My dear friend and the woman I had the privilege to care for the past 13 years, Benita Dizy, has passed on. She was like a second mother to me, teaching me to be speak the truth and not take no for an answer. Benita was one-of-a-kind and unapologetically herself. She loved hard and fought hard. Now she can rest and have peace.

Benita's family is not in a position to pay for all of burial expenses. (Her daughter spent a ton of money for a plane ticket from Canada to come see her before she died, but unfortunately didn't make it in time.) I am asking my family and friends, many of whom knew Benita, to help with donations. Any amount is appreciated.