"Yes, I understand that every life must end. As we sit alone I know someday we must go. Oh, I'm a lucky man, to count on both hands the ones I love. Some folks just have one, others, they got none. Stay with me."

— Eddie Vedder, Just Breathe

After an eight-month battle with stomach cancer, Lael passed away on Thursday, August 28, at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis.

For many of us, this news came as a shock. Lael chose to keep his battle private so he could spend his time simply being with the people he loved and the community he cherished. That was Lael, his greatest joy came from making others happy.

This fundraiser is to help Heather with the immediate costs of honoring Lael’s memory, including the expenses from his treatments and transportation, and to give her financial support as she begins to navigate life without Lael’s companionship and contributions.

Thank you for donating and for helping us honor the memory of the loving legend that was Lael Lee.