Hello,  my name is Angie Cardiel, "lummies."  Losing Julian Acosta is hands down the hardest thing our family could ever be faced with. As his cousin, I knew I could make a difference and help establish the Tribute to Julian Fund. No one should ever have to go through the pain of losing a loved one like this. It's a part of this life that is never welcomed. Julian was only 37 years old. He was so full of life and man he was everyone’s best friend. Everyone that knew Julian has an endearing "Julian story." He had open arms and hands for anyone that approached him for a need. He was so full of life. His infectious laughter and silly shirtless dances kept each of us laughing for days. As the organizer,  and help from family  friend Helen, I knew I could assist with giving this to Julian.

Even in his last days, Julian was giving. In his traditional giving spirit, his one request for his final resting place was that each of his visitors had a place to sit. When asked if he had any wishes for his resting place, he said, “I want anyone that comes to visit me to have a place to sit, and if there’s a tree for them to have shade that would be nice.  But I understand if the tree is not possible. The seat for them will be really nice.”

This ask is so important to me, our friends and our family. We want to give him this small tribute and show how our hearts are overwhelmed with gratitude for touching us the way he always did,  our beautiful beloved Julian.  We set a goal to cover the cost of the bench they quoted at $6,000.  While his life insurance will cover the basics, the family will need to cover needs of  his adopted children and their future establishment. He gave so much to us all.