The Hess Family

Hi, my name is Michelle Gurin (Michelle Boutin on Facebook), and I have been a close friend/co-worker of Laura for the last 10 years or so. I have had the pleasure of becoming very close with Laura and the rest of the family very well in the last 5 years. Those of us who know her well know her to be one of the most hard-working, thoughtful, caring people that I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. She has overcome obstacles in pursuing her passion of becoming a neonatal nurse practitioner all while raising children, dogs, and cats and often by putting everyone else first. Even with the challenges that a career change, single parenting, and a move to another province she has handled these challenges with more strength and grace than anyone I have ever known. Throughout this journey, she has been there for me through my own challenges and will literally go out of her way to have your back even when she feels like she has nothing left to give.

Laura's immense love for her children is evident in how proud she is of every single one of them. Eli, Gavin, Max, Andrew, and of course "the girls" Lily and Violet are her everything. Recently, as most of you know, they have suffered the loss of their brother, and son tragically to mental health. I had the pleasure of becoming very close to all of them but in the last few years, I have had the pleasure of getting to know Gavin really well. He was probably one of the most selfless, kind, thoughtful, funny people I have had the pleasure to meet and have some amazing chats with. He loved every one of his siblings with his whole heart but especially those little girls. He was so proud of his mom for taking all of the challenges head-on and for finding happiness and success in Vancouver. He knew in his whole heart how hard she had worked and how she has sacrificed to give them all a great future and he loved her for it.

The loss of Gavin has been tragic and devastating to Laura and her family and all who know them. When a tragedy occurs a community comes together to help hold them up and provide help in many tangible ways so they can focus on grieving and healing. So on behalf of Laura, Eli, Max, Lily, and Violet I am posting this go fund me (with permission) so that people who knew them and are wanting to help in some way can donate some funds to assist them to travel this difficult road. These funds will be given to Laura to use in many ways (help with meals, house cleaning duties, travel, bills, help with memorial costs or in any way that will allow them to take the time they need to process this tragedy. Thank you for all your kind words of support, and for all of your offers to help. She is feeling the love of this community and is so humbled and appreciative of everyone's support. Let's help this family get through this horrific situation together.