Dear friends,

It is with great sadness that I write this update to let you know that our beloved Karimou Drabo, the beneficiary of this fundraiser, passed away on October 13, 2025.

We are completely heartbroken by this loss. Karimou was a remarkable, husband father, and coworker, and we know his kindness and strength touch so many. The outpouring of love and support his wife have received has been a true comfort during this incredibly difficult time and his wife is so grateful for everyone of you.

This fundraiser was originally created to help with medical expenses. While we’re still processing this devastating news, we want to inform you that the funds raised will now be used to cover Karimou’s unexpected funeral cost. We want to give him the dignified farewell that he deserves.

Karimou migrated to the United States in 1992, leaving behind a two-year-old son and his pregnant wife.She later gave birth to twins, so his sons are now 35 and 33 years old.

Kareem felt an unyielding pull toward Africa, driven by a longing to be reunited with his sons. The thought of their laughter and the warmth of their embraces fueled his deepest desires. He envisioned sharing stories, experiences, and the simple joys of daily life with them, creating lasting memories. The distance felt like an impassable barrier, and his heart ached with each passing day, making his return to Africa not just a wish, but an essential need for his soul.

The funds will be used to cover the expenses of shipping his body back to Africa, ensuring that his sons have the opportunity to see their father one last time and perform the burial rites in their homeland.

I want to thank you again for your generosity. Your support means the world to his wife, she’s incredibly grateful for your help.

Lastly, I want to share with you a letter written by his former supervisor, Melissa Garfield. "In 2017, he was nominated for the Home Health Aide of the Year award."

Mr. Drabo has been a home health aide with the VNA for just about 10 years. He is dependable and a skillful and compassionate clinician. He visits in some of the more impoverished and crime-ridden areas of our service area but also moves seamlessly to the most affluent communities treating all of his patients with the same care and kindness.

In July, Mr. Drabo was robbed at gunpoint and his wallet, keys, phone and car were all stolen from him.

Thankfully, he was unharmed. His car was recovered shortly thereafter, but bureaucratic barriers kept his car from him for more than a week. He took one day off to get a new license and phone but then proceeded to make his visits to his patients every day, taking the bus or even cabs if needed, to get to his patients. No one that he cared for and none of our clinicians even knew what had happened because he did not share his troubles with any one but his immediate supervisor.

Mr. Drabo is a humble and pious man. You feel his warmth and kindness just being in his presence. He is most deserving of the Home Health Aide of the Year Award.