Help Ernestina (aka Keshia) Find Stability After Loss

Before I dive in, I’d like to thank you for stopping to read, share, or donate. My name is Sommer. I created this account for my mothers-in-love, Ernestina and Bri. Unexpectedly, Bri passed on March 2, 2025. She was an amazing beam of light, and her energy continues to surround us. For over a decade, she was surviving with half an operable lung. She fought relentlessly to be placed on the transplant list. Prior to her passing, she succeeded and underwent a double lung transplant about a month and a half ago. She did amazing! She pushed through the pain and discomfort and was able to be discharged early because of how outstanding she was doing. Very happily, she was finally able to LIVE unattached to a nasal cannula. In that, we are grateful that she was able to experience a sense of normalcy and enjoy her final days earthside with her wife, Ernestina.

Due to the sudden loss, Ernestina is left attempting to piece life together. There are a series of abrupt changes; the biggest one being the need to downsize her home. As we are all aware, the cost of living is astronomical. She’s exhausted funds to secure a new home. With everything happening abruptly, she has not had genuine time to honor Bri, as she is packing to move. I am asking for donations in order to cover rent for a couple of months. This will allow some stress to be lifted off of Ernestina’s shoulders as she learns to navigate her “new normal.”

The two were a dynamic duo for the past 7 years. Ernestina was Bri’s sole caretaker. Through the ups and downs, she motivated, encouraged, and LOVED Bri as she embarked on her transplant journey.

Though this feels bitter, I try to focus on the sweet. Bri achieved something that some only dream of, and for others, they don’t make it out of the OR. She made it! She lived. She loved. She was and IS love. And she laughed a whole lot in her time with us. I’m grateful to have experienced a real-life angel.

If you are moved to donate or share, I humbly thank you.