In Memory of Vanessa VanLoan Polchin

Ethan’s mother, Vanessa Van Loan Polchin, died tragically on June 2, 2022. Vanessa struggled deeply after the sudden death of her husband in 2013 and then again with her sister Victoria in 2017. For those of you who knew Vanessa before those events, you know she was never the same since. Her only son, Ethan, has not only experienced all this insurmountable heartbreak but now embarks on a future without her.

Due to these circumstances, Ethan is in need of support meeting his daily living expenses, such as paying for gas, groceries, and saving up for a car. Many who have loved Vanessa and Ethan have reached out to ask what can be done. We believe the answer is to help provide a responsible and structured way forward for Ethan.

We recognize that some of you may have provided financial support previously and wanted to address any concerns you may have regarding providing additional financial assistance. Ethan has been living at his grandmother’s (Audrey Van Loan) house, and due to her declining health and the sensitive nature surrounding Ethan’s current situation, his cousin, Roland Leach, has been kind enough to step in and take the lead in caring for his aging grandmother. This also includes handling financial matters that involve Ethan. For this reason, Roland will manage any donated funds, and Ethan will be the beneficiary in which he will receive the appropriate financial support at the discretion of Roland. Ethan and Roland have both agreed to this arrangement and agree this is the right step to ensure that any acts of generosity from friends and family are managed appropriately.

We are so grateful for the outpouring of support and honestly believe that the goal of these funds is to help Ethan reach self-sufficiency while receiving the support of his close and extended friends and family.