Hello, my name is Isabella. I am starting this fundraiser to raise money for my grandmother’s upcoming funeral expenses. The picture I have chosen is the last one I have of us where she was alert and happy. She had always wanted to be remembered for being an adventurous and energetic person who had nothing to fear.

I would just like to start off by saying that my grandmother was a survivor. It took all the strength and perseverance within her to escape the Khmer Rouge and come to the United States. During this horrific genocide, she lost her parents, siblings, husband and two sons. However, this did not prevent her from trying to save her remaining three children. Despite all the obstacles and trauma she endured during the escape, my grandmother found a way to make it to America to raise her family and set up roots in California.

In April of 2023, she was diagnosed with terminal cancer and was only given two to three months to live. She opted out of going through chemotherapy at such a late period in her life in fear of missing my graduation that following month. I had respected her wishes in keeping the news hidden because she did not want our family to go through the entire process of having her take part in surgery to remove the mass and chemotherapy for the second time. Against all odds, my grandmother made it back home to us for another 9 months, all while having 3 other surgeries to improve her quality of life. On January 1st, my grandmother chose to stay home and ring in the new year with our family and celebrate her very last birthday with me. As of January 2nd, she has been readmitted to the hospital where we received news that the cancer has spread throughout her abdomen and bladder. I have taken measures for her to make sure she gets the palliative care she deserves in order to pass away without any pain.

All proceeds collected from this fundraiser will be used for her 7 day funeral service at the temple and where she will be laid to rest at Green Hills Memorial Park. The last request she had asked me before becoming unconscious was for her to get a proper Buddhist funeral. It is my goal and honor to pay my respects and fulfill her last wish. No amount is too little. Anything will help so please keep our family in your thoughts and prayers. We thank you for whatever you can provide ❤️

She will be leaving behind her three children: Kim Leang (Kemberly), Sokha (Johnny), and Navy (Sara), two granddaughters: Carolyn and Isabella, and great grandson: Phillip.

Update:

It is with great sadness to inform everyone that my grandmother passed away on January 10th at 9:23 pm. She passed away peacefully and without any pain in the comfort of her own home. Fortunately for us, we were able to get her set up with hospice care at her home so she could be surrounded by family. Thank you for everyone who has donated so far. Her 7 day Buddhist ceremony has just been completed and her funeral service will be at Green Hills Memorial Park on January 25th. If you would still like to help out, please do. Any amount will be much appreciated as we want to do right by her and give her one final goodbye before we say our last goodbyes. Thank you again