The Meksavanh and Tihoni family is stepping into one of the hardest chapters we’ve ever lived through. Our loved one, Phet, suffered a massive stroke that she will not survive. The reality of this is painful, heavy, and still hard to accept. Anyone who knew her knows how fiercely she loved her boys, how much joy she carried in her laughter, and how deeply she touched the people around her.

Right now, our focus is on her sons, Jacob and Logan, who are suddenly facing a future without their mom.

Jacob, at just 24, lived with her and worked with her every day. Their lives were intertwined in a way only a mother and son can understand, and it was a beautiful new chapter in their relationship. Jacob has been the one shouldering every decision and every responsibility since her stroke. No young man should have to navigate this kind of heartbreak while also trying to rebuild his life from the ground up. With their home now changed forever, Jacob will have to move, find new stability, and somehow hold himself together while making life-altering decisions for himself and his little brother.

Logan is only 8 years old. He is sweet, loving, and still trying to make sense of a world that feels completely unfamiliar. I (Vincent) and my wife (Mary) will be taking him in to give him the stability he needs during this transition, until he is able to move to Minnesota to live with his and Phet’s wonderful family. Our priority is making sure he is safe, supported, and surrounded by love every step of the way.

That is why we are asking for help.

This fundraiser will provide Jacob and Logan with the essentials they need to land on their feet:

Every dollar goes toward giving these boys the chance to grieve without fear of how they’ll get through the next month. It gives them space to breathe, to heal, and to move forward one step at a time.

I want to speak directly from my heart as I close this.

If you know me, you know how fiercely I love. My wife, my kids, and yes, Phet and her son Logan. We had become the truest form of family, blended and chosen by God if not necessarily by blood. She has been my friend, my confidant, and my family for over 25 years, and I know so many of you know our long (sometimes crazy) history. But in the end, she was a part of my heart that I assumed would grow old with all of us. She deserved that. We deserved it as well.

Right now, we need the support of our community of friends and family more than ever.

If you are able to give, share, or simply send love, know that it means more to us than words can express. Thank you for helping Jacob and Logan through the hardest moment of their young lives. Thank you for holding them up when they need it most.

With all my love and gratitude,

Vincent & Mary Tihoni (and kids), and The Whole Meksavanh Family