For Anissa, in Memory of Nadia

On April 26, 2021, the world lost a beautiful human being, Nadia Boufous Phelps, after her long, difficult battle with lung cancer. Nadia's loss is profound and felt by family and friends around the world. She was incredibly loved and loving, and she touched so many lives in ways big and small.


By far, the most profound loss is being felt by and will continue to affect her daughter, Anissa, who is seventeen years old. Anissa is being cared for by Nadia's close and wonderful friends/chosen family Brenda Louise and Kevin Southwick, who are now her guardians, as had been arranged by Nadia. 

While we know that nothing can make up for the loss of Anissa's mother—her love and guidance, her mischievous sense of humor, her adventurous spirit that sent them around the world together—we can continue to let Anissa know that there are so many who love her and are here for her. We can also, importantly, contribute financially to ensure that Anissa's needs, both immediate and ongoing, can be met.

As Anissa is a minor, Brenda will be the caretaker of the funds raised, and has opened a dedicated bank account where funds raised here will go.

Please consider contributing as generously as you are able. Our financial support is a small way we can be there for Anissa.

As we move through our grief, we remember our precious time with Nadia, and reflect on the remarkable, funny, spirited, and loving person she was. And as we hold our love and concern for Anissa, we are certain that many have a desire to help out. This fundraiser directly supports Anissa’s future and signals to her how many people care about her as they had long cared about her dearly departed mother, the wonderful Nadia.

Much love, care, and gratitude,

Hend Al-Mansour, Lana Barkawi, Jenn Gage, Mohannad Ghawanmeh, Kathy Haddad, Mazen Halabi, Nahid Khan, Abē Levine, Rabi‘h Nahas, Willie Nour, Khaldoun Samman