My name is Heidi, and I’m raising funds for my son, East, as we navigate the loss of his father, Matt. Matt was not only my ex-husband but also a great friend, and our family remained very close. His recent passing in Nebraska was sudden and unexpected, even as he battled cancer. When we heard the news in December, East and I drove to Nebraska right away, and we’re now preparing to return for his celebration of life and to sort through his home.

This journey has brought significant financial strain. I am currently on disability, and East works as a preschool and infant teacher, so our resources are limited. I’ve been covering travel, hotel stays, and now upcoming utility bills for Matt’s house on my credit card. We’re also facing legal costs and the need for more travel as we handle his estate. East has missed a lot of work, resulting in lost income, and unfortunately, Matt had no real assets to leave behind. We all know how well he didn’t spend money, . Our plan had been to use some inheritance to cover these expenses, but that’s no longer possible.

The funds raised will help repay previous travel and legal costs, cover future trips to Nebraska, and support East as they return to college to pursue their dream of working with young children. Most importantly, I want East to be able to grieve and move forward without the burden of financial stress or feeling like they have to pay me back, and stressing about the house, the travel, missed work, and school costs. Any help would mean the world to us and would lift a huge weight off East’s shoulders, allowing them to heal and continue on. Thank you for your kindness and support.