San Angelo family loses second daughter to Huntington's disease: Here's how to help
On April 17, 2023, Khloe Salazar Gloria's battle with juvenile Huntington's disease came to an end at the age of 7.
One year later in 2024, her parents, Natalie Salazar and Hector Gloria got the news that their younger daughter, Ariahella, had been diagnosed with the same rare and devastating illness.
"Juvenile Huntington's Disease (JHD) is a rare genetic brain disorder that slowly takes away a child's ability to move, speak, eat, and think," Natalie said on a GoFundMe page. "There is no cure."
Ariahella Kamille Gloria was reunited with her sister on June 29 at the age of 5.
"I'm not sure how to live at this moment, I can only thank God for taking your pain away even in your last moments," Natalie said in a Facebook post. "I hope you know mama tried her best and I will forever feel sorry for your suffering and pain. I love you so much my little bull, my mermaid, my whole life."
Natalie said she doesn't want the disease to define who Ari was.
"Her constant laughter and smile that would fill the room will definitely be missed, but not forgotten as we will always continue to keep her memories alive," she said.
A Facebook page called "Keeping UP with KHLOE & ALONG CAME ARI" was frequently updated about developments with the girls. It remains as a memorial page and will be updated with future fundraisers.
Hector and Natalie thanked Hospice of San Angelo, her neurologist and medical team, her social worker Patrica and Candy, her hospice nurse.
"We would also like to thank the community who have been following our story with both of our girls, we truly do appreciate all the support with much love and sadness," Natalie said.
A GoFundMe titled "A Second Battle We Never Imagined – Supporting Ariahella" is available for donations. It is currently at $10,251 donations as of Thursday morning.
"I know we have received such a large amount and that is all going to the funeral home and the plot at Lawnhaven," Natalie said in a message. "Any funds after that will be going to the headstone. We were blessed abundantly with Khloe."
Natalie said there will be a brisket plate sale happening soon. Details will be posted on the Facebook page once finalized.
A visitation for Ariahella will be held 6-8 p.m. Monday at Johnson's Funeral Home, 435 West Beauregard.
A funeral service will be 10-11:30 a.m. Tuesday at The House Of Jireh, 1414 N. Chadbourne St. A graveside service be noon-1 p.m. at Johnson's Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens, 4989 FM Highway 1223.
More: Live roaches on ice: Here's why the health department closed a San Angelo restaurant
More: Farm to Fork: New grocery store opens in San Angelo selling homegrown foods
This article originally appeared on San Angelo Standard-Times: San Angelo family loses daughters to Huntington's: Here's how to help
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
CNN
18 hours ago
- CNN
What are your questions about lifestyle changes and cognitive decline?
Food & health Chronic diseases Dementia Getting olderFacebookTweetLink Follow Healthy habits like eating a nutritious diet and getting regular exercise can protect your brain as you age. Research shows that it may even help after physical signs of cognitive problems begin. What do you want to know about how your lifestyle might affect your risk of cognitive decline, including conditions such as Alzheimer's disease? Share your questions with CNN below.
19 hours ago
High school football player dies from heat stroke
A high school football player in Tennessee has died after suffering complications from a heat stroke, according to his family. Joshua Henderson, 16, died on Saturday due to "complications from organ failure caused by a severe heat stroke," despite "bravely fighting for his life in the hospital," his family noted in their GoFundMe. His aunt, Kristen Henderson, told ABC News that he was hospitalized on July 6, when he passed out at football practice. Shortly after dropping Henderson off at practice, his mother received a call to say he was unresponsive, according to his aunt. When she got there, he was rushed to the hospital, his aunt said. Henderson, who was a student and football player for Bolton High School in Arlington, Tennessee, was described as as an "exceptional athlete and dedicated scholar," Memphis Shelby County Schools said in a statement on Monday. "His kindness, determination and positive spirit left a lasting impression on classmates, teachers and our entire BHS community," school officials said. "We extend our deepest sympathies to his family, friends and all those grieving this immense loss." He was "deeply loved by his parents, siblings, extended family and all who knew him," his family noted in a statement. "His sudden loss has left our hearts shattered and our world forever changed. Joshua's life, though short, was meaningful and full of light," the family said. Kristen Henderson, who described her nephew as a "gentle giant," said he had been playing offensive and defense line on the football team and was being scouted by different universities "because he was so good." Henderson, who was about to be a senior in high school this fall, wanted to attend the University of Florida on a football scholarship and pursue a degree in engineering, his aunt said. School officials said grief counselors and support staff will be available at the high school "in the coming days for any student or staff member who needs them." Extreme heat is the deadliest weather-related hazard in the U.S., claiming roughly 2,000 people annually, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The latest CDC statistics show that 150 heat-related deaths have already occurred in the United States in 2025.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Yahoo
9-year-old girl who died after incident at Hersheypark Boardwalk identified
Members of the Bhutanese Community in Harrisburg confirmed the identity of the 9-year-old girl who died at The Boardwalk at Hersheypark on July 24. Sophia Subedi, who has lived in Harrisburg since 2022, was found by Boardwalk lifeguards at the wave pool within the Boardwalk area. Subedi was transported to Penn State Health Hershey Medical Center, where officials said the child did not recover. "A bright, kind, and loving young girl, Sophia brought joy and light to everyone who knew her," a family representative said in a statement. "Her sudden loss has left our entire community in grief." Subedi was the first Hersheypark guest to die in the park's 119-year history. Her cause of death has not been released as of Monday morning. Subedi was born in 2016 in Mount Carmel, Columbus, Ohio. She was preparing to start fourth grade at North Side Elementary School in the Central Dauphin School District. A GoFundMe has been created by friends and community members in support of the Subedi family, according to representatives. A funeral and memorial service for Sophia Subedi is expected to take place Wednesday at the Jesse H. Geigle Funeral Home in Harrisburg. "We hope to turn this loss into a legacy — perhaps by supporting children's safety initiatives, advocating for awareness, or creating a small space in her name where kids and families can feel safe, loved, and connected," representatives said on the GoFundMe page. Hershey Entertainment officials said they will be conducting a "thorough internal review" of the incident in the coming days, and will cooperate fully with authorities. "The safety of our guests has always been our highest priority. In the coming days, we will conduct a thorough internal review and cooperate fully with authorities. "Our hearts break for this child and the child's family. We extend our deepest condolences for their loss. Out of respect for their privacy, we will not release any personal details at this time," John Lawn, CEO, Hershey Entertainment & Resorts Company, said in a statement Thursday. The wave pool was closed Friday after the incident. Hershey officials said that there were 10 lifeguards specifically dedicated to the wave pool at the time of the incident. The wave pool has since been reopened, according to officials. The Derry Township Police Department issued a statement Friday saying they are assisting Hersheypark and the Dauphin County Coroner's Office with their review into Sophia Subedi's death. "We are still on the early stages of this process, and we are working to gather all of the facts in the incident," police said. "Our thoughts and our hearts are with the family and friends of this young life, lost too soon." Hersheypark officials said there were over 100 Ellis & Associates-trained lifeguards in the Boardwalk area at the time of the incident. The park employs 19 Certified Lifeguard Instructors and one Instructor Trainer to "ensure all team members meet rigorous safety standards." This is an ongoing story. Please check back for updates. Matthew Toth is a reporter for the Lebanon Daily News. Reach him at mtoth@ or on X at @DAMattToth. This article originally appeared on Lebanon Daily News: Girl, 9, who died after incident at Hersheypark Boardwalk identified Solve the daily Crossword
