Why it matters: The 15-year-old Chantry Academy student died from complications following treatment for the chronic condition, despite initially recovering well from a bone marrow transplant.
The details: Vivica had lived with Sickle Cell Disease all her life and received a bone marrow transplant from her sister, Chelsea, in March. "For the first time, we could picture a future for her that wasn't shaped by illness," her family said. "She was recovering well, smiling again, and excited about everything she hoped to do."
However, on 22 June, she was readmitted to hospital with a fever. "At first, she was stable, but within days her condition worsened," her family said. "Despite the relentless efforts of the ICU team, Vivica suffered three cardiac arrests. She passed away after the third."
What they're saying: "Vivi is not the only one to have died from Sickle Cell Disease, or complications relating to it," her family said. "It is a chronic condition which will have a huge impact on a person's life, but is often overlooked in politics and legislation, even within the healthcare system itself."
The family have contacted Sickle Cell Suffolk, a local campaigning group, as part of their efforts to raise awareness.
The bigger picture: Vivica's friends at Chantry Academy have created the acronym LLV – Long Live Vivica – to honour her memory. The school community has been "shaken" by her death, with friends sharing tributes and memories.
Her family described Vivica as "bright, bold, funny and full of life" who "loved art, movies, music, dancing, and good food". She had dreams of becoming an architect and wanted to travel the world with her sister.
What's next: A GoFundMe campaign has raised more than £7,000 towards a £20,000 target to cover funeral costs. The service will be held at Chantry Academy.
Any remaining funds will establish the LLV Foundation to raise awareness and campaign for Sickle Cell Disease to receive greater attention and resources. Friends are also organising a 24-hour dance-a-thon to celebrate Vivica's love of dancing.
The bottom line: Vivica's death has galvanised her family and friends to ensure her condition receives the recognition they believe it deserves, whilst honouring the memory of a teenager who wanted nothing more than "to feel free" and "to live".
