I never imagined I would be reaching out for this kind of help, but life has brought me to a place where I need the support of my community. I moved from New York to Florida to care for my parents—my dad, Robert Cedeno, who was 87, and my mom, who is 92. My dad was always active, walking to Publix every day to pick up bread or essentials for us. But in the last couple of weeks, he developed a terrible cough. I begged him to let me take him to the hospital, and since I don’t have a car, I paid for Ubers everywhere we went.

Last week, my dad had a doctor’s appointment on Friday the 13th. The doctor called and told me he needed to go to the hospital immediately. Paramedics reassured me his vitals were good, so I hoped it was just pneumonia or bronchitis. Sadly, that wasn’t the case. The doctors found a blood clot the size of a grapefruit on his heart and couldn’t remove it all. His right heart failed, his kidneys worsened, and we learned he had been living with this for a long time, along with cancer. Yesterday, my dad passed away in hospice, just an hour after arriving. I was with him, holding his hand, and kissed him goodbye as he took his last breath at 9:17 PM.

Now, I am caring for my 92-year-old mom and facing the uncertainty of how we will manage funeral expenses and find an affordable place to live. I am also dealing with my own health challenges after an accident last year left me with five herniated discs in my back and five in my neck. I am trying to stay strong for my mom, but we need help. The funds raised will go toward my dad’s funeral expenses and help us with daily living costs as I care for my mom and search for stable housing.

To all those that can help in any way possible, may God bless you. Every Sunday, my dad, mom, and I would read the Bible and sing to worship God. I am very humble and grateful, even if you are just reading my story. Your kindness and support mean more than words can say.