In remembrance of Matt Avalos

Hi,

 

My name is Elaina Avalos. My brother, Matthew Philip Avalos, passed away this weekend, at the home he shared with my dad. Matt was my younger brother and the youngest child of my parent's. No one expects to or plans to bury their child - let alone their youngest. My parents are both on fixed incomes. We want to properly memorialize my brother and be able to celebrate his life. I started this GoFundMe after talking to my parents. The expense associated with a funeral and burial is outside of their abilities because of their fixed incomes. Any funds donated will go toward these unexpected expenses. Once we can arrange a memorial service, we will update this page, our individual social media accounts, and share to Matt's Facebook timeline.

Additionally, my dad, who is disabled, will need to have a new caregiver. Any extra funds above funeral expenses will be used specifically in caring for our parents. 

 

Now for a few fun things about Matt . . .

-He was a huge Baltimore Ravens fan!

-He loved his dogs (and called my dog his "niece." :)

-He was a good cook.

-He took great care of my dad.

-He had a tough guy exterior, but was tenderhearted and caring.

-He played soccer most of his childhood and played football as a teen. He was a great athlete.

-He coached football with my dad & I think he was made for it.

-When he was a little boy, he seemed to have a special skill for mischief & crazy adventures as a little boy. 

-My brother would often visit my Avalos grandparent's grave sites and a memorial tree planted in my Grandpa Light's honor. He loved his grandparents so much. I was always grateful, because I live so far away, that he would visit them. Now he is reunited with four of his favorite people.

 

My parents lost their son, my dad lost his caregiver, and I lost my only sibling. If there's one thing I can ask of you - if you aren't able to make a donation, promise us that you will do all you can to take advantage of every moment you're given in this world - to love well, live to the fullest, and take care of yourself.

 

If you were a friend of Matt's, former player of his or my dad's, or knew him from later in life, please consider sharing a memory or two as I know my parents and I would love to read them.