My family and I are living through an unimaginable heartbreak. My father, Michael Tyler, is currently on hospice care as he battles AIDS and hystoplasmosis. Knowing that his time with us is limited has shattered our world. Hospice has helped ensure his comfort and dignity, but nothing prepares you for watching the man who raised you slowly slip away.

My sister Lizzi, my mother Cheryl, and I have come together during this time, leaning on one another just to get through each day. We are doing everything we can to make sure Michael is surrounded by love, peace, and familiarity in his final moments—sitting with him, talking to him, reminding him he is not alone. Every day is emotionally exhausting, but we wouldn’t be anywhere else.

While our hearts are breaking, the reality of finances has added another layer of stress during an already overwhelming time. There are medical-related costs, household bills, and essential expenses that still need to be covered while we focus on caring for Michael. On top of that, we are trying to prepare for the inevitable—his cremation, memorial service, and burial—so that we can honor his life with the dignity and respect he deserves.

These arrangements are not about excess or ceremony. They are about giving Michael Tyler the goodbye he deserves and allowing our family the space to grieve without fear of how we will afford the basics of laying him to rest. The weight of planning end-of-life arrangements while actively losing him is something no family should have to face alone.

We are asking for help because we truly need it. Any donation, no matter how small, will go directly toward easing the financial burden of Michael’s care and covering the costs of his cremation and memorial services. If you are unable to donate, sharing this page or keeping our family in your thoughts means more than we can express.

Thank you for reading our story, for holding compassion for our family, and for helping us focus on loving Michael in his final days instead of worrying about how we will survive what comes after.