In Memory of Luke and Supporting Renee

Hi my name is Melissa, and I am asking you to help me in raising money to help Renee, my sister, during this hard time in her life after losing her soulmate, Luke.

On Thursday the 21st of October, our hearts were shattered forever in learning that Luke had died suddenly from heart failure at just 30 years old. While his spirit will always live on through his family, friends and soul mate Renee, his nature and presence will be forever missed. Life won’t operate the same without him.

Recently, Luke and Renee had just settled into their sun-soaked home with their new baby Blue - a poodle whose beaming personality completed their family unit. Together, in their new home, they meditated, cooked, laughed and paved the path of their future. His sister Alex, and loving parents Maree and John would often visit there, and together their lives were woven together with golden light and love.

Luke radiated kindness as well as originality and for the past six years, he centred his focus on completing his Honours thesis in Psychology at UOW. He was just one week away from handing in the final product of his hard work when he died suddenly. Despite it being unfinished, his thesis was inspiring, intelligent and oozed brilliance. His work will go on to help many and has even been awarded first class honours. Luke will graduate this year alongside his best friend and adoring sister Alex.

This inexplicable loss has left a sense of emptiness in everyone who knew Luke. Particularly for his loving partner Renee, who is now forced to navigate life without her soul mate - a pain no one this young should ever have to experience.

While nothing will ease Renee’s pain, we wanted to help alleviate the financial stress to allow her to stay home in the oasis she and Luke built together. As well as help run her car and access any health and well-being services to support her healing process during this turbulent and devastating time.

On top of monthly costs, earlier this year their dog Blue was diagnosed with severe epilepsy, as well as separation anxiety. Blue now requires costly medication on a daily basis as well as regular visits to the vet.

With the costs mounting and Renee’s inability to work during this time, we have created this GoFundMe to ask for any donation possible to help ease the financial stress and anxiety of Renee and Blue’s transition to life without Luke.

All who knew Luke understand the profound loss the world suffered this day, and nothing will remedy the pain felt by his loved ones.

Any help would be greatly appreciated by Renee and the Szalla and Dyson families during this devastating time.