My name is Elizabeth Gichanga, and on January 14th my family and I experienced the most painful shock of our lives: my big sister, Anique Gichanga, passed away unexpectedly from a heart attack. One day she was here being herself, and the next she was gone, and we are still trying to understand how this even happened. Anique was my first best friend and the most reasonable, courageous, and loving big sister I could have asked for. Every memory I have of her stretches from my childhood all the way to when I left her in Houston in 2023, and a little bit in the years ahead before she had passed away. She encouraged me when I felt small, reminded me that my feelings matter, and told me I am beautiful when I couldn’t see it myself. She helped me become who I am, and without her I don’t know where I would be. She didn’t have children of her own, but she poured into everyone around her with her listening ear, her advice, and her big heart.

My parents are now facing the heartbreaking task of laying their firstborn daughter to rest, and we were not prepared for this at all, emotionally or financially. I am creating this fundraiser to help my parents and family with funeral costs to raise $5000 by 2/4/26 for the preparation that’s needed to fly her body back to California from Texas and the funeral home fees so that the family can attend the funeral. Moreover everything needed to give Anique the respectful, peaceful goodbye she deserves. If you are able to give, any amount helps, and if you can’t give right now, sharing this and keeping our family in your prayers means more than you know. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for helping us honor Anique’s life and put her to rest with dignity and love that she deserves.