My name is Nicole, and I am starting this fundraiser for my niece, who is 11 and entering 6th grade, and my nephew, who is 4 and entering preschool. They are the children of my younger brother, Andrew, who recently passed away in a motorcycle accident. Sadly, Andrew did not have life insurance or savings in place, which has made this painful situation even more burdensome. Truth be told, and even as joyous of a human he could be, Andrew was in an increasingly unstable state these last few years. As he sought grand adventures of the wild to hunt and boat, he increasingly began to mix in drinking and drugs. And while he loved his family and friends deeply, he wasn’t consistently dependable as a father or partner. He struggled with pain others didn’t fully understand and neglected to balance fun with sacrifice and responsibility.

Amid this heartbreak, we want to help shape a more positive future for Avery and Myles. As a child in these conditions, at some point you wonder why you weren’t enough for your parents to make better choices. It can affect your ability to trust others, your lack of gentleness toward self, your unhealthy focus on pleasing others while losing yourself, none of which we want to pass along. Instead, we want to wrap our arms around them with love, prayers, and support so they can build a sturdy and confident future.

If you can give, please know it will make a meaningful difference. If you cannot donate, sharing this fundraiser and keeping Avery, Myles, and their families in your prayers would mean so much. All gifts will go toward their essentials, including healthcare and educational costs, as well as an investment in their futures. While they shared the same father, they have different mothers, and the funds will be disbursed accordingly for the children’s care and support. We are grateful for every act of kindness.