The 9-year-old Saratoga resident died Dec. 17 due to complications from toxic epidermal necrolysis, a form of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome. Kaitlyn contracted the disorder a year prior, as the result of a severe allergic reaction to Children's Motrin. The effects of the reaction were permanent blindness, lung damage and scarring of the esophagus and mucous membranes.

Renowned for her courage and remembered for her enthusiasm for life, Kaitlyn will be honored at a memorial service on Jan. 17 at 2 p.m. at Westgate Church in San Jose.

The service will be a celebration of Kaitlyn's life, including a slide show, children's stories, speeches from family and friends, and a performance by Rachel Lauren, who will sing "Miracle of My Life." Campbell studio owner and musician Robert Berry composed the song for Kaitlyn last year.

After the service, guests will be asked to attach hand-written messages to rainbow-colored balloons, which will then be sent off into the sky for Kaitlyn.

"The balloons will be in rainbow colors because she loves rainbows," says her mother, Kerry. "It will be a symbol to release grief while sending out a message to her."

There has been an outpouring of support for the Langstaff family, as evidenced by 10 three-ring binders full of cards, compiled by her sister's Girl Scout troop. "It's really comforting to look through all the nice notes and letters," Kerry says. "We thank the community for the continued support of our family."

Friends of the family hope the memorial service will be an opportunity to remember all the positive things about Kaitlyn's life.

"It was a sad funeral, but it will be a nice memorial," says family friend Jackie Morris. "We will be re-doing her life and all the happy times because that is what she would have wanted. She was a great friend to all and was loved by the community. She was just an inspiration to all of us."

Morris remembers Kaitlyn for her love of reading, her bright mind and her beloved stubbornness. "She liked to be around everybody and didn't want anyone to think differently of her," she says.

Neighbor Karon Pasos says Kaitlyn's passing is a mixed blessing. "We hate to see something like that happen, but we know she hadn't been doing well. But now she's at peace somewhere, running around doing all the things she couldn't do here," Pasos says.

Although Kaitlyn lost her vision and ability to speak, she never gave up on life. She had a passion for music and enjoyed spending time with her friends, creating arts and crafts, and walking the family dog.

"For a child with so many health problems, she was always upbeat and determined. She certainly had a strong personality and was not willing to let this stop her from doing anything," Pasos says. "She had her own style and a remarkable good attitude up until the end."

Kaitlyn is survived by her mother Kerry, father Brad and sister Kelly of Saratoga.

After the service, coffee and dessert will be served. Westgate Church is located at 1735 Saratoga Ave. in San Jose.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to the Silicon Valley Children's Hospital Foundation, PMB No. 280, 1600 Saratoga Ave., No. 403, San Jose, 95129. The memo portion of the check should be filled out "In Memory of Kaitlyn."

For more information, visit http://www.kaitlynlangstaff.org.