He lost his best friend at 12—then took on odd jobs to keep his memory alive
Some friendships leave a lasting mark, and sometimes, a young boy makes sure that mark is carved in stone. The bond between two 12-year-old boys became something bigger than anyone expected, as reported by The Detroit News. What began in a second-grade classroom would grow into a lasting tribute, sparked by love, grief and a simple act of generosity.
Kaleb Klakulak and Kenneth “K.J.” Gross had been close friends since they met in elementary school. K.J. had been battling leukemia since infancy, and spent much of his life in and out of hospitals. Despite the challenges, the two boys stayed close. When hospital stays became more frequent, Kaleb would visit, bringing video games and comfort. On May 1, 2018, K.J. passed away from congestive heart failure. He was only 12. When Kaleb later learned that K.J.’s mother, LaSondra “San” Singleton, couldn’t afford a headstone, he decided to raise the money himself.
Kaleb, also 12 at the time, began collecting bottles for deposit refunds, doing small jobs in his neighborhood, and sharing a PayPal link online. “I love Ms. San,” he commented. “I was sad she couldn't afford it. I wanted people to be able to find (K.J.'s grave) when they went to see him.” Kaleb’s mother, Kristy Hall, supported the effort, helping him set up the donation account and sharing the story on Facebook. Within weeks, the community began responding, with money, offers of work, and kind words.
Singleton, overwhelmed by Kaleb’s effort, was moved to tears when Kaleb, his mom, and stepdad surprised her with $900 they had raised. “My son’s not here, but (Kaleb) still loves my son enough to (do) this,” she said. “It just speaks volumes to the type of people that they are.” She explained that after K.J. was hospitalized for the last time in January, she quit her job as a school cafeteria worker to care for him full-time. With five children and her own mother needing care, she was struggling with money.
K.J. and Kaleb’s friendship had always been special. Singleton said her son came home every day talking about Kaleb. The boys shared everything, from glasses to humor to church services. Kaleb even brought K.J. to Vacation Bible School. Though K.J. was declared cancer-free in 2015, the years of treatment damaged his heart. As his condition worsened, his doctor made an exception to allow Kaleb to visit him in the ICU. They painted and played video games together one last time.
As his health declined, K.J. asked to paint again. He spent a day creating art for his loved ones. Shortly after, his condition worsened, and Singleton made the hardest decision a parent can make. On May 1, with Kaleb nearby, K.J. passed away. “He was ready to go,” Singleton said. “God wanted him back.” K.J. was buried at Elmwood Cemetery in Detroit, in a family plot, but without a marker. Thanks to Kaleb’s dedication, that may soon change. “They’re amazing people,” Singleton said of Kaleb and his family. “They make you think of things differently.”