On Wednesday, July 6, my uncle Sharif Popal suffered a massive stroke and did not wake up. He suffered another one on July 14, and the doctors have pronounced him brain dead.

Sharif Popal was beloved by many. He was my father's best friend of 50 years and my mom's eldest brother. They moved to America together in the 80's to escape the war in Afghanistan. I remember his wedding, how he used to teach us as kids how to box, and the way he'd say "Where have you been?" when we would visit when we got older. He leaves behind a wife and 4 kids, sisters and brother, nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends.

My uncle was the sole bread winner for his family. As no one expected him to have a stroke, we would be so grateful for any donations to help with funeral costs and to help support his family in the next few months.