Hi, I’m Shana — and I’m reaching out with a heart full of love and sorrow.

I've created this fundraiser to support my sister and her two beautiful daughters, Aaliyah and Echo, as they begin to navigate the unimaginable loss of their dad, Kyle lovingly known as Boof — who passed away suddenly and without warning this past week.

To his girls, Kyle was everything: their protector, their adventure buddy, their safe place. Losing him so unexpectedly, without even a chance to say goodbye, has left a deep and painful void in all of our lives. He was so proud to be their daddy.

Aaliyah (almost 11) and Echo (9) both live with Type 1 Diabetes, a condition that requires constant, round-the-clock care. Since their diagnoses — Echo in 2021 and Aaliyah just last year in 2024 — Kyle and my sister Tiara co-parented with so much love and dedication, sharing responsibilities week by week.

Now, she carries the full weight of that care emotionally, physically, and financially while also helping her daughters through the hardest grief of their lives.

Both Tiara and Kyle prefer to stay out of the spotlight, always ready to help or say something positive without asking for anything in return. This time, though, it’s for the girls, and it’s perfectly okay to lean on the kindness of others.

Despite working full-time to support her family, covering living expenses, medical supplies, health insurance, and school activities, this devastating loss has added an overwhelming burden.

And heartbreakingly, next week marks one year since Aaliyah’s diagnosis. Instead of celebrating her strength, she'll be saying goodbye to her dad.

If you're able to donate, any amount big or small would mean the world. Your support will go directly toward medical supplies & medications, daily living expenses, activities to help maintain some sense of normalcy and joy for Aaliyah and Echo.

And if you’re not in a position to give right now, simply sharing this fundraiser is also deeply appreciated. Every bit of love and support helps carry this little family through an incredibly difficult time.

Rest easy Kyle.

With love and gratitude