Remember Ian Lemaiyan by Training Conservationists
Donation protected
Bright. Passionate. Charismatic. There are not enough words to describe my husband Ian Lemaiyan, the Kenyan pilot and conservationist who determined his destiny at a young age - he wanted to be a conservation pilot, protecting beloved wildlife while flying high across the Kenyan skies. And so he did.
Ian's sudden death has left us - his friends and family - devastated. While we all feel the pain of this unexplainable loss, many of you have reached out asking the best way to help. And I have an idea.
Before Ian died, we spoke several times about dreams. Dreams of boys and girls like him - who wish to do great things for nature and are interested in aviation - but life, due to unfortunate financial circumstances, holds them back. Ian himself would not have been able to realize his dreams if he had not been ‘gifted’ flying school fees to obtain his pilot’s license. Clever, determined, and tech saavy, Ian posted a Go-Fund Me page asking for donations to pursue his flying dreams. Within hours two of Ian’s Instagram followers told him to take down the post and they would fund his PPL in full. Ian and I decided that once we were financially able we would do the same thing and ‘gift’ other bright students a chance to shine.
As we grieve my love's departure, I believe the best way to honor him and his memory is for us to find other 'Ians' out there and support them through their journey. Therefore I’ve started this fundraiser to do exactly that - every dollar raised will go towards identifying and supporting young and enthusiastic kids with potential, and help propel their career in aviation and conservation. If you'd like to help us keep Ian's memory alive, as boldly as he lived, consider donating any amount towards this cause. It's what he would have wanted.
If you are in Kenya you can donate through Till Number 5780089. If you are interested in US or UK 501(c) tax exemption please contact me directly at: [email redacted]
Photo by Ami Vitale.
Ian's sudden death has left us - his friends and family - devastated. While we all feel the pain of this unexplainable loss, many of you have reached out asking the best way to help. And I have an idea.
Before Ian died, we spoke several times about dreams. Dreams of boys and girls like him - who wish to do great things for nature and are interested in aviation - but life, due to unfortunate financial circumstances, holds them back. Ian himself would not have been able to realize his dreams if he had not been ‘gifted’ flying school fees to obtain his pilot’s license. Clever, determined, and tech saavy, Ian posted a Go-Fund Me page asking for donations to pursue his flying dreams. Within hours two of Ian’s Instagram followers told him to take down the post and they would fund his PPL in full. Ian and I decided that once we were financially able we would do the same thing and ‘gift’ other bright students a chance to shine.
As we grieve my love's departure, I believe the best way to honor him and his memory is for us to find other 'Ians' out there and support them through their journey. Therefore I’ve started this fundraiser to do exactly that - every dollar raised will go towards identifying and supporting young and enthusiastic kids with potential, and help propel their career in aviation and conservation. If you'd like to help us keep Ian's memory alive, as boldly as he lived, consider donating any amount towards this cause. It's what he would have wanted.
If you are in Kenya you can donate through Till Number 5780089. If you are interested in US or UK 501(c) tax exemption please contact me directly at: [email redacted]
Photo by Ami Vitale.
Organizer
Stephanie Lemaiyan
Organizer
Buffalo, NY
