SANTA ANA, Calif. — The family of a 10-year-old girl who was found dead in her Santa Ana home on October 13 fundraised through the weekend to pay for her funeral and therapy sessions for her family. Allison was a fifth grader at Hazard Elementary School.

Allison’s 22-year-old cousin Bonnie Mesinas created a GoFundMe page and helped organize a food fundraising event on October 19 and 20 to help her family. Mesinas loved her cousin and considered her a little sister.

“When I found out my aunt was pregnant, I was really happy. When I first saw her, I feel in love with her,” said Mesinas.

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Mesinas is 12 years older than her little cousin, but the two were inseparable. She says her heart broke about a week ago when the fifth grader was found dead in the family’s home. Authorities are investigating Allison’s death as a suicide, with bullying as a probable cause.

However, Mesinas is asking people not to spread or listen to rumors, but rather wait for the Santa Ana Police Department to finish its investigation.

“I honestly wish everyone got to see who she was because she was someone who was special to us,” said Mesinas.

As devastated as the family and close family friends are at the moment, Mesinas says she is trying to be strong because that’s what Allison always encouraged her to be.

“If you have a problem, you have to stand up. Be strong and suck it up,” says Mesinas.

However, reality does sneak its way into the moment. Mesinas teared up when she talked about how it’s hard to go back to school because there are so many things that remind her of Allison. Mesinas had plans to complete her education at a 2-year college and earn an Associate’s Degree.

“I just want to become someone professional and be able to take care of them,” said Mesinas.

She wants to help take care of Allison’s younger sister. Instead of just stopping with an Associate’s Degree, Mesinas says Allison’s unexpected death has encouraged her to study harder to transfer to a four year university to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in early childhood development. Mesinas hopes to be a preschool teacher so she can teach and be there for young children as her little cousin Allison was there for her.

Allison’s funeral is scheduled for October 24 at an undisclosed location. To help the family, please visit their GoFundMe page.

If you or a loved one is feeling distressed, help is available with the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. Free, confidential support is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

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