Charles Rogers finally Remembrance

I am the oldest sibling of 5 my name is Tiffany Bass and I live in Arkansas trying to get the embrace and love my brother deserve. The affection my mother wanted to show my brother in death that people decided to deprive her from. Please help us achieve our goals thank you in advance...

Help Us Honor Charles Rogers with a Memorial in His Hometown

On Saturday, during the Brooklyn Half Marathon, our beloved son, brother, uncle, and friend Charles Rogers tragically passed away after suffering cardiac arrest around mile 8 of the course. He was doing something he loved—running—when his life was suddenly cut short.

Charles lived in New York with his wife and worked at Verizon. In the aftermath of his passing, critical decisions—including organ donation and cremation—were made without informing or involving his mother or siblings. Our family was completely left in the dark and denied the chance to be part of honoring his wishes, saying goodbye, or finding closure.

A GoFundMe campaign created by his sister-in-law (his wife’s sister) has raised over $46,000 under the belief that the funds would go toward funeral costs. However, no part of that has supported his biological family or included us in any arrangements.

As the oldest sibling, I am determined to organize a “bomb” memorial service in Charles’ hometown of Iowa City, Iowa—where he was raised, went to school, and built lifelong friendships. This memorial is for his community, for his true friends and loved ones, and especially for our grieving mother, who has been excluded during the most painful time of her life.

This service is not just about mourning. It’s about honoring Charles properly, bringing his loved ones together, and making sure his mother and siblings have the chance to say a real goodbye.

How the Funds Will Be Used:

• Memorial service and repast in Iowa City, Iowa

• Travel support for his family from Georgia, Arkansas, Colorado, and across Iowa

• Flowers, printed programs, venue and catering costs

• A service that reflects Charles’ light, spirit, and love

We want to do this right—for our brother, our family, and for all the people who never got a chance to come together and remember Charles the way he deserved.

Your support means everything.

With love and thanks,

The Rogers Family

(On behalf of his mother, siblings, and extended family)