Hello everyone. With a heavy heart, my dad has passed away from a very intense stroke at 3:54 p.m. on September 4, 2025 at USC Keck. This is incredibly sudden and my family and I need as much support as possible.

As many of you may know, my parents, Roger and Claire, own a small mom and pop business called Pick Your Plate in the South Bay. We have spent a decade endlessly feeding our community and making sure everyone is happy and full. It has been my parents' pleasure putting a smile on people’s faces and making everyone feel comfortable and safe within our space. Making people happy is what my dad strives to do, day in and day out, no matter the cost.

The cost unfortunately became his health. He worked hard for the majority of everyday to keep the restaurant open and running. Working 10, 12, even 14 hour days because of our business. Even though he loves what he does, after a couple of years, it did take a toll on his health. He worked hard to keep our doors open, no matter the cost. Because of this, we are at risk of closing our business as we are unable to keep working and open in these conditions. In this we will be losing our only source of income that supports my family and I, so any amount of help will be so incredibly appreciated.

He is the light of so many of our lives, especially mine. He is the strongest person I know and I know that he is in a much better place. My family and I thank you in advance for any kind of support and love. I pray we can get through this difficult time. Anything would be greatly appreciated, whether financially or through sharing this with your friends and family. Everything raised here will go to his medical bills, funeral arrangements, and to help my mother and I cope from closing our business to focus on our family. Thank you all for the kind wishes and prayers, we love and appreciate you so much.

With love,

Jezelle & Claire de Leon