PITTSBURGH — Friends, family and fellow firefighters gathered Sunday night to honor an 18-year-old female firefighter who died while waiting for a liver transplant.
CBS Pittsburgh reported that Danielle Kappeler, one of the youngest female firefighters with the Evergreen (Pa.) Volunteer Fire Company, developed an infection while waiting for a donor. Her system became too weak and she died at a hospital.
“Twenty-two people die a day waiting for them. It’s a lot better chance when people donate,” said Alexandra Hull, Danielle’s sister.
Danielle’s family not only wanted to celebrate her life, but hopes to raise awareness and get people interested about donating.
“For being an 18-year-old and being a female in fire service, Danielle pushed herself very hard. I’ve been doing this since I was 14 and I never saw a female push as hard as Danielle,” said fellow firefighter John Naleppa.