BROWNSVILLE – A plea from a Brownsville family two years after the disappearance of a loved one. They’re trying to keep the case alive.

Kimberly Avila’s birthday was last week. To celebrate, her family organized a vigil for Saturday at 6:30 p.m. at Market Square Park.

They hope it will bring awareness and a tip that leads them to their missing loved one.

Oscar Lopez with the Valley Aids Council has worked with the family since Kimberly first went missing. He says there’s a big barrier holding back answers and not getting anyone to speak.

Her sister, Ivon Rodarte, says, “I don't know if it's because Kimberly was grown. Because of her gender that we're not getting a lot of help from people that we're reaching out to.”

Kimberly is a transgender female. Rodarte says the investigation was slow to start.

Anyone with tips on what may have happened to Kimberly can call Brownsville Crime Stoppers at 956-546-8477.

Watch the video above for the full story.