My child was my best friend, my favorite person, and the center of my world. They inspired so many people to be themselves, no matter what others thought. Turning 18 was a milestone, and we celebrated with a small trip to our hometown of Ketchikan. Although we spent most of our lives in Ketchikan, we were denied help from KIC because we had lived in Metlakatla for the past couple of years, just a few miles away.

Now, I am facing the unimaginable loss of my child. I need enough support to bring them home and lay them to rest in Metlakatla, next to our family. The funds raised will help cover the mortuary fees, the cost of a casket, and the expenses of transporting my child's body by boat from Ketchikan to our small town. These are costs I never expected to face, and I am reaching out because I cannot do this alone.

I've never gone through a loss like this before. I've loved and lost many friends and family, but never my child—never my whole world. I am doing my best to continue living, but I really just need some help right now. Please, anyone who can support me, your kindness means more than I can say. I am not the type to ask for help; I am the type to suffer in silence as long as possible. But I don't want to suffer. I just want my child back, and I want to honor their memory by bringing them home.