It is with tremendous sadness that I create this ask of my community. Over the last few years, both my Dad and my ex-husband (my 17 year old Neva’s father) have been fighting cancer.

Neva's Papa, Pedro, passed away Monday Sept 29th night while holding Neva's hand, surrounded by family, and his favorite song Purple Rain played in the background. The last month or so has been filled with intense grief and stress of this new reality of missing Pedro. He has left a huge hole in our hearts.

Neva needs all the support right now both emotionally and financially. I recently had to quit my job, and I am relieved that it has allowed me to be here fully in this moment to process this intense grief together. The details of Neva's care, including loss of child support, health insurance, increased therapy costs, cell phone bills, and transportation costs to and from the Bay, are an added stress at this moment.

I do not have an income myself at the moment. It is absolutely terrifying to me, but I made a promise to Pedro as he was transitioning that I would do everything I could to make sure she is safe and happy.

Honestly, it just all feels like too much, and I am feeling the grief of loss so much more than I anticipated. But, I know in this moment that I need to be fully present for Neva and the family and make space for the grief that is an inherent part of this moment.

Those who knew Pedro know what a truly special person he is, and he will live on in our hearts forever.

I am calling on our community to help if you are able. Any little bit means so very much to us and will help us get through this unimaginably difficult time.

I am humbled right now and feel terribly vulnerable with this ask, but it is with much gratitude for my community that I feel help is possible.