Michael Kennedy's Memorial Fund
Donation protected
As many of you already know, Robert Michael Kennedy, or Michael as we all knew him, took his life earlier this month in his residence in Los Angeles. As is often the case when a tragic loss occurs, we don't know why. We all have so many questions that will never be answered. What we do know is that we all loved Michael and Michael loved each of us.
Many of you may not know the circumstances or details that I am about to briefly share with you and I will do my best to be brief yet thorough. Due to the manner in which Michael took his life, the Los Angeles County Coroner was unable to identify his body until this past Wednesday, November 16. He was found on November 7. While we awaited the identification, everything was at a standstill. We were unable to prepare any memorial service or arrangements. We were unable to plan what to do with his home and belongings. We were unable to even officially say that Michael was gone. That was a very long and excruiciatingly painful 10 days for those who love him so. Now that the formalities have been handled, we are able to begin to handle all the things that one must contend with. Michael had no significant other or children, his parents are gone. As his brother, I've had to step up and take control and make these decisions for him. Michael's home must be packed up and emptied out, it was scheduled to be sold earlier this month. His affairs must be closed out and handled accordingly. The realtor is not allowing any time, so any sort of estate sale or such is not an option for us.
We were not prepared to have these expenses and as there is no one else, it is being left up to my wife and I. The expenses of a person dying add up rapidly, anyone who has every had to handle such can attest. The expenses related to his cremation and memorial, packing up and moving his belongings, and everything else that comes along with it are coming to be right around $10,000.00 and we are being as frugal as possible while still staying true to Michael and who he was.
The funds you donate will be used to help cover the costs of cremation and handling of Michael's remains, a very simple memorial service in Los Angeles with his friends and the small amount of family that can travel in and the costs associated with having to travel to Los Angeles to pack up his home and move his belongings. Any additional funds will be used to help hold a small memorial service with his family in Phoenix, who due to illnesses are unable to travel, in the spring. Anything left over will be donated to help suicide victims families. Trust me, we will pay it forward.
Normally I'm the guy donating to these things but today I am asking for help. We are asking for your help. Help from his friends and family who loved him so, help from a stranger who may have been touched by suicide, help from anyone who can. These funds will be used to help cover the costs associated with Michael's memorial, cremation and closing down his home and life. Anything that is left over at the end we intend to donate to a suicide prevention fund, with your permission. Anything that you may be able to help us with will be greatly appreciated.
Thank you all so much!
Many of you may not know the circumstances or details that I am about to briefly share with you and I will do my best to be brief yet thorough. Due to the manner in which Michael took his life, the Los Angeles County Coroner was unable to identify his body until this past Wednesday, November 16. He was found on November 7. While we awaited the identification, everything was at a standstill. We were unable to prepare any memorial service or arrangements. We were unable to plan what to do with his home and belongings. We were unable to even officially say that Michael was gone. That was a very long and excruiciatingly painful 10 days for those who love him so. Now that the formalities have been handled, we are able to begin to handle all the things that one must contend with. Michael had no significant other or children, his parents are gone. As his brother, I've had to step up and take control and make these decisions for him. Michael's home must be packed up and emptied out, it was scheduled to be sold earlier this month. His affairs must be closed out and handled accordingly. The realtor is not allowing any time, so any sort of estate sale or such is not an option for us.
We were not prepared to have these expenses and as there is no one else, it is being left up to my wife and I. The expenses of a person dying add up rapidly, anyone who has every had to handle such can attest. The expenses related to his cremation and memorial, packing up and moving his belongings, and everything else that comes along with it are coming to be right around $10,000.00 and we are being as frugal as possible while still staying true to Michael and who he was.
The funds you donate will be used to help cover the costs of cremation and handling of Michael's remains, a very simple memorial service in Los Angeles with his friends and the small amount of family that can travel in and the costs associated with having to travel to Los Angeles to pack up his home and move his belongings. Any additional funds will be used to help hold a small memorial service with his family in Phoenix, who due to illnesses are unable to travel, in the spring. Anything left over will be donated to help suicide victims families. Trust me, we will pay it forward.
Normally I'm the guy donating to these things but today I am asking for help. We are asking for your help. Help from his friends and family who loved him so, help from a stranger who may have been touched by suicide, help from anyone who can. These funds will be used to help cover the costs associated with Michael's memorial, cremation and closing down his home and life. Anything that is left over at the end we intend to donate to a suicide prevention fund, with your permission. Anything that you may be able to help us with will be greatly appreciated.
Thank you all so much!
Organizer
Amanda Lee
Organizer
Los Angeles, CA