Losing a parent at any age is devastating, but losing a parent when you are only 5 years old is beyond heartbreaking to hear about much less experience.

Wisconsin Girl Hosts Lemonade Stand to Honor Her Late Father

In November of 2019 Kyleigh Brunette of Sheboygan, Wisconsin's dad, Jordon Wakefield, passed away, but it wasn't until recently that Kyleigh learned her dad had actually taken his own life. This is the last picture Jordon posted on Facebook of him and his daughter before he died...

Those pictures show a proud Dad and loving daughter, but obviously, Jordon had demons that he just couldn't overcome.

After Kyleigh, now 8 years old,  learned her father had taken his own life, she was inspired to start raising awareness of the importance of mental health, and she chose to do that by hosting lemonade stands.

 

Kyleigh's mother, Brittany Brunette-Thimmesch of Sheboygan, recently told People;

She wanted to help people that can't afford services to get the services so that it doesn't happen to another person, or another kid doesn't have to go without a parent.

On July 1 and 8, 2022, Kyleigh hosted lemonade stands to coincide with her Dad's birthday, which they loved celebrating together, and to honor his memory. Between the 2 dates, she raised $800 which she proudly donated to Mental Health America in Sheboygan.

To say Kyleigh is an inspiration for us all is a complete understatement. It brings tears to my eyes to think about how determined she is to make a difference despite all the grief she must still be feeling. Kyleigh also told People that she plans to make the lemonade stands a yearly tradition to celebrate her Dad's birthday and that "It made me happy because I like helping other people and I like being kind to others."

Job well done, Kyleigh. I hope you continue to provide such an awesome example for kids all over the world.

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