Last week, my extended family was shattered.

My cousin, Daniel Fiero, was stabbed to death in a homophobic hate crime in a hotel in Henrietta, New York. Saying those words still doesn’t feel real. He should be here. He should be alive. Instead, we are trying to understand how someone we love was taken from us so violently and so senselessly.

Daniel was a real person — not just another name attached to a tragedy. He was loved deeply, and his life mattered. No matter his flaws (and he had many), Daniel took care of his special needs sister, always helped others when he could, and worked hard to overcome his traumas. He was a truck driver for many years and always had a job, a story, and a heart for those in need.

The way Dan was taken has left us angry, heartbroken, and completely devastated. No family should have to bury someone because of hate.

Right now, we are facing funeral and other expenses while still in shock and grief. We are not prepared for this — emotionally or financially. We are asking for help so we can lay Daniel to rest with dignity and give him the goodbye he deserved, not one rushed or limited by money. As well, we are helping Dan’s sister get the help she will need now that he’s gone.

Any amount helps. Truly. Whether it’s a donation or simply sharing this page, it means you are standing with us in a moment when we feel broken and overwhelmed. Your support gives us space to grieve instead of worrying about how we’re going to afford to bury him and get his sister into a safe place.

Thank you for taking the time to read this.

Thank you for caring. And thank you for helping us honor Daniel’s life when it was stolen from him far too soon.