On Aug. 3, Wilkinson, 12, took Sully for a walk, but Wilkinson collapsed when she suffered a brain aneurysm. Her loyal four-legged companion remained by her side until a driver saw the two and called for emergency personnel.
Although her parents, Cindy and Mike Wilkinson of Norton Shores, lost their little girl, they donated her organs and tissue to the Gift of Life, an organ donation program. Her organs and tissues have so far helped five families.
To celebrate Malauri’s life, her family, friends and Sully will gather Saturday, Oct. 6, at 100 S. Harbor Ave. in Grand Haven. After a walk along the Grand Haven boardwalk, the group plans to release balloons in memory of Malauri.
“She brought so much life to our house,” Cindy Wilkinson said.
Cindy described her daughter as shy with a witty sense of humor who kept up with the teasing from her older brothers, Tyler Slamkowski and Brandon Wilkinson.
Malauri was active in sports, music and loved drawing. She played on her school’s basketball, volleyball and softball teams.
The young girl played the trumpet and took private lessons, although she was shy and didn’t often play in front of her parents.
“He would howl along with her when she played,” Mike recalled about Sully’s companionship with his daughter.
To read more of this story, see today’s print or e-edition of the Grand Haven Tribune.
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