Hearing about Meredith Ashley Yanes’s passing honestly hit me harder than I expected. I never met her in person, but while reading about her journey, I felt like she was someone I would have admired. She passed away at her home in Charlotte, surrounded by her family. She was only 30, and it feels surreal to think someone with so much energy and love had to leave us so soon.
People in Carolina have been showing her so much love. Even online, I saw many from Greenville and Charlotte sharing their photos and memories. You can tell she meant a lot to so many people.
Meredith was born in Greenville, South Carolina. Her parents, Charlie Cox and Andrea Farrell Cox, were always proud of her. She grew up with her sister, Courtney, and, from what I read, they had a bond that made you envious in a good way. Their home was full of noise, fun, and typical sister moments.
She excelled in sports, like, not just good but the type who naturally stands out. At Greenville Tech Charter High School, she played basketball, volleyball, track, and soccer. I remember trying to play volleyball in school and struggling to serve properly, while she was juggling multiple sports. She graduated in 2013 with big dreams, and her smile in photos really shows she held onto that hope.
After that, she went to the College of Charleston to study Hospitality and Tourism Management. Even there, she played basketball and volleyball while building strong friendships. She graduated in 2016 and started working in hospitality, which really matched her personality. From reading everyone’s comments, she seemed like the kind of person who made things easier for those around her.
She worked at the Francis Marion Hotel in Charleston before spending four years at the Charlotte Regional Visitor Authority as an Account Sales Manager. Her colleagues said she had a way of making even stressful events feel smooth. I imagined her moving around with her notebook and a calm smile, even when things got chaotic. I genuinely wish I had that kind of calm because I panic during school events.
On November 4, 2023, she married her longtime boyfriend, Edwin Yanes. Their photos look so sweet. You can tell they had a strong connection with simple moments like traveling together and supporting each other during tough times. It felt like a dream life, but then cancer entered the picture, and everything changed.
She was diagnosed with a rare type of sarcoma in her leg. From that point, she began the biggest battle of her life. For two years, she fought with real courage. I read a lengthy Facebook update from May 2024, and it honestly gave me goosebumps. She was open about everything. She talked about her lungs collapsing, her oxygen dropping to 76, the hospital stay, the stress of chemo, and the moment doctors told her she might lose her leg from the belly button down. Just reading that made me pause and think about how terrifying that call must have been.
Then she shared how she got referred to MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. Her first flight was in first class because she needed space due to the tumor. She even joked about it. I loved how she maintained her sense of humor in a situation where many would break down.
The doctors in Houston rechecked her and found something surprising. Her tumor had shrunk on its own during the two months she was off chemo. That part felt like hope returned to her life. She even wrote “yay,” which made the post feel so genuine. The plan became three more chemo rounds in Charlotte. She even mentioned feeling excited about chemo for the first time, which shows how much she wanted to fight her illness.
She shared small moments too, like her sister dyeing her hair brunette the night before treatment or Edwin using a cheap little fan to help her stay cool. These little things made her journey feel very human. That’s what touched me the most.
Her husband Edwin always stayed by her side. Even Courtney, her sister, was with her through everything. Their bond grew stronger during the treatment. It reminded me of how important family is, even when we sometimes forget.
After two years of brave treatment, prayer, and endless hope, Meredith passed away peacefully. Edwin shared a message that weighed heavily on my heart. He talked about how she fought with strength and courage and how everyone around her believed she would overcome it because that was the kind of person she was. Courtney also shared her sorrow and said it was an honor to be her sister and best friend.
The Greenville and Charlotte communities are still mourning, but her memory will remain alive for a long time. Her family mentioned that instead of sending flowers, people could donate to the Paula Takacs Foundation, which supports sarcoma patients. I think that is something she would have wanted since she always cared about others.
Meredith lived a whole life in her short time with us. She loved deeply, helped people, smiled through tough days, and remained hopeful even in dark times. Her story taught me to appreciate small things and not take people for granted.
Rest in peace, Meredith. You truly became an inspiration for many, including me, who only learned about you through your words. You may also be interested in: Thames Resident Stops For A Swim Then Sees A Fight Break Out Between A Man And Kids Outside Subway
