Kaelia Nelson's family continues to spread her message

A 2017 Miss Nebraska contestant passed away on October 29.

For Kaelia Shae Nelson wearing the crown wasn’t all about the glitz and the glam, but rather using her platform as a way to spread her message and help others.

Kaelia Nelson, 21, grew up around the pageant world. She was Miss Chadron Outstanding Teen 2011, Miss Alliance outstanding Teen 2012 and was crowned Miss Alliance 2017 this past June, where she was also the recipient for the Children’s Miracle Network.

Behind this beautiful young lady, was a woman struggling with mental illness.

Kaelia was found in her dorm room that Sunday after taking her own life.

Kaelia was bullied from a young age and as she got older she realized the importance of the platform she was given.

“She talked to them about some of her mental health issues that she had and they recommended that she do tell her story and so that's when she changed it to stopping the stigma, creating conversations about mental illness,” said Shardel Nelson, Kaelia’s mom.

On June 5, 2016, Kaelia attempted suicide and it wasn’t until then that she was officially diagnosed with depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder and bipolar disorder.

“It’s like having an injury and you'd go to the doctor. It’s the same for mental illness. You have to go to the doctor, you have to get help. It's just like any other mental illness. It has to be dealt with, it has to be treated, you can't just let it go,” added Shardel Nelson.

Kaelia was studying elementary education and special education at Peru State College. She was a Gold Rush Dance Team member at Wesleyan University and a flyer for Peru’s cheer squad. Her passion was dancing and children.

“She had a very glowing personality, always a sparkle, a smile. So strong, yet so fragile inside and that's the thing with mental illness. A lot of times it's the very high performing people that have no issues with the law, drugs or alcohol. Mental illness is very invisible,” said Mark Nelson, Kaelia’s dad.

Shardel and Mark Nelson said they will continue to Stomp The Stigma.

“That's our goal now, is to carry on her legacy and her platform and help others. That has to be the good that comes out of this,” added Shardel Nelson.

“I'm better for knowing her. I've got three kids that I can say not only am I proud of, but I probably look up to them as role models for me as an adult,” added Mark Nelson.

“Maybe we could raise some money to help others. Your story isn't over because we will continue to tell it,” added Shardel Nelson.

Kaelia wrote a book on mental awareness in the hopes that others could benefit from her story.

The family wants to continue a scholarship in her name and give back to mental health organizations.

For more information on how to purchase her book, a t-shirt or a bracelet the family has set up a Facebook page,