My name is Grace and I am 19 years old. Within this past week, my dad was hospitalized and is now, heartbreakingly, passing away. He is an organ donor, and even in his final moments, he is giving to others. My dad had a troubled past and struggled with substance and alcohol abuse since he was just 11 years old. He battled mental illness, specifically schizophrenia, for most of my life. In 2019, he was evicted and became homeless. The voices he heard grew worse over the years, making life incredibly difficult for him and for our family.

Last Wednesday, my dad went into cardiac arrest after an overdose involving fentanyl and alcohol. I had no idea he was using fentanyl, as it wasn’t his usual drug of choice. This loss was so sudden—I wasn’t ready for it, and I don’t think anyone ever really is. Now, at 19, I am facing the reality of saying goodbye to my dad and trying to find a way to give him a respectful farewell. I also have a 14-year-old sister who was adopted by another family and never got the chance to meet our dad. I want to honor his memory for both of us.

I am raising funds to cover the cost of my dad’s cremation. Any support or donation, no matter the amount, means so much to me and my family during this difficult time. Thank you for your kindness and generosity.