Aja & her family need our help!

Dear Friends,

I am reaching out to you asking for help for our dear friend Aja Rehrig and her family. The past several months have been filled with devastation. Each event awful in its own right, but one after another, each more than anyone should have to bear. After months of being there to help her family recover, Aja came home to Alaska this week, only to immediately have to return home with the news of yet another tragedy. For those of you who may not be up to speed, Aja’s father, Todd had been suffering in immense pain from ALS for the past year and a half. On November 6th, he passed away. He was the foundation of the entire family, and the sole supporter of Aja’s niece, Cameron & nephews, Reese & Jake. He was everything to those children and poured himself into shaping their world with unwavering love and dedication. His death has created a void that cannot be filled.

In the wake of this tragedy, the Rehrig family has been shattered. Aja’s mother experienced a complete mental breakdown, necessitating hospitalization. Their journey took yet another tragic turn when her sister, the children’s mother, disappeared over the New Year holiday, leaving them with unanswered questions and shattered hearts. Her whereabouts were unknown until this week, when Aja was notified by the police that she had committed suicide on January 2nd.

Aja and her younger brother Alex immediately stepped in and became guardians of the children. They are in the process of working through all of the legal red tape and mountains of paperwork. The unexpected burden of legal fees, funeral, & medical expenses have drained them. Aja & Alex are working to pick up the pieces and provide for the children and are sorting out the legal mess. The loss of their Dad, Todd has left a profound void in their lives. Todd raised these children with unwavering devotion, instilling in them values of kindness, resilience, and compassion. Aja and Alex have both relocated and rearranged their lives. Aja is commuting between Alaska and Pennsylvania, while Alex has moved back into the family home to provide stability for the children. They are working hard to provide a nurturing environment for their niece and nephews.

Aja and Alex are working through settling estates, wading through a mountain of paperwork, and trying their best to help the kids recover. This is a time of need that no one can anticipate. I am hoping that we, Aja’s tribe across the globe, can pull together to help her and her family. As you know, Aja has always been incredibly generous and supportive of her friends. As a US NAVY Veteran, she's dedicated her life to serving others. Now, we can pull together to help her. Your generosity and support can make a profound difference in their lives. Your donations will help cover mounting expenses, from medical bills, funeral costs, housing, school supplies, childcare, clothing, even food. Every contribution, no matter how small, serves as a beacon of hope.

Thank you for your kindness, compassion, and unwavering support during this incredibly challenging time. Together, we can provide solace, stability, and strength for these precious children and honor the memory of their beloved father and grandfather.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Vanessa Wise