My name is Krista, and I’m reaching out on behalf of my dear friend Tracey in Richmond, VA. Tracey is someone who has always put others first, never asking for help even in the hardest times. Now, after an unimaginable series of losses, she needs our support more than ever. I worked along side her when her father was sick and saw how his death affected her and her family. Now she’s lost her sister Kelly, her little dog Coco, and her beloved job in one fell swoop! She’s absolutely devastated. I asked Tracey if I could make this page for her, with 100% proceeds going directly to her and her family.

Tracey’s sister, Kelly, was truly human sunshine. To know Kelly was to love her—she was always smiling, her laugh was infectious, and she was a helper and a light in this world. Kelly faced stage 4 lymphoma, a broken back, and multiple surgeries with incredible courage, spending months in hospitals and rehab, relearning how to walk, sit, and stand. Through it all, Tracey was by her side, taking unpaid leave from work and making constant trips for treatments and care. When the cancer returned, Tracey stayed with Kelly until her final moments. On May 24, Kelly passed away, leaving a void that words can’t fill.

In a heartbreaking twist, Tracey’s beloved rescue dog, Coco Chanel Kennedy, also passed away that same day. Coco was more than a pet—she was Tracey’s companion, a source of comfort, and a joyful presence who brought happiness to everyone she met. Coco loved to dress up and was best friends with Kelly’s dog, Miss Daisy. Tracey often said, “Coco rescued me.”

Because siblings aren’t protected under FMLA, Tracey was ultimately forced to choose between resignation or termination when she asked for more unpaid time to care for her sister. Now, on top of funeral expenses and moving costs, she’s grieving deeply and unemployed, trying to hold everything together with just her and her mom. We’re raising funds to help Tracey cover medical/

funeral expenses for her sister ($7,500), pay for moving costs as she navigates this life transition ($2,500), and manage basic living expenses until she can get back on her feet (anything over goal). Any support you can give—whether through a donation or by sharing this page—will make a real difference. Let’s show Tracey she’s not alone, and that even in the darkest moments, kindness and community can light the way.