Help support Laynie and AJ After Their Tragic Loss of Brody

I’m creating this fundraiser in hopes to give some support to my sister Laynie and Brother In Law AJ, who suffered an unexpected catastrophic loss on July 10th.

On Thursday, their lives were shattered by the sudden and tragic loss of their 11-year-old son, Brody. There are no words that can truly describe this kind of heartbreak.

Laynie and AJ are the kind of people who would never ask for help which is exactly why I’m asking on their behalf. They are facing the unthinkable. This fundraiser is to help ease the financial stress of service expenses to honor Brody’s memory. Additionally, time off from work so their family can grieve together.

Many people have reached out asking how they can help and this is one way to support them during the most difficult time of their lives. If you are able your donation, no matter the size, or share of this post will help give them the time and space they need to grieve without added financial stress.

Below is part of a tribute to Brody that Laynie shared:

“Brody came into this world like a firework—nearly ten pounds, a butterball with a full head of hair and the most beautiful blue eyes I’d ever seen. I called them his ocean eyes—he hated that—but I couldn’t help it. I cried for a week straight after he was born. I just couldn’t believe he was mine. Honestly, I still can’t. How could someone so cool, so wise, so soulful come from me?

Everyone who knew us knew: Brody was my twin flame. He was my twin, my reflection, my soul walking around in a little boy’s body.

There aren’t enough words in the world to capture Brody—but I’ll try.

In his short life, he absorbed more than some people do in decades. He was endlessly curious, sharp, and always learning. History? News? He wanted to dive in. Geography? He could point out countries, cities, even streets like he lived there. He spent hours on Google Maps and Crime Watch—what 11-year-old does that?

He went to his first concert this year—Post Malone, and loved every second. He won a Super Bowl with his football team last season. He adored football and lacrosse—they were his holy grail. He didn’t just play; he lived for the team, the games, the brotherhood

Brody was also a total foodie.

He’d try anything once, always watching food videos and getting ideas. His top favorites, Chicken Alfredo and a seafood boil.

But more than anything, Brody loved his people.

He loved cuddling with me, boxing with his dad, and looked up to his big brother like he hung the stars. And though he bantered non-stop with his little sister, there wasn’t a soul on earth who would have protected her more fiercely than he did. He had a small circle of close true friends who loved Brody for Brody, and he always knew thats all he needed.

If you know us, you know—we’re a small circle family. We’ve been through hell and back together. That circle? Brody loved it like hell. His favorite days were the ones spent hanging with our people, from sun up to sun down. No plans. No schedule. Just vibes. That’s when he was happiest—surrounded by the ones he loved, doing absolutely nothing and everything all at once.

Summer was Brody’s season. He loved everything about it. This one—this summer—was his “90s summer,” as he called it. Chalk-covered driveways, milkshakes and fresh lemonade, bike rides with friends, pool swims, s’mores by the fire, and beach trips. We were only jusy getting started.

And the beach… oh, the beach. No one loved the ocean like Brody. He would stay in for hours—just him, his boogie board, and the waves. Since he was a toddler he was all about the water, the sun, and the way the ocean made him feel free.

Brody had this deep love for nostalgia, even though he was only 11. He told me all the time that he should’ve been born in the 90s—said he was supposed to be my brother, not my son. He was obsessed with old horror movies, anything vintage, and the thought of a simpler life. But that was Brody: a simple soul who loved simple moments more than anything.”

With love and gratitude,

Lacey