Prayers Rise for Upland High School Varsity Cheerleader Faith Serafina Arrula, 15, Who Is In a Coma!

September 24, 2026

This article was last updated by Alisha Shrestha on September 24, 2026

A 15-year-old Varsity cheerleader, Faith Serafina Arrula, has been fighting for her life since falling into a coma caused by bacterial meningitis.

What began as a sudden illness on Sunday, September 14, 2026, has turned into a tense wait for her family, friends, and schoolmates.

Following the tragic incident, her best friend, Giselle, with whom she shares a close bond, took to her Instagram to

In fact, Deborah L. Marlow, Giselle’s grandmother, was the first to share the heartbreaking update about her on Facebook.

On September 19, in a Facebook post, she wrote about asking for prayers for her granddaughter’s very best friend, writing:

asking for prayers …. my granddaughter’s very best friend is on life-support in California. She has bacterial meningitis and is in a coma. She’s a sweet, kind, smart teenage girl

Soon after, on September 22, 2026, she organized a prayer vigil to rally support. The event took place on Tuesday, September 23, at 6:15 p.m. local time outside a community spot in Upland.

This is a prayer vigil for Faith Arrula who is still on life support and has been in a coma (caused by a bacterial meningitis infection) since Sunday, 14th September.

Deborah described Faith as a sweet, kind, and intelligent young woman who earned straight A’s in her classes.

Further in the comment section, Deborah shared that although she never met Faith in person, she felt deeply connected to her through her granddaughter Giselle’s social posts and stories.

Faith Serafina Arrula (left) with her best friend, Giselle (right). (Image Source: )

She described their bond that was full of selfless love, writing:

young, talented, smart, kind girls; always helpful, full of love of life, committed athletes and both who studied hard in school to get straight ‘A’s while training 4-hours every day.

Heartbroken Deborah can’t seem to process the fact that Faith fell critically ill with bacterial meningitis in just a week.

She struggles to make sense of it, saying that even at her age, she cannot accept the unfairness of life. She wrote:

Then to just have this sweeteheart whacked and her life taken within a week of getting sick? What? Why? I know as Im in my mid 70s I should understand the circle-of-life …but today I just dont.

Likewise, Faith’s best friend, Giselle, wrote a heartwarming about her, expressing her gratitude for their friendship.

She recalls the day they played volleyball at the beach. They shared countless moments, such as cheering together at practice, walking to the gas station or T-Pumps after school, and eating lunch together every day.

Giselle expressed her gratitude, penning:

I’m so lucky to have that happen and make a ton of memories together.

Giselle recalled the time when Faith would give her apple juice.

She further shared that when Faith made the varsity cheer team, everyone celebrated, renaming their group chat to honor the “Varsity Queens.”

Giselle cherishes their last game, where they were able to do a special all-flyer stunt they’d been excited about.

She described Faith as the sweetest girl and an incredible friend, grateful to call her her best friend, writing:

You’re the sweetest girl I’ve ever met and an amazing best friend. I’m glad I was able to call you my best friend I love you forever 💗🦕 #livelikefaith

During this difficult time, we pray for the speedy recovery of Faith Serafina Arrula.

• Check other Articles on

Aditi is an avid music lover whose interest's goes beyond the realm of music, with passion in digital marketing. A Gen Z who loves her personal space and is keen to exploring new things. An optimist who seeks silver lining in every circumstances life throws at her.

Related articles

May 13, 2026

May 12, 2026

May 12, 2026

May 8, 2026

Comments

LEAVE A REPLY

Comment: Please enter your comment! Name:* Please enter your name here Email:* You have entered an incorrect email address! Please enter your email address here

Δ

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam.

Share article

- May 13, 2026 Residents of Biggleswade, Bedfordshire, are raising serious concerns after a series of violent incidents involving a group of young boys who have been targeting...

- May 13, 2026 Andrew O' Donnell of Fairfield, Connecticut, passed away at the age of 39. He was born in Fairfield, Connecticut, and later moved to Ancramdale, New...

- May 12, 2026 Judy (Evans) Milby of Rockwall, Texas, passed away on Saturday at the age of 80. Milby was born on July 25, 1945, to her father,...

- May 12, 2026 Residents of Dromore, Co. Down, are calling for action after a deeply concerning incident at the local play park, where older children were reported...

- May 11, 2026 A video circulating on Facebook has sparked a heated debate among Bell Gardens residents after police were called on a group of kids riding...