With the heaviest hearts, we share the passing of our beloved daughter, Maria. She was a bright light, kind, compassionate, and full of strength. Maria faced immense challenges in her life, including struggles with mental health and the trauma of sexual assault. Despite these hardships, she never stopped fighting and never stopped caring for others. She loved hard and she loved loud.

In honor of Maria's memory and the courageous spirit she had, we are creating a foundation dedicated to supporting mental health awareness and advocacy for survivors of sexual assault. This foundation will provide resources, education, and support for those who are too often unheard or left without help. Maria would have wished for others to have what she, herself was actively trying to get.

If you feel compelled to support this cause Your donation will go directly to launching and sustaining this foundation, funding counseling initiatives, support groups, educational outreach, and community partnerships.

Through this work, we hope to ensure that Maria's story inspires change, healing, and hope for many others. Thank you for standing with us in honoring her life and helping others in her name.

With all our love,

Amber and Bernie Sticka and family