Annie's father sadly passed away earlier this week. It’s been such a heartbreaking month for their family watching their beloved dad grow weaker and sicker each day, holding onto hope, and doing everything they could to stay strong for him. It pains me deeply to see them carrying the grief of his sudden passing. His passing has left a pain that words can't even describe.

Annie’s family is one of the kindest, most genuine, and loving families I’ve ever known. They have always been the ones to show compassion and warmth to everyone around them they truly did not deserve a loss so profound. Mr. Van De Doung was a gentle soul kind, humble, and devoted to his family. His love for them was quiet but boundless, a love that didn’t need words to be felt. He was a man who worked tirelessly to give them a life filled with care, comfort, and love. He was so proud of his children of the people they’ve become and of the life he built with his wife. Though he’s no longer here to see the rest of their journeys, his love will live through every step they take.

It breaks my heart to know that he won’t be there to walk Annie down the aisle, to cheer for Alvin at his graduation, or to hold his wife when she needs his strength most. Losing a father, husband, a protector is the kind of pain that changes you forever. It’s a loss that no words can truly heal and a space that can never truly be filled.

Now, his family faces an unimaginable reality without him navigating life without him while carrying the heavy financial burden of funeral costs, household expenses, and time away from work to mourn and heal.

This GoFundMe is to support Annie’s family during this heartbreaking time to help ease the financial burdens that come with such an unexpected loss, and to give them the space to grieve, heal, and honor the beautiful man they loved so deeply. Every donation, no matter how big or small, will go directly toward funeral arrangements, living expenses, and giving the family the space to grieve without the added stress of financial worry.

If you are able, please consider contributing. And if you cannot donate, sharing this page and keeping the family in your thoughts and prayers means more than words can express.

To the woman who lost her husband, and to the children who lost their dad. I am so, so sorry. You may feel lost, heavy, and broken right now, but please remember: the love he gave you is still with you. It will guide you through the darkness. Even in the moments when it feels impossible to go on, his spirit will be there, in your laughter, your memories, your dreams.

May you find the grace to live again, the strength to heal, and the courage to keep his love alive in everything you do. He will always be with you.

Mr. Van will forever be remembered, and his love will live on through the family he cherished.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for your kindness, generosity, and compassion during this time of immense sorrow.

Forever remembered, forever loved.