Please note: Our family cannot thank you enough for all of your help. Please do not feel the need to keep donating, but others have asked to be able to donate for climbing medical costs, recovery, caretaking, etc. Heston Durden was on the transplant list waiting for a heart when he got pneumonia. Transplant plans are now paused until that is treated. He is on a ventilator, as his heart stopped for too long a few days ago, but his device shocked him back. More than anything, we need prayers, warm thoughts, good vibes, any and all. Thank you so much.

Hello. My name is Mary Evelyn Stich. On Christmas Day, my hilarious, kind, and beautiful cousin Scarlett suddenly passed away while opening presents with her family. Her heart stopped without warning, and unfortunately, she was gone far too soon. There are no words big enough for this kind of loss.

Scarlett was wonderfully goofy, silly, and full of life. She was the kind of person who could make you laugh even on a hard day. She was proud to be part of JROTC and was just beginning to build a bright future for herself. Only a few weeks ago, her family had moved into their new home in Alabama, ready to start a new chapter together. None of us could have imagined that their world would change so suddenly.

As our family grieves the unimaginable, we are also facing the unexpected costs of laying Scarlett to rest. Her dad is currently in the hospital awaiting a heart transplant, and her mother was recently in a serious car wreck that injured her neck and back. With so many medical and financial burdens happening all at once, the funeral expenses are more than the family can manage alone.

We are hoping to raise $7,000 to cover Scarlett’s funeral and future transplant costs so that we can honor her life with the dignity and love she deserves and assist her family further. Any amount, no matter how small, will help and is deeply appreciated. If you aren’t able to donate, sharing this page means more than you know.

This fundraiser was created by me, but all funds will go directly to her immediate family to cover the funeral and related expenses.

Thank you for your kindness, prayers, and support during this incredibly painful time. Please keep Scarlett’s family in your thoughts as we try to navigate life without our sweet girl.