honestly i never thought i would be writing something like this.

my name is ayah, and I’m 22 years old. I’m Rad’s daughter, but honestly, calling him just my dad doesn’t even begin to explain what he is to me. He is my best friend. He is the person I call when I need anything. He’s the person who makes me laugh when I don’t feel like laughing. He’s my biggest supporter, my safe place, and truly my whole world.

My dad has been in the hospital since July 2nd after a terrible car accident. He was already extremely sick with liver failure, and since being admitted, he has gone through more than I could ever put into words. He has spent weeks in the ICU, been intubated multiple times, suffered a brain bleed, and most recently had a devastating stroke that left half of his body paralyzed. A few days ago, he fell into a coma.

The doctors have told us that he isn’t going to wake up.

His condition is getting worse, and his breathing is slowing down more and more. We’ve been told that we may only have hours or days left with him.

I’ve been sitting beside my dad every single day. I’ve watched him go from the happiest, funniest, most energetic person I know to lying in a hospital bed, and I can’t even explain what that feels like. I keep looking at him and wishing I could take all of this away from him. because the fact is, I just want my dad back.

Anyone who knows Rad knows what kind of person he is. He has the biggest heart. He has spent his entire life helping people and being there for anyone who needed him. He has never been the type to turn his back on somebody who needed help. He’s supportive, loving, goofy, playful, and somehow always knows how to make people laugh.

And I swear, I don’t know a single person who has ever met my dad and didn’t love him.

I’m starting this GoFundMe because I want to make sure my dad has the funeral and burial he deserves when that time comes. Because of family religious traditions, his burial needs to happen very soon after he passes, which doesn’t give us much time to make arrangements or figure out the financial side of everything. The costs are more than our family can comfortably handle, and I want to prepare now so that when that day comes, I can focus on being with my dad and my family instead of worrying about how we’re going to afford everything.

I know he is still here. I’m still sitting beside him, still holding his hand, and still praying that somehow I get more time with my dad. But I also have to prepare myself for what the doctors have told us. the fact of the matter though, I’m not ready to lose my dad. I don’t think I ever could be.

So, if you’re able to help, whether it’s through a donation, a share, or simply keeping my dad in your prayers, I would be endlessly grateful. My dad has spent his life showing up for other people, and now I just want to make sure I can show up for him.

I love you more than anything, Dad, and I always will. ❤️