I’m reaching out with a heavy heart, but with a mission to bring a spark of light to someone who has spent her life being the light for everyone else.
My stepmom, Robin Brown, is currently facing a mother’s worst nightmare. On April 20th, we lost Jason Brown. His loss has left us shattered. For Robin, this is a pain compounded beyond words; in November 2021, she also said goodbye to her daughter, Heather Shopf, after Heather’s courageous battle with cancer.
Robin has now lost both of her only children.
Robin is more than a stepmom to me—she is the woman who raised me from the time I was a young girl. Growing up wasn't always easy; I struggled with developmental challenges that, at the time, we didn't fully understand. Those years were filled with trying situations, but Robin never wavered. When the world was unkind, and even when I was unkind to myself, she was there with a patience and a love that saved me. She chose to be my mother every single day, and now, I want to choose her.
We also want to honor the incredible man Jason was. If you knew Jason, you knew his smile. It didn’t just brighten a room; it lit up our entire lives. He had a playfulness about him that was magic—he could pull anyone out of their darkest moments just by being himself.
I am raising $3,500 to surprise Robin with two heartfelt tributes to her children:
A Forever Keepsake: We are commissioning a unique, high-end memorial piece that will allow Robin to carry both Jason and Heather’s essence with her everywhere. It is a physical reminder that her children are still right by her side.
A Birthday Celebration of Life (May 17th): May 17th would have been Jason’s birthday. We are planning a celebration that captures his spirit. I am hiring a live musical tribute to perform a song that meant the world to Jason and I, and one that Robin always said reminded her perfectly of her son.
These are a total surprise for Robin, so I am keeping the specific details quiet here to ensure she doesn't find out before the big reveal.
In this economy, with the weight of inflation and the state of the world, I know that every dollar is a sacrifice. But if you can find it in your heart to donate—even just the cost of a coffee—it will go directly toward showing this incredible woman that she is seen, she is loved, and she is not alone in her grief.
If you cannot donate, please share this link. Let’s help this story go viral for a mother who gave everything to her children and her community.
With love and gratitude,
Bathsheba Kauffman
#MemorialFund #JasonDavidBrown #HeatherShopf #GriefSupport #StepMomLove #CommunityStrength #LancasterPA #MentalHealthAwareness #CelebrateJason