On the morning of Sunday, April 19, 2026, my mother, Mary Iyabo Ajayi, passed away unexpectedly in her sleep. She was 71 years old, selfless, a mother in church, and someone who visited and fed children at the orphanage. Her loss has left a deep void in our family and community.

Now I am working to gather funds to fly back home, 6,300 miles away, for her burial.

On Tuesday, April 14, 2026, our Painted Tree Shops closed with no notice, which has limited my income. We also had to cancel our attendance at a vendor event just hours before it started because of my mother’s passing. Sales are typically slower in the winter and spring months, and our family is still preparing to be vendors at various markets coming up this year, but the market season has not fully started yet.

Please, anything you can spare will help me travel home to pay my respects and bury my mother. Your support will make a meaningful difference during this difficult time.

Also, make the most of each second you have with the loved ones you have, both near and far.