Help for Simon’s Family

My name is Heidi McDonald. I’m a video game writer in North Carolina. I was informed on April 12 of the passing of my son, Simon Jasiewicz, on March 30, 2022, in Santa Monica, CA. He was 24.

It is taking what little I have left in the tank for me to post this and admit that I need help. I’m at a contract job with no paid time off, so in the face of this unimaginable situation, I must either work or lose money that I need for my living expenses. I’m also super worried that it will look like I am trying to cash in on this…which is why I hesitated. I have taken the rest of this week with an eye toward returning to work on Monday, April 18…but I honestly can’t at this point imagine how to move forward. This is bigger than anything I’m equipped for. The money will help offset my son’s final expenses, help me pay my bills while I’m unable to work, and provide me with the funds to get some professional help around this, when I’m feeling more able to do it. I’m not upright at the moment but I am thankfully not alone and have family traveling to see me.

Details of his passing are not for the feint of heart and could be very triggering for some. Folks who need that information, I’m writing up something that you can personally request if you need to know more. I just didn’t want to have to keep telling the story. Ironic for a writer, I guess.

What helps right now:

—Prayers

—Donations

—Checking in on me and my Mom every so often for a bit

—Sympathy and reminding me that you’re here and you care

—Sending me non-religious music

—Especially hearing from people who met my son

What specifically does not help right now:

—Flowers (I have nowhere to put them)

—Talking to me about Jesus, God, or your religion (this will cause a very particular kind of upset)

—Asking lots of questions (request the information instead please)

I do really need my friends right now in order to get through this somehow, and I thank you all for your support. If you were ever nice to my son during his life, thank you for that, too.

My email address for anyone wanting to be in touch is:

heidi.mcdonald.creative at gmail dot com. Thank you.