It is with a sad heart that I have to put this campaign together as we prepare for my father's departure. My dad Eliezer Balay Sr fought a good fight against Stage 4 liver cancer but the cancer has unfortunately taken over as we spend these last days together. Eliezer Balay also known as Cano, Tio Cano, Brother Eli, Hermano Balay, Daddy, and his most recent favorite name of Grandpa lived a full 68 years. He devoted the last 25 years of his life to the church and developed a strong community of brothers and sisters through the years. 

My dad grew up surrounded by his siblings who have stories to tell about him; stories we've heard through the years. Every story we've heard my dad was at the center of it all. Sometimes being the big brother other times being the little.

My dad loved running around the FDR drive and swimming in the Hudson! My favorite memory of my dad was when we spent weekends together; I usually couldn't sleep so I would sit with him and look at the Twin Towers through the window and we would just talk. If the weather was nice enough he would ask "Want to go for a walk?"; I would throw on my shoes while my siblings slept and we would walk down to 14th street from Norfolk st and talk about my day, my dreams. He would laugh and joke with me while pointing out landmarks and telling me his stories when he was a kid. We spent weekends walking around the city, watching movies "The little Giants" was one of his favorite movies to watch with us and on Sunday's we would go to church with him. 

As we got older he would come visit us on long island and we would hang out; just really spending quality time together. He loved traveling around the city taking photos with my sister. We would try new restaurants together or check out parks so we could go for walks. What hurts the most is that's all he needed.  As long as he was in our presence he was content. He recently said he felt like the luckiest man on the planet when he met his grandson; he told my brother he's so proud of the man he became. He told us he loves his babies; he feels so grateful and loved to have us as his kids. 

This last week he's been surrounded by his loved ones; he still gives us a smile and a heartfelt laugh. His light heartedness has never left him and one of the memories for us to keep. 

Unfortunately like many others; my father does not have a life insurance policy to assist with the expense of a funeral and burial. Myself and my siblings are all young families that are struggling with being able to finance the costs for our dad. We all just want to be able to give him the service that he deserves so his family and friends can give their last respects and bury him where we can have a place to visit. We appreciate you taking the time to read our story and hope you got a sense of my dad and how truly great he was. We're going to miss him dearly; his smile, his laugh, and most importantly his heart. The thought of how quickly time goes by keeps crossing my mind and at this moment trying to take in all the time wishing for more. Hug your loved ones today and tell them you love them. Thank you again and we appreciate any help.