Father passed away with 3 children left behind

On Thursday July 22nd, 2021, My niece and nephews lost their father, John Balbi.

John Balbi was a creative, intelligent and loving father who helped bring three beautiful children into this world with my sister Brianna. Anyone who was lucky enough to know John knew how capable he was and the compassion he had for his family and for life. His ability to learn something new to benefit his family and friends was only matched by his eagerness to teach you what he learned.

During his life Brianna, Chase 7, Ryder who turned 6 two days after John’s passing and Mirra 3; were all lucky enough to have traveled the world with John. The passions he had for exploring new places, nature and art, are all evident in his children. Chase and Ryder both got John’s passion for the outdoors and nature, you will often find then outside playing with bugs, rocks or whatever nature presents. Mirra got John’s artistic talents, whether she is painting, drawing or building something all her own, you can see John shining through her everyday. Each of his kids are a piece of John and one day they will be lucky enough to know how many people their father had touched and taken the time to get to know.

The memories we keep tell the stories of the people we meet. I can’t wait to talk with Mirra, Ryder and Chase, when they are a little older, to tell them about their father. To tell them the stories and memories I have of John. To tell them that they are great just like their father. And to tell them that, even though he is no longer here he is still with them, always. If they ever want to see him they need only look up at the stars. And any questions they have they can always ask him and the answer will come.

RIP John.

A son. A Father. A brother.

In the past, my sister Brianna, having known the struggles of parenting, has set up multiple donations to help other children and families in tough times. From food drives for holiday meals to toy fundraisers for kids, she is as compassionate about helping people as I hope everyone who reads this is.

Now she needs our help more than ever. Although the struggles of her situation won’t be solved by money alone, my hope is that some financial security will help her and her kids to get through this extremely emotional and difficult time. Brianna is the strongest person I have ever had the privilege of knowing. She is always putting her kids, her family and her friends before herself, never hesitating to lend a hand in anyway she can.

We are asking for donations of any size and prayers of all kinds. $100,000 will greatly assist Brianna, Chase, Ryder and Mirra with the hurdles they will need to overcome in the coming weeks, months and years. This money will help to assist with supporting this family now and into the future. With the support of our friends, family and contributors like yourself, we hope to help bring some kind of normalcy back to these kids lives.