I'm not really sure what to say here. I lost my oldest daughter on Friday, April 18th. She was rushed to the hospital on April 4th, after having a seizure, and wasn't responding. The doctor discovered bleeding in her brain, and she went into emergency surgery in order to stop the bleeding. She was in a comma for a few days but slowly woke up. The doctors told us that the bleeding damaged a portion of her brain that controlled her motor skills and that she would have to learn how to walk and use her fingers, at the very least. I was just grateful that she had survived and whatever I needed to do to help her regain her independence again, I was willing to do. On April 16th, she had another seizure, and the doctors discovered blood clots had formed and had to endure another emergency surgery. They were able to safely remove the blood clots. However, she remained in a coma. Unfortunately, on Friday, April 18th, she succumbed to her injuries and passed away at the age of 14.

My daughter had always been a fighter and had never allowed her disability to keep her from living an active life. She dreamed of one day being a pediatrician.

I remember a while ago, I was filling out my living will, and one of the question had to do with final wishes. I was shocked that she told me that she wanted to be cremated. She was only 13 years old, at the time, so I didn't think she fully understood what cremation was. So, I asked her 'why', thinking I was going to get the typical teenage response of, "I don't know." She shocked me when she told me that she wanted her husband to cremate her because she doesn't want anyone to visit a graveyard, because even though physically, her Earthly body will be there, spiritually, she will be with Christ. Going to go visit and crying over a decomposing body isn't healthy, especially when knowing that I'm not there anymore. I was very shocked and impressed that she had, at such an early age, thought about something like that and was able to make such an "adult" decision.

I was able to locate a funeral home that will oversee the cremation services. Since we will have the memorial services at home, the cost is something I can afford to pay in monthly installments. They are only requiring 50% down, and will give me 12 months to pay the balance off. The total cost is $2,291. The amount I need to come up with, within 90 days, is $1,145.50. I have been off work since the beginning, and have exhausted all my paid time off. I'm getting Short Term Disability, and that payment is barely enough to cover rent, utilities, etc. However, when I do return back to work, I plan on working over time, and extra days, in order to pay the balance off. I understand everyone has their own financial situation going on, and I am willing to pay back the amount you were able to help me with.

Transportation of daughter from hospital to funeral home: $695

Urn: $350

Documents: $21

Permits: $30

Cremation Services: $1,195

I'm not the type of person to ask for help, but without hesitation, I will always offer my assistance to others. Asking for help is one of the hardest thing I have to do. Whatever you can help me with, I will forever be grateful. Even your prayers and words of encouragement will be more than enough.