Our family is devastated by the loss of my beautiful 29-year-old niece, who battled Sickle Cell Disease her entire life. Anyone familiar with this illness understands the unbearable pain crises, countless hospital visits, and the strong opioid medications many patients depend on just to manage daily life and survive. Over the years, because of the long-term use of these powerful medications, her body developed a dependency that she struggled with uncontrollably. She often sought IV treatments through her port whenever she could in an effort to manage the severe pain associated with Sickle Cell Disease. Despite her struggles, she was deeply loved, and her life mattered. Because she was born with Sickle Cell Disease, it was also very difficult and complicated to obtain life insurance coverage for her. This unexpected loss has placed a tremendous emotional and financial burden on our family during an already heartbreaking time.

Before this tragedy, she was hospitalized receiving treatment for her condition. After an altercation with a nurse, she was taken to jail that night and charged with a felony. She was fine for two months, and we had hope that her body was recovering from the prolonged use of opioids. But somewhere, somehow, we got a phone call that they found her unresponsive. Why? Why was she not in an infirmary? We have so many questions. She had no criminal background, no history of arrests, and she deserved compassion, medical attention, and proper care while in custody. Right now, our family is grieving while also searching for answers surrounding the circumstances of her death. Most importantly, she leaves behind her precious 8-year-old daughter, who is now facing life without her mother. Thankfully, her father has always been there caring for her, and he will continue to love, support, and raise her through this heartbreaking loss. Our hearts are broken not only for the loss of my niece, but for the little girl who loved and needed her so deeply.

We are asking for help to cover funeral and memorial expenses, an independent autopsy, legal assistance, and the costs associated with pursuing truth, accountability, and justice for our family. We refuse to allow her story to be ignored. Any contribution is deeply appreciated.