Tonight We Remember Srithorn - Help Us Celebrate Her Life.

In all of my travels and adventures, I never anticipated that I would make a meaningful and long lasting connection with a woman on the opposite side of the world. That is, until I found the love that my life needed. I found the woman and family that I would do any and all things for, no matter our distance. We married and dedicated ourselves to fight to bring the best opportunities to our family's lives as we can. –

As we mapped our path into our future, we thought we had an uphill challenge while merging our families from such a vast distance. That's when we were met with a family cancer diagnosis, an even more daunting challenge. My mother-in-law has now been battling colon and liver cancer for nearing two years. Together, Whaen and I are paying for the best and most robust treatment available, but the stage 4 diagnosis has decided the end is near.

We want Grandma/Mommy (Srithorn) to absorb as much positivity that she deserves in her final days, and for her final celebration of life. As a Buddhist woman, she has always kept an open heart and open mind to the people in the community around her, no matter their age or need. As a regular contributor to the local temples in both cultural and spiritual participation, she has shown that even through a troubled life, if we remain humble, we can still smile and help our neighbors.

Living in the same village in Lamphun, Thailand her entire life, Srithorn has been a community staple, even remaining in the family home after the loss of her husband many years ago. She chose to stay in the village where they met and raise their daughter, Whaen. Grandma is now seeing her grandson growing up there. .

After the diagnosis, Whaen and her son, Trikhun (8 years old), moved in with Grandma to support daily tasks and to provide transportation from village to city for regular appointments and treatments. Having Trikhun live with her, Srithorn has been able to remain joyful even on the worst of days. His presence gives her strength to do small tasks and as she dreams for a beautiful and successful future for him, many years after she is gone.

My ask is that if you are able, would you help me, help us? Not me or my wife specifically, but please help my Mother-In-Law as she shows she is bigger than cancer, and be of assistance as we finance the inevitable funeral and celebration of life costs.

Though we have maintained treatment costs and surgeries and the back and forth visits for scans and treatments, we have depleted our accounts and immigration efforts to maintain quality of life for Srithorn. Collectively, our family is surviving, but not thriving. - One major blow to savings and earnings came when an emergency surgery was required to remove the majority of her intestines and a week-long ICU stay to follow. Though she was able to maintain major bodily functions, things have been on a downward slope since. After the removal of the tumors and cancer from the intestines, it was found that cancer had metastasized to her liver, and has since been resistant to numerous treatments.

We are now preparing for palliative care and planning for the costs associated with end of life. When she passes, Srithorn will receive a traditional three-day Thai funeral and celebration of life. During these three days, family friends and village folk will come and go with plenty of memories to share and respect to show. There will be daily prayers and chants by local monks, colorful floral and light decor assembled of goods acquired from local markets, food prepared and brought to serve by the village community, and will commence with a cremation ceremony. Mourning will continue until time finds fit.

Being that the majority of the funeral and ceremonial items will be sourced from local markets and vendors there is no opportunity for credit or pay later option. Even the casket will require payment on delivery. This daily norm is a different society we are accustomed to here in the US. That is why Whaen and I are currently focused on preparing for when the impending funeral expenses arise.

We are trying to secure $7500 to lessen the burden of expected loss during an already trying and tiring time. At times we are unsure if it is even possible. The bulk of funds received will be spent on finalizing medical costs and casket acquisition. Remaining amounts will be used for ceremonial expenses.

With your prayers, donations, or anything else you can spare, there will be weight lifted and an opportunity for Whean, Trikhun, and I to enjoy the remaining time with Srithorn.

Feel free to share with any group or platform you feel compelled to.

Thank you so very much. You are appreciated.

Bryan and Whaen