A Sisters Mission To Buy A Child's Headstone

A 12-year old girls mission is give her sister a proper memorial.

By Liz Dorland

CREATED 9:28 PM

Ponca Hills, NE -- A 12-year old girls mission is give her sister a proper memorial. We first told you about 12-year old Kaleah Del Angel earlier this month.  Kaleah was 4-years old when her baby sister Estrella died.  Her adopted mother found where Estrella had been buried, but the little girl didn't have a headstone.   Kaleah described it as, "Nobody knows where she is except for somebody in a dusty desk with all the records."

Kaleah Del Angels' mission has touched thousands of people who watched her story.  People like Ponca Hills Fire Chief Joel Sacks.  "Her heart is in it that's what really hits me," he said.

For months, Kaleah has been working with the Ponca Hills Fire Department to plan a car wash.  Her goal is to raise enough money to buy Estrella a headstone.

Kaleah asked the Ponca Hills Fire Department if she could hold a fundraiser at their station.  Jerry Hodges was there when Kaleah asked permission. "She had a very nice little line she talked to us about and it brought tears to your eyes right away," said Jerry.

Thanks to our viewers,  that car wash is becoming more.  Kaleah's adopted mother Wendy Keeler said almost immediately after the story aired, people were calling wanting to help.  Wendy said, "We were contacted by the Tanger Shriner's.  They're sending their clown patrol." 

The donations go even farther.  "Joy and John Soby of Soby's Ranch Ministries got on board and offered to bring a petting zoo," she explained.

Viewers have even opened their pocketbooks to help.  Over $200 has been given for to Estrella's fund.  Now Kaleah's planning what Estrella's headstone will look like.  Kaleah explained it will be black and have a picture of her sister on it.   "It says on the headstone she gave so much for being so small but angels always do and it says your family George, Louis and Kaleah," said the older sister.

Kaleah's determined to leave Estrella's mark on more than just on a headstone in graveyard. Kaleah added, "All the extra money that we don't use for the headstone we're going to give to Children's Hospital and we're going to maybe have artwork for Estrella name which is pretty cool."

Kaleah's fundraiser for her sister will be Saturday July 28th from 9a.m. to 2p.m at the Ponca Hills Volunteer Fire Department.   The fire department is located at 12919 Ponca Road.  If you're unable to attend but want to help, donations are also being accepted by PayPal at remeberingestrella@yahoo.com.

Reported By: Liz Dorland, ldorland@action3news.com