On April 19, 2026, my wife Sonia lost her mother, Virginia Lievanos, in La Puente, California. Our family lives in Petoskey, Michigan, and we are heartbroken by this loss. As we try to support Sonia through this difficult time, we are also facing the challenge of traveling across the country to say our final goodbyes. Due to Sonia’s health issues, she can only travel by train, which makes the journey more complicated and costly for us.

We are reaching out for help to cover the expenses of this unexpected trip. The funds raised will go directly toward train tickets for Sonia, food and fuel for our family to drive to and from the Amtrak station, funeral costs, and loss of wages. We only receive two days of bereavement pay, but expect to be in California for at least two weeks. Funeral costs are not covered and could be significant. Every donation, no matter the size, will help us be there for Sonia’s mother’s service and support our family as we grieve and honor her memory.

We appreciate those who can donate during this sensitive time. Your kindness and support mean so much to us, and we are grateful for any help you can provide.