Help with Funeral Expenses for Tanner Russell

Hello and thank you to everyone. I feel everything could have been different if Tanner's dad Josh Russell was honest with me and everyone trying to support us. Josh Russell and I had Tanner at a very young age, in which Tanner had to grow up too fast and my heart still aches for that.

Josh Russell first invited me to the Celebration of Life and told me I would not have to worry or pay for anything. I panicked at the thought of being able to afford to get to Northern CA, Chico from Southern CA in Orange County, so my sister proceeded to help me with a GoFundMe page. I shared this with Josh Russell and didn't realize he needed complete control over it.

Also, it meant everything to have a viewing to say goodbye to my son for the last time in person, which I got to do on 4/20/23 at 4pm. Thank you. I was at peace and was ready to celebrate him with the people who loved him too, however Josh Russell became furious with me that I did not pay him half of my GoFundMe page by Friday and said my family and I are not welcome to be there.

I told Josh Russell four times I will split GoFundMe page on Monday, May 1st after celebration. I understand Josh Russell is under investigation for tax fraud, due to my son finally turning him in. Josh Russell knew Tanner and I were very close, in spite he is trying to make me out to be a fraud, not using the funds for funeral expenses. On Saturday, since Tanner's Aunt, Neice, and Uncle flew into town for the Celebration, we got to celebrate Tanner at one of his childhood places. He loved going to the waterfalls in Dunsmuir. I have all my proof of receipts and expenses for me to get to Chico, have a private viewing and celebrated him with the family who deeply cared and loved Tanner, almost as much I did and will always. I can't be more grateful for that, thank you again for my family and friends for that.

Since Monday, May 1, 2023 I have been trying to refund the people who got to go to the Celebration. I begged Josh Russell to get along with me for the sake of Tanner, but it was not about Tanner. Josh Russell truly hates me and I do not want anything to do with him ever again. Unfortunately, that is the only blessing that came out of my son passing.

If GoFundMe can't refund the Russell's their money or your money you have donated to support them, I will for sure make it right and donate the $1790 I owe to the people who got to attend or contributed to the Church celebration.

Please be mindful, my Akins family and friends donated $4270 to help me with the costs of my cremation, urn, private viewing, flight, AirbNb, and Uber rides, in which I have shown proof of all my receipts.

GoFundMe says it takes 3-7 days for something to happen, so I am trying my hardest to make this right, my apologies. This is really difficult.

Refund the donation(s) on this campaign: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-with-tanner-russells-funeral-expenses

Refund the following donor(s):

Janelle Anderson - $200

Marcus Issoglio - $25

Luis Vargas - $5

Austin Anderson - $100

Pauline Renner - $100

Dylan Dawson - $5

Jennifer Anderson $150

Aaron Anderson - $75

Micah Stoor - $50

Taylor Robinson - $100

Harper Stark - $100

Pauline Renner - $100

Emily Olvarez - $10

Vince Villa - $470

Savannah Ohearn - $300

Reason for refunding: I created GofundMe page on behalf of two different families. For me to see my son one last time, my Akins family and friends donated $4,270.

And the Russell's family and friends donated $1490 and needs their refund.

Hello, as many of you know, we've received the heartbreaking news of our beloved Tanner Russell passing. On April 13, 2023 Tanner and one of his closest friends lost their lives in a devastating car crash. We are asking and praying for donations during these difficult times to help cover the costs of services, etc. We appreciate any help.