Hi, my name is Monique and this is the hardest thing I've ever had to write. On Friday, April 5, 2024, my brother Ricky passed away. The heartbreak is unimaginable. He was only 40 years old. It was sudden and we were not at all prepared for it. He was the first born brother to me, and youngest Christian, and now our parents, Rick and Yoli, are going through something a parent should never have to go through, burying their own child.

He leaves behind his 9 year old daughter Isabella who he loved with all of his heart and more. If you knew Ricky, you know that he had the biggest, most loving, generous heart. He always knew how to make people laugh and he was ready at any point with a hug and kind words. It was no different with Isabella. When he had little to give, he gave it to her without a second thought. Whether that was spending his last few dollars before payday to get her an ice cream cone or what little energy he had to making sure she was smiling when he was under the weather, he gave it.

That's just who he was. He was the most giving and supportive person I've ever known. He just wanted to be there for you and he would drop almost anything to help. My big brother was so empathetic, too. He felt your pain and suffering alongside you, just because he loved you so much.

There's so much to say, but I can't quite find the words. What I can say is that we need your help. When you're 40, you don't plan for this sort of thing; there's.still.time. We're doing everything we can to make sure we send him off with the love and respect he deserves but it's not easy. We're facing upwards of $20k for a decent funeral and burial.

Then there's Isabella, who won't have her daddy there to support her as she grows. He won't be there to throw her a beautiful quinceanera. He won't be there to continue saving for her college. He won't be there to walk her down the aisle. He won't be there. As her tia, as her tio, as her grandparents, we will continue to surround her with love and support but it will never be enough to replace the love and devotion of a dad for his baby girl.

Anything you can give would be so appreciated. There's no amount too small. I'll provide updates on funeral and memorial services as they become available.

Thank you so much for your love and support as we navigate this impossible situation.

With deepest love and appreciation, Ricardo, Yolanda, Monique, Christian.