Hi, my name is Dante.

I never thought I would be in a position to write something like this.

Three years ago, my older brother, Juan Tomas, was murdered. That alone changed my life forever, and it’s something I’m still trying to process.

Now, after a six-year battle with cancer, my mom has passed away.

Watching her go through that was one of the hardest things I’ve ever experienced. Toward the end, cancer took everything from her, not just physically, but financially as well. When she passed, there was no life insurance, no will, and her accounts were overdrawn.

I’m now left trying to figure out how to move forward while also dealing with responsibilities tied to the house, a car, and other bills that I’m not prepared for at this stage in my life.

This fundraiser is to help cover the cost of my mom’s memorial and, more importantly, to help me get a stable start so I’m not buried under financial pressure right as I’m trying to begin my future.

We set a goal of $15,000 to help with immediate expenses and give me a chance to get on my feet.

If you’re able to help in any way, I would be truly grateful. If not, even sharing this means a lot.

This means more to me than I can put into words, thank you for taking the time to read this.

— Dante