Hello everyone! I'm Karen, one of Mao Sann's daughters. My mom passed away on Friday, June 28, 2024, from stage 4 bladder cancer. Since her diagnosis, she received several rounds of chemo & immunotherapy and was in and out of the hospital. She was in excrutiating pain & discomfort but fought to live in order to see her grandchildren grow up. Unfortunately she succumbed to her illness 1 year later.

A little info about her:

In 1979 at just 24 years old, she along with her new husband managed to flee the Cambodian Genocide to a Thai refugee camp where their first daughter was born. From there they immigrated to the U.S with just the clothes on their backs. Wanting a better life for themselves and their young family, they chased the American Dream by trying their best to learn English and taking whichever jobs they could find while also welcoming a second child. They faced many challenges including grappling with post traumatic stress disorder, culture shock, racism, multiple burglaries & muggings, etc. Despite all of this, she managed to raise four well-adjusted, college-educated children and lived a courageous, purposeful life. When recently asked if she would do anything differently, she replied "No, all I ever wanted was to give my children the education & opportunities I never had in Cambodia".

Due to her upbringing, Mao was also a devout Buddhist. She firmly believed in karma and reincarnation. Therefore, she dedicated her life to helping others through good deeds and acquiring as much good karma as possible. Every penny she earned went to supporting her family in America and Cambodia. Her dying wish was to leave enough money behind for both.

Through her grit and determination over the decades she managed to save barely enough to cover her funeral expenses (which is not cheap in Southern California). She was the most selfless person we've ever known. She always put others' needs before her own. To our chagrin, she would turn down gifts and say we should've saved our money instead of spending it on her. She was so steadfast in her purpose, she never allowed herself to enjoy her own life.

As anyone who has ever cared for a loved one would know, there are many out-of-pocket expenses that are incurred: time off from work, traveling costs (1 sister lives out of state), gas, food, medical supplies, etc. We are so very grateful we're able to give her the beautiful funeral she deserves, however this ordeal has been a financial strain on all of us.

Please help us honor her life and bring us back on our feet. Any assistance is appreciated <3