We are heartbroken to share that our dear friends, Alicia and Derick Gauthier, recently lost their beautiful 11-month-old baby boy to SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). Their world has been shattered in a way no parent should ever have to endure.

Derick has been a special part of Dan’s life since Derick was 9 years old, when Dan became his Big Brother through Big Brothers Big Sisters of Niagara. Over the years, Derick became like family — he even stood beside us in our wedding — and he remains an incredibly important person in our lives to this day.

Derick and Alicia are loving parents to three children, and the sudden loss of their baby boy has left them grieving beyond words. On top of their unimaginable heartbreak, they now face the urgent need to move from their home. The apartment they’ve lived in for the past eight years is now filled with painful memories, and returning is simply too much to bear. But as we all know, rent prices have increased dramatically, and the cost of moving and starting over is incredibly difficult — especially in the midst of such devastating loss.

This GoFundMe has been created to support the Gauthier family with:

• Moving costs and help securing a new home

• Basic living expenses as they take time to heal

If you are able, please consider donating. Any amount helps — and if you’re not in a position to give, simply sharing this page can make a difference.

Let’s rally around Alicia and Derick with the love, compassion, and support they so deeply need right now.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you.

With love,

Dan & Kristen Keil

Friends of the Gauthier Family