Sweet Journey 17 Foundation Launched in Memory of Olympic Heights High School Student
Boca Raton, FL – March 24, 2026 – The Sweet Journey 17 Foundation, a new nonprofit organization, has been established by the family of Ariana Ehrenthal, a 17-year-old senior and cheerleader at Olympic Heights High School, who unexpectedly passed away on March 15, 2026.
Ariana experienced a sudden health crisis, initially receiving a non-terminal diagnosis. Following twelve weeks of hospitalization, including a transfer to a children’s hospital in Philadelphia with her parents by her side, she died unexpectedly. During this difficult time, her family witnessed the significant financial and logistical challenges faced by families striving to remain close to hospitalized children – covering expenses such as meals, lodging, and travel.
Driven by Ariana’s lifelong aspiration to become a nurse, her family is channeling her compassion into action. The Sweet Journey 17 Foundation will provide support to families facing similar circumstances, helping them with the financial burdens of long-term pediatric hospital stays, ensuring they can afford essential needs like food, housing, and transportation.
Services This Week & Community Support
Services to honor Ariana’s life will be held this week, and a strong turnout from her classmates and the Olympic Heights community is anticipated. Details are as follows:
- Visitation: Tuesday, March 24, 4–8 PM – Babione Funeral Home (10060 Calle Comercio Dr, Boca Raton, FL 33428)
- Funeral: Wednesday, March 25, 11 AM – St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church (370 SW 3rd St, Boca Raton, FL 33432)
Attendees are encouraged to wear pink in Ariana’s memory.
Ariana Ehrenthal: Student of the Month & Cheerleader
Ariana Ehrenthal was recognized as Olympic Heights PTO’s September Student of the Month. According to a Facebook post from the Olympic Heights PTO, she received a certificate of recognition and an OH swag bag.
She was also active on Instagram, where she identified as @aristhebesteverr. Her Instagram profile shows she was a cheerleader at Olympic Heights High School.
Remembering Ariana
Ariana Lynn Ehrenthal, born April 22, 2008, is survived by her significant other, Franco, her parents Melissa and Alex, her sister Rebeka (Dylan), her nibling Taytum, her siblings Zachary and Maggie, her grandparents Walter, Gloria, Michael, Gabrielle and Franco, her aunt Caroline, her cousins Chloe and Owen, and her uncle Jeremy. Her obituary details her life and the impact she had on those around her.
A GoFundMe campaign has been created to support families in honor of Ariana Ehrenthal.
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