Yesterday, I lost my father—a man whose greatest wish was to be buried with his mother in Pennsylvania, whom he lost when he was just a baby. Over the past five years, my father endured so much. He was so strong until he was tired. He tried to fight the battle of ESRD (end-stage kidney failure), heart failure, diabetes (the ultimate killer), and PAD (peripheral artery disease), which all shortened his life. We lost him at just 61 years old. As an only child, the pain is unbearable as I try to get all of this together and paid for on my own. After losing his second leg, my father was permanently terminated from his job, which also ended his life insurance policy. With his sudden passing, no life insurance, and the rush to arrange everything so he can be laid to rest with his mother, I feel overwhelmed and heartbroken. I want to exhaust all resources to honor his wishes and give him the farewell he deserves.

The funds raised will help cover the transportation of my father from California to Pennsylvania, burial services, mortuary home expenses in both states, transportation and government fees, as well as hotel accommodations and meals. As a single mother of two, I’ve taken time off work and will need more time to recover and travel to Pennsylvania, where my dad’s family lives. Your support will help ease the financial burden during this incredibly difficult time.

My father loved everyone and was an amazing father and papa. He was always willing to help others, building lasting friendships and cherishing his family. While stubborn at times, he learned the values of being a good human, loving unconditionally, and creating family traditions that I will carry on. I am grateful for any support—donations or shares—as I do everything I can to honor his wishes. Thank you so much for helping me give my father the farewell he deserves.

Note to California friends and family: A celebration of life will also be planned here in California so his co-workers, biker brothers, and family can all come together as he would LOVE to celebrate his memory.