Support for Dontae's Family After His Passing

I never thought I’d be writing something like this.

 As some of you may know, my fiancé, Dontae passed away unexpectedly, and our lives have been forever changed. He was a loving father, a loyal partner, and the kind of person who would give everything to make sure his kids were okay. And now, in his absence, that responsibility lives on — and so does the need for consistent emotional support for the children he loved so much.

 This year has already tested our family in unimaginable ways. In January, our baby Daiyan was diagnosed with a large teratoma in his chest. It was so severe that it shifted all of his organs and left him unable to breathe. Doctors weren’t sure he would survive — but after multiple surgeries, prayers and the grace of God, he did. That experience shook my family to the core, and we’ve been slowly putting the pieces back together ever since.

Our other children have carried the weight of that trauma too. Our middle child, Channing, has been incredibly affected. She began having panic attacks and experiencing severe anxiety after her brother’s hospitalization. Weeks after her brothers surgery, she also lost her great-grandmother. She’s currently in counseling, and now, with the loss of Dontae continued therapy will be essential for her mental support and healing.

 Dontae and I made a promise to each other: that if one of us were to leave this earth first, the other would take care of ALL of the children. I intend to honor that promise with everything in me!

 This isn’t easy for me to share… I’m used to figuring things out on my own, but I know that trying to carry this alone would be doing our children a disservice. So I’m asking, if you’re able to give, please do. Every dollar will go toward grief counseling, continued emotional support, and the everyday needs of children who just lost their hero. If you can’t give, a simple share means just as much.

 Dontae’s heart was his children. He wanted nothing more than to make sure they were safe, loved, and cared for.

If you feel moved to help us carry out that mission, thank you.

 And to everyone who has prayed, checked in, donated, or simply sent love, from the bottom of my heart, thank you. Your support means more than I could ever put into words!
 – Michaela