My little sister passed away on July 20, 2025, after an 11-year fight with metastatic breast cancer. Her husband passed away 3 years before her. They had 3 children together Javier (17), Cailin(15) and Orion(15), and now the kids are left with no parents. I have stepped in to be their guardian.

Because my sister did not leave a will, this process is longer and more expensive than I expected. Once I found out that my sister had passed, I packed up my whole life in North Dakota in a few days and headed to Washington.

The lawyer costs are very high, and to be able to do anything for my niece and nephews, I need to be named their guardian. I am looking for a job; however, the money I make from a job will go to pay my own expenses, including the mortgage on the house I own in North Dakota.

We are not able to access the Social Security money that the kids have been receiving for their father passing. This means we are not able to pay for food, school supplies, doctor visits, medications, living expenses and more.

I am asking for help for the children, not myself. I appreciate any help that we receive.