UPDATE: Date TBD. We now have a clear plan for Mateo’s burial in a peaceful, green cemetery close to his dad, Adam, and his grandparents. The total cost for his burial and the funeral home services will be about $6,200 USD (≈ $8,400 CAD).
Because of the incredible kindness of family, friends, and even strangers, we have already raised $4,088 USD (≈ $5,600 CAD) toward these costs, which means we still need roughly $2,100 USD (≈ $2,800 CAD) to reach the finish line.
If you are able, would you consider helping us close this final gap—whether by donating or by sharing the GoFundMe link one more time? Even the smallest gifts and simple shares truly make a difference and move us closer to giving Mateo the loving, dignified farewell he deserves.
Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts, for seeing our boy, saying his name, and surrounding our family with so much compassion.
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It is with unimaginable grief that we share the sudden and tragic loss of our beloved Mateo, a bright and loving 6-year-old grandson, who passed away unexpectedly on Monday, October 27th. Our family only learned of Mateo’s passing on Thursday, October 30th—news that has broken our hearts in ways we never thought possible.
Mateo was a cherished son to his father, Adam Lancaster, and a precious brother to his older half-brother Ronaldo, brother Atticus, and sister Noa Madeline. His world extended to the loving arms of his grandparents, Shane Heggs, Denise Rankin Heggs, and Michelle Claprood, and his devoted aunts and uncles: Colin, Kiera, Laura, Emily, and Tyler. Tragically, Mateo’s uncle Tyler was also taken from us too soon this past Easter—a loss that left his parents, Shane and Denise, struggling with ongoing funeral expenses.
Now, just as our family is still reeling from Tyler’s passing, we are faced with the heartbreak and financial burden of saying goodbye to our little Mateo. The weight of another funeral is almost more than we can bear, both emotionally and financially.
Mateo’s brothers and sister are currently in emergency foster care. Sadly, their mother took them and disappeared three years ago, and our family has not seen the children since. Not knowing their whereabouts has been an ongoing source of pain for all of us, and it shatters us that we could not be there for Mateo in his final days to give him the love and safety he deserved.
We are now awaiting the results of an autopsy to understand why we lost Mateo so suddenly. Our only wish is to give this sweet child a proper farewell, filled with the love we have always held for him in our hearts—a love we so desperately wished we could have shown him in life, if only we had the chance.
We are asking for your support to help cover the funeral costs and give Mateo the dignity and love he so greatly deserves. Any gift—no matter the size—would mean the world to our family during this profoundly difficult time. We have not yet selected a date for his service, but hope to do so soon.
Thank you for keeping Mateo and our family in your thoughts and prayers.
With love and gratitude,
The Lancaster, Heggs, and Claprood Families