Assist Samantha and Nathan in Their Loss

Thank you so much for even taking the time to read this.

On Tuesday, November 26, my cousin, Samantha, received a call that no child ever wants to hear, let alone twice. My Uncle Sam, Samantha's dad, had passed away, in his home. He was found by his son, Samantha's brother, Nathan, around 2 in the morning. This was completely unexpected, and we have no idea what happened or when exactly it took place.

This is not the first tragedy this family has faced. On January 15, 2019, my Aunt Vicky Reene passed away in her home, unexpectedly, following a brief illness. Nathan and Uncle Sam tried to resuscitate her, unsuccessfully, and she was pronounced dead at the hospital later that evening.

That heartbreak was almost too much...and now this.

Sam was a larger than life person. He worked for over 2 decades as an iron worker all over the state of Indiana, but mostly in Lafayette/West Lafayette. About 10 years ago, he was working on a high rise at Purdue University when he fell off of the beam and broke almost every bone in his body. He lived through this and worked really hard to get back to where he could walk, function, and live independently again. Sam and Vicky raised two wonderful kids. They were there for every single one of their kids friends, and for many, their home was someone's "safe place." They never turned away a mouth to feed, or a person who needed a hug or words of encouragement.

We, as a family, are coming to you, asking for help, if you are able. Considering Sam was young, and this was unexpected, there is not much preparation in the way of funeral expenses. We are looking to raise money for his cremation, memorial service, and other unexpected expenses that come from a person passing away. We are hoping to raise $5,000, or as close to that as you can get. If you can't donate, we appreciate you reading this and sharing it if you're able. Thank you so much from the bottom of our hearts.

Addie, Samantha, and Nathan.