HMy mom, Mei, passed away suddenly after suffering a brain aneurysm. Her loss has left our family shattered. She was the heart and soul of our family. A single mother who raised me after we immigrated to Toronto in April 2005, I was only 4 years old at the time. Her very first job was a dish washer in Spadina, Chinatown, she had to wash dishes right next to the garbage bins, and I still remember the foul smell. I started crying and wondered why we had to be there, I was too young and naive to realize that she was ensuring my survival. Her next job was a line worker at a donut factory making $7.25 an hour, I would remember her coming home at 1AM or 2AM in the morning and leaving at 7AM just to repeat the vicious cycle. I would cry asking why she was always at work and why can’t she work one day and have the next day so we can spend time together.

Her passing leaves behind not just me, but also my 14 year old brother, who now faces growing up without her guidance, and my grandparents (ages 80 and 78), who depended on her love and care. She carried all of us on her shoulders, and now we’re struggling to carry on without her.

On top of the grief, we’re facing the financial weight of funeral costs and ongoing support for my younger brother and grandparents. I want to give my mom the dignified farewell she deserves, and I want to make sure my family is taken care of during this painful transition.

Any support; whether through a donation or by sharing this fundraiser, would mean the world to us. Your kindness and generosity will help ease the burden on our family as we try to navigate through these dark trying times.

From the bottom of my, and my family’s heart, we thank you for helping us. <3