LEESBURG, Va. — The untimely death of 16-year-old Katie Giovanniello has caused an outpour of love and support from the Loudoun County community.
Even those who did not know her knew of the impact she had in her school community.
That is why her fellow classmates at Heritage High School decided to come together in solidarity and wear the color green on Tuesday to honor her life and legacy. The plan has also turned into a county-wide initiative with students and staff members from other schools coming together.
Katie went into cardiac arrest in her mother's arms, after being diagnosed with Influenza B.
Katie's mother said she had symptoms similar to a possible side effect of Tamiflu. She said Katie didn't seem to be getting any better. She was clammy, tired and wasn't keeping food down, but she never spiked a high fever.
Katie was put on life support, but her mother said she was told that after exhaustive measures to resuscitate her daughter, Katie showed no brain activity. She passed away at 3:55 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 7 at Inova Children's Hospital in Fairfax.
In a letter sent out to parents from the school's principal, Jeff Adams, the school officials decided to postpone a pep rally and competition at Heritage to Feb.14. Their upcoming "Snowcoming Dance" scheduled for Saturday was canceled.
Adams urged parents to talk to the students at "the degree they feel is needed."
Adams said that emotional support counselors are on standby at the school.
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Students can contact Heritage High counselors for additional guidance at 571-252-2816.