LEBANON, Ind. (WTHR) — Funeral services for Izabella Marie Helem have been set for Saturday.
The 4-year-old girl was accidentally shot by her brother November 29.
According to our partners at The Lebanon Reporter, Izabella passed away after her organs were donated. Eight children will benefit from those donations including a 1-year-old in need of a heart transplant, as well as a toddler in need of a liver.
Police say her younger brother accidentally shot her while they were visiting their grandmother's home.
Briana ‘Bre’ and Alonzo Helem were at work when their daughter was hurt. Bre is an active member of the United States Army and was on assignment driving to Fort Knox, Ky., when she received word of the accident.
“The national news has called my mother reckless and careless,” Bre told The Lebanon Reporter. “They are blaming her for our daughter’s death. Other sources have portrayed us as irresponsible parents. I would like people to know a few things about our family. My mom is not a bad person, she is not reckless or careless. She loves our kids so much. This is devastating for her also. Our son is 3 years old. We are working to provide him with counseling. We need to help find a way for him to heal. This is a tragedy for some people, but it is our worst nightmare as parents. We love all our children."
Funeral arrangements for Saturday are still being prepared.