Olya Waldrum is like a daughter to me. Her mother, Lola, was my dear friend for over 25 years, and I have watched Olya grow up and become part of so many caring lives. Olya was adopted from Russia, and her journey has always been surrounded by love and support from our community. Now, at just 23 years old, Olya is facing the unimaginable loss of her mother, who was also her only parent.

Lola fought kidney cancer bravely for 8 years, and on January 20, 2026—Olya’s 23rd birthday—she passed away. With Lola's recent passing, Olya is left uncertain about her financial future. We do not know what, if any, funding her mother may have set up for her. As she grieves, Olya is also faced with the immediate challenge of covering funeral expenses and figuring out how to manage rent and essential living costs in the months ahead.

I am reaching out to everyone who knew and loved Lola, and to anyone who wants to help Olya as she prepares for her future without her mother’s love and support. Any donation, support, and prayers, no matter the size, will be a tremendous blessing to Olya during this difficult time. We are deeply grateful for any support you can offer.