My name is Vanessa, and our family is beyond heartbroken to share that my niece — our sweet Leila Rose Golianis — only 10 years old, passed away unexpectedly after collapsing and suffering an AVM rupture on her brain stem that caused a severe brain bleed.

She was, and always will be, the light of our lives — full of a lot of sass, love, laughter, and kindness that touched everyone who knew her. She truly was an old soul, an angel here on earth.

After losing my brother, her daddy, just 2.5 years ago and feeling an unimaginable pain, I never thought we would lose the precious gift he left us. Leila brought us so much joy. We cherished that piece of my brother we still had here with us. But deep down, we know they were soulmates. From the moment Leila was born, she was his everything, and he was hers. I believe they simply couldn’t be apart any longer. Now, they are happy and at peace, reunited once again. I truly believe he left before her because he couldn’t bear to lose her.

We are now faced, once again, with the unimaginable and unexpected task of laying her to rest — something no family ever expects to do for a child. We are raising funds to help cover funeral and cremation costs and to give Leila the beautiful service she deserves.

Any amount, no matter how small, means so much to our family during this heartbreaking time. If you’re unable to donate, please keep us in your prayers and share this page to help us reach others who may want to help.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for your love, support, and compassion during this nightmare we’re living through.

— Vanessa & Family