We have lost a truly beautiful soul. Iara has passed away after many years of facing cancer—an exceptionally rare form of sarcoma—with strength, clarity, and immense grace.

She joined our movement in 2023, and from the very first moment, she left a lasting impression. Iara was a force of nature—a woman of purpose, grounded in values, and unshakably clear about what she wanted to do with her life. As one close friend put it so perfectly: “She wanted to leave behind a world better than the one she was given.” And that’s exactly what she did.

Before becoming a patient advocate, Iara was a journalist working in conflict zones. She saw humanity at its darkest. But even then, she never gave up on the belief that people—and systems—can be better. As an advocate, she fought for those too often left behind. Her voice was powerful, and it was heard.

Her words, her presence, and her courage will continue to echo in our work and in our hearts. We will carry her fire forward.

To her family, friends, and everyone who loved her: we wish you strength and peace. May you find comfort in knowing how deeply Iara inspired so many of us. We will remember her with a smile—the one that shines through even as our tears fall, staying with us, urging us never to give up.

Here is the interview she gave at our Annual Congress in Amsterdam, 2023, where she shared her heart: ‘Advocacy is not a career you choose.’

For Iara, being an advocate wasn’t a choice—it was a necessity. And through her advocacy, she gave strength and dignity to countless others.

‘When we leave this world, it has to be better than the one we lived in.’

She made sure of that. It’s on us to continue her mission.

Rest in power, Iara. 💛

The advocates of Inspire2Live