Hi, my name is Rebecca and I am starting this campaign for the family of my dear friend Ilze, who are facing unimaginable heartbreak.

In August, Ilze and her family tragically lost her youngest brother, Oskars. Only weeks later, there was another death in the family. The emotional toll has been overwhelming, and on top of this grief, the cost of traveling to Latvia and covering funeral expenses has placed a heavy financial strain on Ilze and her family. The extra weight of this financial burden should be the least of their concerns as they mourn and grieve their loved ones.

Ilze has always been a pillar of our community, someone who gives her time, love, and support to others. Now, in her time of need, we have the chance to come together and support her.

Your donation will help ease the financial burden so Ilze and her family can focus on healing and cherishing the memories of their loved ones. Any contribution, no matter the size, will make a real difference and mean the world to her. Donations will go towards travel and funeral costs for Ilze and her family. We are also looking to get a memorial bench for Oskars to have a place for his family and friends to visit and remember him in England by the sea.

Thank you for showing Ilze the same kindness and generosity she has always shown to others. Together, we can help carry some of this weight for her family and surround them with love.

With Ilze's permission, here are some beautiful words she wrote to honor Oskars:

From reading fairytales to you before sleep, bringing you to the cinema to watch films you were probably a bit to young to see, and passing all my astronomy knowledge to you when you were 4, to making and appreciating art together, crying in rain over our broken hearts, singing along to Latvian rap, exchanging silly videos as a little reminder that we're on each other's minds, and learning to navigate our chaotic brains together... You were my little brother (even though you grew to be so much taller than me). My friend. My fellow artistic soul with too many feelings to handle at times. As reckless and rebellious as you were sweet, silly, and sensitive. The family fashionista. The ever inspired and intuitive chef. The colour-loving artist, leaving smiley faces behind every footstep. Curious, spontaneous, hilarious. Oh, and what I'd do to listen to one of your passionate, breathlessly hyper-fast monologues again. To sit and paint with you. To pose you for a photo in your latest fit. To laugh with you and hug you tightly and tell you how proud I am of you as you awkwardly shake it off. I was so looking forward to seeing you chase your dreams and make your talents and passions known to the world. Our daring, dreaming, darling sunshine, dimmed forever way too soon. I love you - always have, always will.

Oskars Millers

2002-2025