Please Support McClain Family After Loss of Our Baby Hafiza

Dear Family, Friends, and Community,

On September 4, 2024, our family experienced an unimaginable tragedy with the passing of my newborn daughter, Hafiza Rafiq, due to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). I am not okay, and I doubt that I will ever be. Hafiza was born on July 24, 2024, and in her short six weeks with us, she brought immense joy and love into our lives. She was perfect. She smelled like joy. And she made my family complete. Now she has returned to Allah.

As a single mother of three, I have endured years of hardship and displacement. I finally secured a full-time job and signed the lease the day Hafiza was born. When we moved into our home, I felt proud for my children to be able to say we had our own place, and I imagined we could create countless happy memories together as a family. Now we are heartbroken.

My other two children are struggling to understand the loss of their sister, and I am trying my best to support them while wrestling with my own grief. I was scheduled to return to work on September 17, but I’m finding it difficult to cope mentally and physically. I can’t eat much, and I’m barely hydrated. I feel numb, and if I’m being transparent, I feel like I’m waiting for my number to be called so I can see my baby again. I have never felt pain like this before. I don’t know anyone close to me that has. I know I will need counseling, and I’m in the process of trying to get help.

In addition to emotional support, we are facing financial challenges. Even though I am embarrassed to ask for help and didn’t want to, my Godmother told me people are willing to help me and my children. I’m seeking assistance with our rent for a few months to prevent further displacement and ensure stability for my family during this difficult time. I cannot return to work in this state.

If you can support us, whether through financial contributions or by sending encouragement, it would mean the world to us. You can mail cards/letters to:

• Venessa Blackston McClain, PO Box 44500, Philadelphia, PA 19144.

We are also in need of clothing for my children:

• Teenage Boy: Men's Medium tops, Jeans/Pants size 34/32, Shoe size 12.

• Girl: Size 10 in girls' clothing, Shoe size 3½ kids.

For clothing donations, please contact my Godmother, Tiona, at [phone redacted]. We are in Philadelphia, and she can facilitate pick up and drop-offs. Gift cards are greatly appreciated as well.

Thank you for your kindness and support. Your prayers and assistance during this heartbreaking time are greatly appreciated. Again, please PRAY for me because right now I’m lost.

With gratitude,

Venessa Blackston McClain