Hi, my name is Juli and my sweet sister-in-law, Azu, passed away yesterday after a valiant 2-year battle with stomach cancer. Azu was 39 years old and leaves behind her husband Nate (my brother) and their three young boys.

Azu would do anything for anyone. Even in her extreme illness, she looked for people to serve and ways to help them. She was an incredible wife and mother and found such joy in her three boys.

Azu endured so much over the past 2 years since her diagnosis. She had many rounds of chemo as well as a complete gastrectomy (removal of her stomach) to remove all the cancer. She had bravely done all treatment and learned to live without a stomach, and we were so grateful the cancer was gone. Then we found out in May that, in spite of all of that, her cancer had spread and there was nothing doctors could do to save her -- only to try to give her a little more time with her precious family.

The last 6 months have been so difficult for her and our family. We knew she was so sick and so miserable constantly, but she tried to put on a smile and be present for as much as she could. She endured many hospital visits and more chemo to try to keep her here as long as possible. Her goal was to make it past Christmas, but her body couldn't hold on any longer. We saw her rapid decline and we had decided to celebrate Christmas early (yesterday), only to find that she passed away the morning of the planned Christmas. Her boys woke up excited that Santa had come but their sweet mom was already gone. Our hearts are broken, but we are so glad she is free now from her suffering.

We are hoping to raise enough money for funeral costs as well as helping with a little extra Christmas for her sweet boys. Any donation would be so appreciated. Thank you.