Hi, my name is Miranda Paul, and my good friend Lamin Drammeh was in a fatal car crash. He lives in Brikama, Gambia, Africa.

Lamin was a devoted father of two very small children, and a main source of income for his younger siblings.

Lamin, also called Dra and many other names, was a quiet and thoughtful person, kind, faithful, patient, and charitable even with modest means. The very best listener. Bursting with love for his mama and his father, his cousins, and most especially his grandmother. Hilarious, truly hilarious—and hopeful despite so many challenges this life threw his way.

Just a couple days ago Lamin and I discussed his idea of possibly registering a charity in the Gambia whereby we could help more people with everyday needs, education, and more.

This spring, Lamin was one of the drivers for the One Plastic Bag book tour and brought joy to thousands of children in rural Gambia. He was always doing random acts of kindness and loved nature and finding ways to help people in need.

But just like that…in a car crash…he perished.

Now his own boys (ages 5 and 3) and sisters are the very ones who need our help through the enormous struggle. They will require so much support in the short and long term. Lamin was their source of income.

With his family’s support and blessing I am running this fundraiser with a short-term goal of $2,000 to help with the most urgent needs like food and supplies to get through the rainy season. The long-term support goal is $5,000 for now. Please be generous. Lamin’s good friends and I even hope to surpass this and establish a lifetime fund for his boys who will grow up without their father. (If possible, we hope to also take Lamin's idea of a charity to help his neighbors and community and make it a reality.)

What I wouldn’t give for one more road trip with you, Bestie!! It has not settled in that you are gone. Your boys will be taken care of!

May God grant you Janneh.

Famo keta - ar warama ba fang.