Support Baby Iris's Future: In Memory of Steve O'Halek

**Support Baby Iris's Future: In Memory of Steve O'Halek**

Hello, friends and family,

My name is Diamandi Roots, and I’m reaching out to share the story of a family that has touched my life. Over 10 years ago, I was welcomed into a church in Virginia while traveling for work. Whitney O’Halek, a young Christian sister, extended an extra dose of hospitality to a stranger. She even opened her home to me during a future visit—a true gesture of the love of Christ and Christian hospitality. 

Recently, Whitney faced an unimaginable loss. Her lovinghusband of 10.5 years and new dad- Steve, passed away suddenly, leaving behind Whitney and their beautiful 6-month-old daughter, Iris. As Whitney navigates this heartbreaking chapter, she’s focused on ensuring a bright future for their baby girl.

In lieu of flowers, Whitney has asked for donations to support Iris’s future. I’m starting this GoFundMe to honor that request and to rally around Whitney and Iris as Christian brothers ans sisters. The funds raised will be managed by Whitney to provide for Iris’s needs and future.

Please join me in giving what you feel led by God to give for Iris's future. Whether it’s through a donation or by sharing this campaign or by praying, your actions will bless Whitney and Iris during this difficult season. Let’s come together to show Christian love to Whitney and Iris at this time.

Thank you for your generosity and prayers.

With love and gratitude,

Diamandi Roots

Below are further details of Steve's passing, from Whitney's Instagram:

"Brokenhearted, devastated, no words can possibly describe what I feel right now. In all my worst nightmares, it never happened like this.

Steve and I had a wonderful last trip. We explored more of Egypt for my new travel company, @elevationjourneys and our first group trip to take place in June. Steve was so supportive, always wanting my dreams to succeed. He was with me every step of the way, just like our life together in 12.5 years of knowing each other and 10.5 years of marriage.

We loved each other more than any other couple has ever loved. I think every couple should feel that way about their marriage, but with us, people could tell how much we care for and truly loved each other. People often mistook us for honeymooners, even after 10 years.

Steve died on our last of three flights on Monday. He choked on a piece of meat on the airplane, and despite doctors and oxygen and an AED and strong men taking turns giving him constant compressions, they could not revive him.

He was the best father I’ve ever seen in action, and everyone could tell. He cried with love and joy the first time we heard Iris’s heartbeat. He called her his perfect joy angel baby darling dear love blessing grace. He sang silly made up songs about how much he loved her. He always wanted to hold her. He cleaned up blowouts, pee on the floor, spit-up, and tears, all for the love of her.

It’s tragic. It’s tragic to become a widow at 39. But what shatters me is knowing that he wanted Iris so much, and he only had six months with her. He deserved every Father’s Day, every birthday, every milestone, everything. On the one hand, he’ll never miss any part of Iris’s life because he’ll always be looking down on us. But Iris won’t remember him, except in photos and what I tell her about him.

Please send your prayers. I told him so many times that I could never do this alone—life without him, life as a single parent. But now I have to.

Always remember that today could be your or your loved one’s last day. Hold them closer, kiss them more, hold hands, say kind words, tell them you love them."

Link to Whitney's Instagram post