Funeral Expenses for Dylan Ponce

My name is Andrew, I am asking for donations to pay for my Brother Dylan Ponce's funeral expenses.

In May of 2018 our dad passed away from stage 4 colon cancer, I made a promise to our dad that I would take care of my little brother Dylan. Dylan and I moved into an apartment together shortly after our dad passed away.

Dylan was born with Dandy Walker Syndrome, he had hydrocephalus with a shunt, autism , legally blind, hearing impaired, seizures and non verbal. Dylan only knew a few words using ASL, but he knew how to communicate by pointing, using visual cues, touch, facial expressions and hand gestures. Due to his disability Dylan had limited mobility, so he needed assistance with walking and his ADL's. He loved his walker, with the biggest smile across his face he would take off like he was on a motorcycle. Dylan preferred to crawl when he was home and very good at getting around quickly. Dylan also had other medical concerns that impacted his health greatly. Dylan in most ways thought normally for his actual age range, his physical disabilities caused him to become frustrated.

Dylan had an infectious smile and blue eyes that could light up any room, his laugh was contagious. He loved his movies; old westerns, Pee Wee's playhouse, and loved musicals especially Moana. Dylan loved motorcycles, Monster Trucks, Construction trucks, trains, and hanging with the guys.

Dylan loved going to the zoo wanting only to see elephants, rhinos, zebra and tigers. He loved Horses and loved giving them kisses. His all time favorite was Shamu and Sea World. His room was full of all sizes of stuffed Shamus that shared his bed and t-shirts.

December of 2019 was the last time I took Dylan to Sea World as Flu season was going. March of 2020 Dylan's Dr. put Dylan in medical isolation because he would touch things and put his fingers in his mouth. For over a year we kept us safe and doing safe outside adventures due to him being unable to wear a mask.

In August, Dylan had taken two ambulance rides to the ER to be treated for underlying medical conditions when prescribed medications stopped working. Dylan was home but still not 100% , a few days later when I came home from work I started to have flu like symptoms, Dylan's symptoms started the next day. My coworker called and told me that the person that showed up at our work had been around Covid positive people. After taking a home test we were both positive, Dylan went by ambulance the next day and was admitted for Covid and his underlying medical condition. I was admitted as well the next day. Dylan and I both tested positive for the delta variant, because Dylan also had an infection, he wasn't strong enough to fight both. Sadly Dylan passed away on August 31st, 2021. I am grateful that Dylan's caregiver (my mom) was able to make arrangements so that we were with Dylan when he passed. He passed peacefully. He is loved by so many that knew him, he was our Rockstar.

We are asking for donations to help pay for Dylan's funeral expenses as I was also hospitalized and unable to work. His Caregiver was also unable to work Dylan was her fulltime client. Dylan's caregiver and I supported all of his financial needs. So we are asking for your help in bringing Dylan home.

Thank you for taking a moment and reading Dylan's story and I miss my baby brother. He will always be my hero.