For Joseph, Raihan, and their baby boy Omar
***Update 7 (7 Nov) - the family would like to thank all that were able to come give condolences and share their support this week, culminating in the Candlelight Vigil held at the site of the accident last night. They'd also like to thank you for the countless messages and other ways so many have reached out.
Just a note: this is the only GoFundMe fundraiser sponsored by the family. It has been brought to our attention there are some fake campaigns out there now, so please report those to the GoFundMe Trust and Safety Team with the Report button at the bottom of the page. Thank you for looking out for us!
***Update 6 (4 Nov 8:39pm) - missing from Update #4 is the candlelight vigil scheduled for Thursday, November 7 at 6pm at Los Cerritos Park, 3750 Del Mar Ave, Long Beach, California. If you are local and able to attend, please come show your support.
***Update #5 (4 Nov) - as many of you may have already heard, Raihan succumbed to her injuries, Sunday evening. The family continues to express their gratitude for your prayers and support. Please see below for the schedule of remaining services being held by the family.
***Update #4 (3 Nov) - a message from the family:
"Assalamu alaykum,
Thank you everyone for the heartfelt love, donations, and prayers. The funeral services for Yousef and baby Omar are now confirmed for Monday, Nov 4th. We encourage everyone to come, but to carpool as much as possible. Services will start with a prayer immediately after the midday prayer (Dhuhr) at 1pm at the Islamic Society of Orange County (https://goo.gl/maps/PS5BCEiLXhr3kgcz9).
After the prayer, the burial will be about 1 mile away at the Muslim plot in Westminster Memorial Park Mortuary (https://goo.gl/maps/ocpWd785LY1WDvjy8). Please also carpool from the Islamic Society.
The family will also be receiving condolences for three days, each day from 6-9pm.
Nov 4th: Islamic Society of Orange County (https://goo.gl/maps/PS5BCEiLXhr3kgcz9)
Nov 5th: Ansar Mosque (https://tinyurl.com/y4d6nyjj)
Nov 6th: Long Beach Islamic Center (https://goo.gl/maps/BWjw4QuwoNbtzVSVA)"
***Update #3 (2 Nov, 2:10pm) - in the interest of transparency, we (fundraiser campaign managers) are happy to disclose we are attempting to cover medical, funeral, and other financial burdens the family will have to endure as a result of this tragedy, in addition to the Sadaqa Jariya/legacy project mentioned in Update #2. We continue to thank you for your hearts of generosity towards the Awaida family.
***Update #2 (2 Nov) - in response to the overwhelming generosity this campaign is receiving, the family intends to use any excess funds (beyond the above stated scope) towards a lasting legacy project (Sadaqa Jariya), to be determined in the near future. Thank you again for your support.
***Update (1 Nov) - we are expanding this fundraiser to include the medical expenses for Joseph's wife Raihan and their son Omar, as well as funeral costs for Joseph.
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Friends, family, and community:
*My name is Brian Dokko and I am writing this on behalf of Joseph Awaida's aunt, Cecilia Ramos, as well as the rest of their family.*
From Cecilia Ramos:
"Bixby lost an amazing citizen last night (10/31). Joseph Awaida succumbed to the injuries sustained following being hit by a 20 year old driver driving under the influence. 3-year-old son Omar and beautiful wife Raihan Dakhil suffered severe life threatening injuries and remain hospitalized. Please keep them in your prayers..."
Joseph and his family are Muslim, and according to custom, burials are usually conducted within 24 hours of passing. If you feel compelled, please consider donating to this campaign. Funds will go towards helping offset funeral costs, with any unused funds going towards meal gift cards (e.g. Postmates) to help feed the family during this difficult time.
*Just so you know who I am, I'm a teacher at Poly HS, and Joseph's cousin is one of my current students. The family has asked me to take the lead on accepting donations and to help coordinate our efforts to, in the words of our neighbor Carolyn Dee, "transform our heartfelt words into helping action."
