On August 8th, 2025, our world was shattered when we lost our beloved dad, Elvis Contreras Gutierrez, so suddenly and without warning. He was the heartbeat of our family of eight — a man who carried the weight of the world on his shoulders, yet never let it stop him from being there for us.

My Dad worked with passion, he took pride in his perfect 5-star reviews. His customers often described him as “super helpful,” “kind,” and “someone who instantly felt like a friend.” Behind his dedication at work, he carried quiet burdens — the stress of serving so many customers, the responsibility of providing for a large family, and the heartbreak of his own mother’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis. Yet through it all, he smiled for us, encouraged us, and made sure we always felt loved.

Four of us in the family — including me — were his stepchildren, but you would never know it. He loved us as if we were his own, never questioning our choices and always standing behind us. To him, family was about love, not blood. The two youngest, Mateo (3) and Evan (2), were his biological children — and they were the light of his life.

Just one week before his passing, Dad had been talking about marrying our mom, Adriana Arellano. We were all so happy imagining that future. None of us could have imagined that instead of preparing for a wedding, we’d be facing the devastating reality of losing him.

The night it happened is something we will never forget. My mom was putting Mateo and Evan to bed when she found him in his room, unresponsive. She screamed, “Call 911, Elvis is not breathing!” I rushed in, called for help, and we all tried desperately to revive him, but his lips and face were already purple. Paramedics fought to save him, but in the end, we had to face the unthinkable — Dad was gone, without a chance for us to say goodbye.

Now, as the school year begins, instead of focusing on our classes and futures, we are facing funeral expenses, house bills, and the loss of our provider. My name is Dino, I’m 17, working part-time at a fast food restaurant, trying to help keep our family afloat, but the weight feels unbearable. What hurts the most is hearing Mateo and Evan ask, “Where is Dad?” and not having the heart to tell them the truth.

We are asking for your help — to give Dad the farewell he deserves, to keep a roof over our heads, and to give us a fighting chance to heal and rebuild after this tragedy. Any amount you can give will make a difference. Even if you can’t donate, please share our story so it reaches others who may be able to help.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for your prayers, kindness, and generosity during this painful time.

We all wish this could’ve ended differently, but now there is just an empty space in every one of our hearts. We love you and hope to see you again. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

It doesn’t feel real sincerely,

Adriana, Dino, Anett, Marisol, Gissel, and Mateo, Evan.