My name is Daishawn, and I’m reaching out on behalf of my family after the loss of my aunt, Angel Thomas. Angel was more than just an aunt to me—her sons and I grew up so close, you would’ve thought we were brothers. Our family has always been tightly knit, and right now, we’re doing everything we can to support each other through this heartbreaking time.

Angel’s health had been declining for a while. She was scheduled for her third open heart surgery and had recently had a stint put in. Over the past months, she became unable to walk or stand, and needed help with even the simplest things. My cousin stepped up to care for her, cooking, watching movies, and doing his best to make her comfortable as her condition worsened. She began having more seizures than ever before. The last time I saw her in person was October 1st, when she visited my dad in the hospital after his own brain surgery—a moment that showed just how much family meant to her, even when she was struggling herself.

We’re now facing the difficult task of making funeral arrangements for Angel. One of her sons is here in Indiana, but the other is in Texas and needs help getting home so they can be together to say goodbye and make decisions as a family. The funds raised will go directly toward funeral costs and travel expenses to bring my cousin home. I’m not asking for the world—anything, and I mean anything, will help and is greatly appreciated by each and every one of us in the family. Thank you for reading and for any support you can give.