UPDATE: a week after the service I found out Giant will only cover part of the funeral bill when they promised Corey they'd cover all of it. I asked for the maximum they'd pay and wasn't given one. Corey asked for a service because we were promised it was paid or I'd have only done a cremation and wake because I can't afford anything else now I'm faced with $2110 remaining balance on the funeral bill and will have to max my credit card to get myself home to Florida while being unsure I'll be able to pay the card back off. I currently can't even set a date to go home because I need the funeral bill to close an account I must be physically present for. I've been using what was donated for living expenses while I'm here and gas or fees that pop up. I swear as soon as I think it's gonna be okay I get hit with another criss through this process. if you can help in anyway, even just sharing that would be greatly appreciated. Thank you, Cortney.

My dad, Leslie "Chuck" Howard, passed away unexpectedly, and I am heartbroken. I knew possibly better than anyone just how bad his health had gotten but he was making so good progress. Even though we lived 1,100 miles apart, we were the closest we had ever been, and losing him has been devastating. I am now responsible for handling everything that comes after a death, and I am trying to do that while grieving and facing the reality that I am currently unemployed and have no savings to cover sudden expenses like these.

I am asking for help so I can honor my dad and take care of the costs that come with laying him to rest. The funds could help cover a specialized cremation which is more expensive because of his size, as well as travel costs, paperwork and filing fees to get his estate in order, and possibly a small informal wake so I can say goodbye properly along with all the friends and family because we need a moment to get together and remember him. Any support, whether through a donation or by sharing this fundraiser, would mean so much to me during this painful time. Thank you for helping me give my dad the care and dignity he deserves.

The $8,000 is what GoFundMe me suggested based on the area for similar types of fundraising. And since I'm doing this mostly by the seam of my pants I don't really know what I might need to do this correctly.