Community comes together for family of 9-year-old killed walking home from school

The family who lost their 9-year-old daughter in a crash and had their 5-year-old son seriously injured is speaking out for the first time.

Monique "Ceci" Guzman was killed when she was hit by a car after it had already crashed into a school bus.

"My daughter would always say 'I'm built different.' And she was built different," said Monique's mother, Gloria Guzman. "We just have to learn to live with that emptiness she left because it is a big emptiness."

Three other kids were hit by the car leaving them with major injuries including Monique's 5-year-old brother, Julio Guzman, who was recently released from the hospital. The family is now looking after Julio as he recovers. And as he gains his memory back from the incident, he has been telling his mom everything he can remember from Monique's last heroic moments.

"He's remembering. He did tell us that his big sister saved him. She pushed him out of the way and she got in front of the car so she could get the first hit," said Gloria. "He told me like she is my angel. She saved my life."

Julio broke both femurs, his cranium, and shattered his face. His doctors told the family they expect him to be able to walk again in 9 months.

"I miss her. I love her. Thank you," said Julio.

"He blames himself now and I tell him don't blame yourself," said Gloria. "He told me we're gonna be okay mom. And I'm like yeah we are gonna- we have to be okay you know? My daughter did not lose her life just for us not to be okay. She did it for a reason."

The family said they're overwhelmed by the community's support. A collection fund was done within California Highway Patrol, which handled the crash. CHP raised more than $1,100 and surprised the family with food and different necessities.

"Every officer that we asked to help us with this cause was glad to do so," said CHP officer David Height. "And we did it, you know, happily and we're glad that we can make a difference today for this family."

Ultimately, no gift will ever replace Monique.

"For the short time that God let me have her, she showed me that I need to see life different. That I need to not hold grudges, and live life," said Gloria. "She was something else. She was perfect. Perfect in every way."

If you're interested in helping the Guzman family financially, a GoFundMe was made to help with funeral and hospital expenses.