My name is Sandy, and on behalf of my brothers and sisters, I want to share the story of our mother, the woman who shaped us, protected us, and carried our family through every hardship with unwavering, unconditional love.

The reason I am the woman I am today is because of her. When my mother was diagnosed with cancer, my father left, and she suddenly found herself raising six children on her own. She did everything she could to keep our family together and to give us opportunities she never had. She was strong in ways I didn’t understand until I became an adult. She never complained, even when life seemed impossibly heavy. She never asked anyone for anything. Instead, she continuously gave and gave, dedicating every ounce of herself to us, always accompanied by a smile.

My mother had the sweetest, most loving, silly, bubbly personality. She had this way of making anyone feel at home. Even when she didn’t have much, she welcomed everyone with open arms. She took in my friends who had nowhere to go and treated them like her own children. She showed love not just through words, but through action through the meals she cooked, the laughter she shared, and the gentle way she cared for anyone who crossed her path. She was, truly, the most loving person I have ever known.

Whenever I go through hard times, I think of her strength. If she could fight cancer, raise six kids alone, face heartbreak, and still smile through it all… Then nothing in this world can break me. She taught me resilience, compassion, and what it means to love without limits.

Years ago, my mom suffered a stroke that affected the left side of her body. Even then, she stayed cheerful and determined, working hard through physical therapy and never letting the struggle dim her spirit. But as the years passed, her health slowly deteriorated. She eventually lost the ability to walk, eat, talk, or care for herself. Dementia began taking her memories, her expressions, and the spark we loved so much. Watching the woman who once lit up every room simply stare blankly at the wall was one of the most heartbreaking experiences of our lives.

She suffered for a long time. And now… she finally has peace.

As painful as it is to lose her, I take comfort knowing she is no longer hurting. I believe she is with my grandmother now, smiling, laughing, and watching over us the way she always did. She is free from pain, confusion, and all the physical burdens she carried for so many years.

All we want now is to offer her the proper, loving goodbye she deserves. We are planning a Buddhist cremation ceremony with monks offering prayers, followed by a gathering where family, friends, and the many people she touched can come to say their final goodbyes. We want to send her off with honor, with tradition, with love, surrounded by the community she gave so much to throughout her life.

Because her passing was sudden, and because her care needs had already been overwhelming for us, we were not financially prepared for the final expenses. Cremation costs, monk offerings, ceremony space, flowers, and all the items required for a proper farewell add up quickly.

We are humbly asking for help in raising $5,000–$8,000 so we can give our mother the peaceful and heartfelt goodbye she deserves. Any amount, truly any amount, helps. Even sharing this page or sending a message of support means more than you know.

For those who prefer to donate directly, you can also send contributions via:

Zelle: [please reach out to me]

Venmo: @sandy_sok

Thank you from the bottom of my heart and from my entire family for your compassion, your generosity, and your prayers. Your kindness will help us honor our mother the way she deserved: with love, respect, and peace.