Support the Slen Kids After the Tragic Loss of Their Dad

Hi, we’re Stacey and Susie, close friends of the Slen family.

We’re setting this up on behalf of Stephanie (20), Sylvia (19), Jeff (16), and Sydney (12)—four incredible kids who tragically lost their dad, Vinh Slen, to a heart attack on May 17, 2025. Vinh was only 59 years old.

The sudden loss of their father is heartbreaking. We hope you’ll join us in supporting Stephanie, Sylvia, Jeff, and Sydney—not just to help them through this devastating time, but to give them hope and the chance to heal, rebuild, and thrive.

Vinh immigrated to Canada in 1993, after kayaking from Vietnam to Macau, then from Macau to Hong Kong. He spent three years in a refugee camp before making his home in Vancouver, where he devoted his life to raising his children in subsidized housing in the Downtown Eastside. Their mother, Helen, struggles with severe mental illness and is unable to be present or provide for them. Vinh did everything he could to protect and support his kids. He gave everything to ensure they felt loved, safe, and cared for—despite a life marked by hardship.

On the day he passed, Vinh had just been discharged from the hospital for what doctors believed was a minor infection. He told the kids to come home—he wanted to make their favourite beef noodle soup. That’s who he was: selfless, loving, and always thinking about his kids’ happiness.

Now, these four brave siblings are facing a future without parents or financial support. The two youngest will move in with extended family to finish school, while Stephanie and Sylvia are on their own—trying to move forward into an uncertain future.

Stephanie shared:

“His body was tired, and he woke up every day with the will to love us. My dad sacrificed everything so we could achieve our dreams. Everything he did was for us.”

Doctors kept Vinh on life support just long enough for his children to say goodbye. They held his hand, told him how much they loved him, and promised to stay together and make him proud.

“We never thought we’d be planning our dad’s funeral so young. I promise I’ll keep my siblings safe. We miss our daddy’s smile, his laugh, his love, and his presence,” Stephanie said.

At just 20 years old, Stephanie is now the legal next of kin for her three siblings. They’re doing their best to hold each other up while navigating overwhelming grief and uncertainty—but they can’t do it alone.

❤️ Why We’re Asking for Help

This GoFundMe will provide urgent and long-term support for:

• Funeral expenses for Vinh

• Food, housing, and daily living costs for Stephanie and Sylvia

• Education, school supplies, and mental health support for Jeff and Sydney

• Stability during a time of deep grief and change

✨ How You Can Help

If you’re able to give, every donation—large or small—will go directly to help these four remarkable young people. If you’re unable to give, please share their story with your friends, family, and networks.

Vinh spent his life thinking of others and putting his children first. Now, Stephanie, Sylvia, Jeff, and Sydney need our help.

Thank you for your kindness, generosity, and support.