In Loving Memory of Aria Em Kornblum

Aria Em Kornblum, who had just recently transitioned from her birth name Rich, died on Monday, April 21st at the age of 39 due to complications from the flu. Aria hadn’t been feeling well during a road trip to the Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum she had taken with her husband Tim, Aunt Karen, and Uncle Steve. After the trip, and only 5 minutes from home, she went into cardiac arrest and was brought back to life by Tim. The emergency response team continued resuscitation and brought her to the hospital where she remained on life support for 6 days. During that time, she underwent rigorous and continuous testing, monitoring, and evaluation by the incredible staff at Princeton Medical Center. Her medical team determined that she had suffered severe brain damage and inflammation caused by a lack of oxygen to the brain during those initial minutes, and was not going to recover. The decision to end life support was made while she was surrounded by her adoring husband Tim, family, and friends. As an organ donor, Aria will continue to live on not just in those that knew her, but quite literally for those whose lives will be saved due to her heroic and selfless final gift.

Now, in the wake of this heartbreaking loss, Tim faces not only deep grief but also overwhelming medical and memorial expenses—totaling tens of thousands of dollars.

We’re asking for your help.

If Aria touched your life, or if her story moves you, please consider donating whatever you can. Every dollar helps ease the burden on Tim and allows him to focus on healing, not hospital bills.

Hold your loved ones close. Tell them you love them. And thank you for helping honor Aria’s memory.

With love,

Aria and Tim’s family and friends