My dad recently returned to Connecticut from Puerto Rico, hoping for a fresh start and to be closer to family. Not long after arriving, he was rushed to the hospital with severe fluid in his abdomen. The doctors did everything they could, and after several days, he was discharged. Less than 24 hours later, I received a call from my Titi Ibe, who he was staying with, saying he had stopped breathing in his sleep. My aunt and her husband, both elderly and with health issues of their own, did their best to get help. She ran to a neighbor’s house, and together they started CPR until the ambulance arrived. By the time he reached the hospital, the doctors told me there was no brain activity left, and he was on two forms of life support. I had to make the heartbreaking decision to let him go because he was brain dead.

Now, I am facing the overwhelming task of covering his medical bills, funeral expenses, and cremation fees so I can honor his memory and lay him to rest. This has been an incredibly difficult time for me and my family, and any support would mean the world to us.

I want to thank everyone who could make it to the hospital on the day of his passing. I’m sure it meant a lot to him, but it made an even bigger impact on me. Your kindness and support during this time will never be forgotten.