Early on Easter morning, Sam Day, a beloved son, brother, nephew and friend to many, suddenly passed away. A beautiful, autistic young man of thirty-seven, he was inquisitive, rascally and brought fun and joy to all who knew him. Sadly, given to ingesting harmful things, Sam choked and could not be revived.

This tragic event has devastated the family, and most notably Leon, Sam’s devoted father - one of the most kind and generous of folk around. Leon was a single parent to Sam for the past fifteen years. He navigated the many trials and challenges of raising an autistic child, while supporting his son with an endless love and devotion witnessed by so many. Sam had many prior episodes of swallowing bits of this and that, plastic, metal, and other harmful items. Leon would rush him to the hospital and anxiously wait to hear that Sam was out of danger. Sam had nine lives! Unfortunately, his misadventure - choking on a piece of raw steak on Easter morning - pushed his survival to one last challenge and he lost. Leon and his son were inseparable and Sam’s passing has created a heart-rendering void, hopefully one that time will help heal. Meanwhile, there are practical matters to consider, not least of which is the change in Leon’s financial circumstances, given the cessation of funds from the state. Donations to help ease this impending burden will be humbly and greatly appreciated.