Funeral Funds for Menileke Dunwell

I am sitting here after an awful two days wondering how we are going to come up with the funds to give our brother Menileke a proper send off, much too early in his young life. No one should have to worry about this when they are unexpectedly facing these circumstances, especially at Menileke's age. 

My husband Simeon is the ROCK for his whole family, and to see him on his knees at the news of his brother's death is crushing to my soul. The fact that he now carries the burden of figuring this all out for his brother after his sudden and unexpected death adds more stress to an already incredibly stressful situation. 

Addiction is a terrible thing. It knows no boundaries, and will take anyone regardless of age, race, gender or background. It is so sad to say that most of us at this point know someone who has struggled with addiction and lost the battle, or who has struggled and miraculously come out on top. Unfortunately, Menileke lost this battle, and now we are left to deal with his demons and give him a proper sendoff so he can finally be at peace. 

I never imagined I would be sitting around a table with my family members trying to figure out how we are going to pay for services for our little brother. We would love to remember him for the happy-go-lucky, playful, incredibly loving man that he was at his prime. He is truly a kid at heart and we so miss that Menileke. He battled some demons for quite some time and they finally took him. Now we need some help to be strong for the rest of the family and send Menileke home to be with Gramps. 

So many people have asked us how they can help and what they can do, and although this is the very LAST thing we would like to be asking for, any donation you can make would be greatly appreciated. Menileke has two young children who have already been greatly affected by his devastating loss, and we are looking to provide for his funeral costs and hopefully start a scholarship fund for his children, Menileke Jr. and Sarai. If you can find it in your heart, it would mean the world to all of us. We will be forever indebted to your thoughtfulness and gratitude and you can believe we will pay it forward. 

Services are expected to be late next week and anything you could provide for help would be most appreciated. The love and support we have already received has been amazing. We owe everything to our family and friends so thank you for always being there for us. 

XO
Simeon & Erin Dunwell & the rest of the Dunwell, Hanks and Bik families