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North Arlington Dad's Letter To Late Daughter Sheds Light On Mental Illness

NORTH ARLINGTON, N.J. — Among the dozens of tributes that poured in following the death of North Arlington's Karly Ann Tyelnda was a letter from her father, Steven Tylenda.

Karly Ann Tylenda of North Arlington.

Karly Ann Tylenda of North Arlington.

Photo Credit: Facebook

"I know your goal was to get strong enough to finish school and help other people who battled depression and all that goes along with it," he wrote.

"If your tragic passing gets through to one child, then you accomplished what you set out to do," he added.

Born in Hackensack, Karly lived in North Arlington until moving to Lyndhurst last year. She was a graduate of North Arlington High School and was a student at Bergen Community College. 

Karly enjoyed playing her guitar -- music was her passion.

"When you were born, just under two pounds, the odds were stacked against you," her father continued.

"I will never forget the song that was playing in the operating room at that moment. It was 'Love Will Keep Us Alive' by the Eagles. 

"On your final day, our last words to each other were 'I Love You,' and that will keep me alive -- I LOVE YOU, My Baby, sleep peacefully…. Love, Daddy."

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