Nicholas Nakai Teeman's funeral expenses

Hi, Nicholas "Nakai" is my nephew. He never told us he was sick.. His Mom, Kelly lives here in Eugene, Oregon and has been helping and living with our Dad. About two weeks ago, he called and finally told his mom that the Doctor said he had Cirrhosis. I guess he was avoiding telling anyone about it.

Nakai was always happy visiting with friends and hanging out with his dogs. One of his friends went looking for him after not seeing him for a couple of days. This was unlike him not hanging out or walking his dogs like he usually did daily. We are all so thankful that his friend knocked on his door and didn't give up and walk away. He realized Nakai was in the home and had to break in to get to him. He was lying unresponsive on the floor for we don't know exactly how long. His friend called the paramedics, that thankfully got him to the hospital. He then started messaging family members to alert us of the severity of his condition. This came as a huge emotional shock, of course.

I had to do some quick thinking as we (our family) were not prepared for this financially or emotionally. I posted a plea on Facebook to my loving family and friends to help get Kelly to New Mexico, where her son was. I care for my grandson with special needs, so she would have to travel alone. I was so sad that she would go through something no mother wanted to do alone. I was relieved to find out our Aunt would drive from Phoenix to support her.

When my sister and aunt went in to see Nakai they were struck by the coloring of his skin and his labored breathing. They were forewarned of his condition by his friend (who called the paramedics) and the Dr., but when she called me, I could hear the fear in her voice. She was hoping that things weren't as bad as they seemed. He continued to worsen very quickly. The Dr did everything he could to try to get him comfortable. It was his time to be with our family that had been waiting for him.

As much as we are hurt that he will not be here with his friends, on the other end of the phone with family, playing with his dogs, or getting to know his son Wyatt. We know that he was way sicker than he ever told anyone. He didn't want to feel like a burden to his friends or family. He was LOVED!!

My sister Kelly works part-time and does not get bereavement pay. She dropped everything to get on the very first flight we could get for her. I'm hoping that with this fund, we can help cover her for the time she missed work and her flight home. It would also be nice to have a proper funeral for Nakai.

Thank you for taking the time to read this. I'm not a writer and have never written anything like this. I'm just an aunt and sister who wanted to be there to show my love and support, but I couldn't, so I did this. Blessing to you all for your love and kindness.