Help Denita's Family Honor Dena's Memory

My name is Miranda Foster, and I am asking for your help on behalf of my best friend, Denita Razo. On May 18th, 2024, Denita’s younger sister Dena passed away at only 39 years old after more than a year of painful illnesses, leaving behind three children. In March of 2023, Dena was diagnosed with stomach cancer and liver failure and was given 3 months to live. The cancer could not be treated because Dena’s liver could not withstand or process the medicines she would need to treat the cancer. Dena held on for 14 months, much longer than expected, and fought the battle with everything she had. Dena has been in and out of the hospital multiple times over the last 14 months. She selflessly put her children and anyone else first during her illness and never complained. Dena had spent the last 13 years in a marriage where she and her children were regularly subjected to physical violence, control, and emotional abuse. Dena was totally isolated from her friends and family by her abusive husband so she would have no one to help her, and eventually he wouldn’t even allow Dena to work, so she would be entirely dependent on him. As Dena’s illness progressed, she moved in with her mother to remove herself and her younger two children from the abusive marriage. At her weakest physically, Dena finally found the strength to leave her abuser. Dena had no money of her own and relied on government assistance after leaving the marriage. There was no savings or money set aside, and Dena and Denita’s mother also lost her husband less than six months ago. The family is not in a financial position to cover Dena’s final costs . The estimate for cremation is approximately $3,000. We are asking for $5,000 to cover cremation and a small funeral service for Dena. I am asking my family, friends, and community to come together to assist Denita and her family to give Dena the dignified and heartfelt send-off she deserves.

Any contribution, no matter how small, will help alleviate the financial strain and allow the family to focus on grieving and remembering Dena fondly. Even if you share this fundraiser one time, you are helping. We also appreciate your thoughts, prayers, and messages of support during this difficult time. Your kindness means the world to Denita and her family and friends.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Miranda Foster on behalf of Denita Razo and family