Family, Friends Gather To Remember 18-Year-Old Firefighter

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - Pink, green and white balloons filled the sky over the Bauerstown Fire Hall Sunday night.

The ceremony was in memory of one of the youngest female firefighters in the area, 18-year-old Danielle Kappeler.

"My mom didn't want to have a funeral," said Danielle's sister, Samantha Porinchak. "She didn't want to remember the bad times, so this is basically remembering all of the good times we had with Danielle."

Danielle died while waiting for a liver transplant. She received her first one at age six, and needed a replacement. She developed an infection while waiting for a suitable donor. In the process, her system became too weak, and she died at Children's Hospital.

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"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 friends, family and fellow firefighters gathered Sunday, not just to celebrate her life, but in hopes of getting more people interested in donating. Danielle lived her life to the fullest, in spite of her health challenges, and now those close to her want to make sure her short life doesn't become forgotten.

"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 John Naleppa, a firefighter who worked with Danielle.

"We just want to celebrate her life because she was beautiful. Still is, and we just wanted to raise awareness," Porinchak said.