Samantha’s friend has been 3000 miles apart from her family in Africa for years, including her mother, her uncles, aunties, grandparents, nephews, nieces, and cousins. The toll being so far from ones loved ones has been a struggle for my friend which has greatly impacted her mental health. She spent many mother’s days, birthdays, holidays, without the people that have always had her back. Her heart aches for the chance to be with them again.

Then in 2024, her beloved uncle passed away, but due to funeral expenses, long distance, and financial circumstances, he was never able to receive a proper burial or service to celebrate his life. She was unable to spend time grieving and mourning with her family, and the pain of not being there has weighed heavily on her.

This year, she hopes to travel to Africa to finally give her uncle the burial he deserves and to celebrate the life he shared with their loved ones. Being together as a family during this time is deeply important, allowing them to grieve, heal, and honor his memory as a unit. The funds raised will go directly toward airfare, funeral and memorial service expenses, transportation, and food while she’s there, making this meaningful reunion and ceremony possible after so many years apart.

Not everyone has the privilege of having familial support nearby. Let’s work together as a community to bring more families together. Your kindness and generosity can help Samantha’s friend find closure, honor her uncle, and reconnect with the family she’s missed for so long. I provided a few pictures of her uncle and some other of her family members