7 days ago
San Angelo family loses second daughter to Huntington's disease: Here's how to help
Just two years after losing their first daughter, a San Angelo family has lost their second daughter to Huntington's disease.
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.
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This article originally appeared on San Angelo Standard-Times: San Angelo family loses daughters to Huntington's: Here's how to help
