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Hi, my name is Mike. I’m writing this because Kristi can’t right now, and someone has to speak for her, for her son, and for the truth of what she’s living through.

Kristi’s youngest son, Dante, passed away suddenly and tragically Nov. 8th. He was just weeks away from turning 21. He had a wicked sense of humor, a curious mind, and a heart that cared deeply for people and animals. He loved with everything he had—and everyone who truly knew him loved him back just as hard.

The way Kristi had to find out about her own child’s death is something no parent should ever endure. No warning, no preparation. And since that moment, everything has been an uphill battle. Every answer, every update, every basic piece of information has come with delays, miscommunication, or silence. She has been fighting through grief while trying to navigate things no parent should ever have to navigate.

I’ve been watching the strongest woman I know completely break. She has lost her baby. This kind of pain is beyond anything I’ve ever seen. She’s trying to hold on, trying to breathe through something that would destroy most people, and I’m doing everything I can to hold her up—but we can’t do this alone.

⭐ Why I’m Asking for Help

Kristi wants to give Dante a real celebration of life—something that shows how loved he is. She wants a room full of the people who knew him, who cared for him, who shared pieces of life with him. She wants him honored properly, surrounded by love.

But planning something like this in the middle of the worst grief a parent can feel is overwhelming. Emotionally. Mentally. Financially. She shouldn’t have to carry all of this alone.

That’s why I’m here asking for help.

⭐ What Donations Will Be Used For

Every donation will help us:

-Pay for a space to hold Dante’s celebration of life

-Cover memorial service expenses

-Provide food and refreshments

-Help friends or family who need support traveling to the memorial

-Offer $50 memorial tattoos for those who want to carry a piece of Dante with them

-Cover any other cost tied to honoring him the way he deserves

All remaining funds will go toward creating a Memorial Fund in Dante’s name to help other families struggling to cover funeral expenses. Even in death, we want Dante’s memory to help ease someone else’s pain.

⭐ About Kristi

I’ve listened to her say she doesn’t know how to survive this. That she wants to be with her son. That the pain is too much. This isn’t exaggeration. This is what true, raw grief sounds like.

But she is still fighting.

She is still trying.

She wants to honor Dante with everything she has left.

And that’s why she needs support right now.

⭐ How You Can Help

Donate, if you can

Share this fundraiser

Tell people who knew Dante, or who care about families in crisis

Every single bit helps.

Thank you for reading this.

Thank you for caring about Dante.

Thank you for helping Kristi stand when she feels like she can’t.

— Mike