My name is Sarah, and I’m raising funds for my sister, Dorothy. Her husband, Alex, passed away on December 4th after sudden and severe Lupus complications. Alex became ill in August and, despite receiving intensive care at Toronto Western Hospital, he never recovered.

Dorothy and Alex have three young children: Camden (5 years), Adeline (3 years), and Finn (9 months). Dorothy is still on maternity leave, and as everyone knows, raising a family, especially alone, is incredibly expensive. With Alex gone, she now faces the overwhelming responsibility of supporting their children on a drastically reduced income. The short-term disability payments Alex had been receiving have ended now that he has passed.

For the past three months, while Alex was hospitalized, Dorothy has been caring for their home and children on her own, stretched thin emotionally and financially. She and Alex were always financially thoughtful and responsible. They even tried to take out robust life insurance policies after having their first child. But because of Alex’s Lupus diagnosis, he was denied purchasing anything beyond the bare minimum coverage through his employer. This is the kind of tragedy no family can truly prepare for.

If you had the pleasure of knowing Alex, you’d know he was whip-smart with a wonderfully dry sense of humour, surely inherited from his British parents. You’d also know better than to challenge him in a trivia game; his encyclopedic mind made him nearly impossible to beat. That sharp intellect served him well as an educator, where he poured his energy and passion into his students at R. H. King Academy. But above all else, you'd know Alex as a devoted husband and father. He cherished Dorothy, and his children were the very center of his world.

One of my last memories of him before his health deteriorated was during a visit with our kids. Alex was reading a story to Camden on the couch, and soon, little Adeline and my daughter toddled over to join. Alex was completely in his element - reading aloud with enthusiasm and character voices, surrounded by his children and niece, all of them cuddled close and soaking up his warmth, love, and joy. It’s a moment I will carry with me forever, and a glimpse of the everyday magic he brought to his family.

So many people have reached out asking how they can help. While nothing can replace the love, steadiness, and presence Alex brought to his family, we can help relieve some of the financial burden now resting solely on Dorothy’s shoulders. Funds raised will go toward groceries, bills, childcare, and everyday necessities for the children.

It is vulnerable to ask for financial help, and this fundraiser was not initiated by Dorothy. But in this moment, allowing others to step in is an act of love. Any support that eases her burden or brings stability to her and the children will make a meaningful difference.

Thank you for your love and support for Dorothy, Camden, Adeline, and Finn during this heartbreaking time - and thank you for loving Alex. Your kindness and generosity mean more to our family than words can express. If you’re unable to give, sharing this fundraiser with those who might be is also a tremendous help.