UPDATE: Generous supporters have pledged to match donations up to $5,000. YOUR CONTRIBUTION WILL BE DOUBLED, making an even greater impact on Kimo Le’Pree's life.

Hello, my name is Kimo Le’Pree. At the age of 7, I lost my mother. At the age of 15, I embarked on a journey from Pennsylvania to California, hitchhiking with just 35 cents in my pocket. Over the years, I've worn many hats – from being a bodyguard for legends like Jim Morrison, to teaching Tai Chi for over five decades. But today, I find myself facing one of life's toughest challenges: the sudden loss of my partner Gloria.

Thirty-seven years ago, I met Gloria when I was asked to take my son’s friend home by their mother. She happened to be the babysitter . From that day forward, Gloria became my everything – my support, my confidante, and my best friend. She was a private person who enjoyed the simple pleasures of life, like taking our South African Mastiff puppy for walks on the beach and spoiling our cats with toys.

Gloria was more than just my partner; she was a beacon of light in my life. Her infectious smile, her competitive spirit on the basketball court (she always had to beat me) , and her unwavering empathy for the underdog were just a few of the things I loved most about her. She dedicated 15 years to running a daycare, where she was adored by both children and parents alike

Gloria passed unexpectedly on January 27th. Earlier in the week, she had cut herself, dismissing it as inconsequential. Later, she took a fall down the stairs, attributing the subsequent swelling in her arm to the fall. Little did we know, her body was battling Necrotizing Fasciitis - a deadly infection from what seemed like a harmless injury.She went to the emergency room on Friday night, and by Saturday morning, she was gone.

Gloria took care of all the bills, and now, as I adjust to this new reality, I need your help. Living off social security alone is not enough to cover the cost of living in California, and I'm struggling to make ends meet amidst this grief.

Your support – whether through a donation or by sharing this fundraiser – will make a world of difference as I work to rebuild my life without Gloria by my side. Every contribution, no matter how small, will help ease the burden of this transition.

I am deeply touched by the outpouring of love and support that I've already received. Your kindness, strength, and words of encouragement mean more to me than words can express. Thank you for standing by me during this difficult time.

Gloria had a heart of gold, as evidenced by her compassion for even the smallest creatures. Her memory will live on in the countless lives she touched, and I will forever cherish the moments we shared together.

If anyone in reading this takes the precaution and extra steps to thoroughly clean even a small cut, then sharing mine and Gloria's story will have been worth it.

Thank you for taking the time to read our story and for considering supporting me as I navigate this journey of grief and healing.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Kimo Le’Pree