Dear Friends, my family and I recently lost my elder brother, K-Shawn. It’s a tough time.
K-Shawn was an upbeat soul who enjoyed talking about his dreams, plans to help his family, and his love of the arts. He was also was a poet and athlete. (In the picture, he’s in the striped green shirt.)
Then, at age 16, we were in a severe car accident that left K-Shawn mentally disabled and needing constant supervision.
K-Shawn turned 38, on May 4, 2025.
On June 2, he was found unresponsive.
He leaves behind me, our mother, Laura; 2 brothers: Todd & Ramee (aka Buda); and our grandmother, Janice.
This has been a shock. And none of us live near where he was, so we are trying to figure out all these arrangements from a distance.
I am currently trying to assist my mom with putting my brother to rest.
The funeral costs are nuts, and we are trying to decide if we just move ahead with the cremation, or if we pay 3x to be able to see him one more time for closure. That’s a terrible decision to have to make.
Also, we all have to travel there, pay for lodging. And take time off of work. All of this has to happen quickly, and you know that last-minute plans come with a price.
If you know me, I’m big on community and I know it takes a village. As an artist and a mentor in Ithaca. I still struggle with being able to make it through the day to day.
I normally give, and I struggle to speak up with I need something.
But this time, I’m looking to receive assistance with covering some of these obstacles.
If you have any donations you would like to contribute to helping me support my mom and family to put my brother to rest, I would greatly appreciate it.
I cannot put into words how grateful I am for your support. Anything helps.
With gratitude,
G-Quan