Physical Therapist and Influencer Lizzie Kieffer Pays Tribute to 12-Month-Old Daughter After Death

Physical therapist and influencer Lizzie Kieffer is mourning the loss of her 12-month-old daughter, Lily.

“We are shattered,” Kieffer wrote in a Saturday, April 26, Instagram post. “Wednesday we woke up to a nightmare that we never could have ever imagined becoming our reality. Our Lily passed away.”

“Our hearts, our bodies, our souls ache for her as she was the purist of beings and brought light to every single space she filled,” the post read. “Our days were written before we were even formed, and in Lily’s 374 days of life, she taught us more than I think many could in their lifetime.”

Kieffer, who is married to husband Matt, noted that the family “don’t have answers” and are unsure why this “is God’s plan for our lives.” (The couple share daughter Mia and revealed in March they are expecting their third child.)

“And we will never fully understand this mystery until we see her again one day,” she wrote. “What we do know is God is faithful and brings light to the darkest of places. And we know Lily is being held so tight by Jesus and loved ones in heaven. And probably playing in her ball pit or riding in her little red car up there. We feel her.”

Kieffer — who rose to fame on social media for helping women with guided workouts for pregnancy, postpartum and beyond — explained that the family has “come to learn” that Lily had a “large mass on her brain.” Kieffer noted that they “could have never known about as she never showed signs.”

“We won’t know more answers with many of these things for months until further testing is done,” Kieffer added.

Kieffer noted that their loved ones are “holding us when we don’t feel it’s possible to move,” adding that the family feels the prayers and support.

“We feel God’s presence around our family and friends. And we ask that you please continue to pray hard for our family as we navigate this extremely tough time,” she wrote. “We believe God is here. We believe that He will walk us through the impossible. We believe that He will make good. We believe he will take shattered pieces and form something stronger. He is good.”

The message concluded with a photo of Lily smiling at the camera while riding a tricycle inside a home.

“Lilybug, you are our angel. And we know you’ll always be with us,” the post read. “Daddy, Mommy, Mia & new baby love you so damn much and we miss you every single second.”

The caption read, “We are shattered. You taught us more in 1 year than most can in their life, Lily. We feel you with us. And we feel your spirit already in this new baby. You will always, always be a part of us and although the hole will never be filled, speaking your name will sing through our days bringing joy into the moments. You’re our light in this darkness and we know God is holding you in an extra special place.”

“Please keep our family deep in your prayers,” the caption concluded. “We know they work and we feel them and the support. We appreciate it more than you know.”