I am proud to say you did it Jonny boy!" Boileau wrote.
"Thank you for your outpouring of love and support for Jonathan and myself in these sad times. My family and I are now requesting your understanding in respecting our privacy as we reunite as a family to support each other in the challenging days ahead as we grieve the loss of our son, brother, grandson and above all a fearless warrior."
Pitre was an inspiration
Shortly after he was born, Pitre was diagnosed with recessive dystrophic EB, "a severe form of the disease that causes the skin to blister, shear and scar," according to the Ottawa Citizen. Around the world, those with the disease are known as "butterfly children" because their skin is as fragile as a butterfly's wings, according to EB charity Debra International.
EB skin never heals properly, children develop chronic open wounds, and the disease can cause decreased mobility due to scar tissue and pain, Debra International explains on its website. In its most severe forms, EB can be fatal in infancy. Many teenagers and young adults with EB die from skin cancer.
Pitre's positive nature in the face of his grim disease, and his sense of purpose to raise money and awareness for EB, made him an inspiration to the city that embraced him, to Canadians, and to people around the world.
After his story in the Ottawa Citizen first went viral in 2014, Pitre inspired people to donate more than $200,000 to Debra Canada, was made an honourary NHL scout by the Ottawa Senators, gave a speech at We Day, attended the NHL Awards in Las Vegas, and was featured in an award-winning TSN documentary.
Condolences poured in as news of Pitre's death spread Friday morning.
Pitre died from complications from septic shock triggered by a skin infection, Boileau told the Ottawa Citizen.
He had been living in Minnesota on and off since 2016, where he was receiving an experimental treatment for EB. He had hoped to return home later this year.
"I can't imagine my life without him," Boileau told the Ottawa Citizen.