Remembering Bereket: A Fund For His Final Journey

In Loving Memory of Bereket Wood

It’s never easy to say goodbye to someone we love, especially when the loss comes so unexpectedly and too soon. Bereket was more than just a friend, a son, a brother, he was a light in the lives of so many. Whether you knew him through family, community, or friendship, you knew how generous, kind-hearted, and full of life he was. His smile could light up a room, and his presence made you feel seen and loved.

Today, I stand before you not only to remember Bereket, but also to ask for your help. As you can imagine, the costs of laying a loved one to rest can be overwhelming. His passing has left not only an emotional burden on the family but a financial one as well.

My name is Kayla, and I started this GoFundMe to help support the funeral expenses for Bereket Wood. All donations are being sent directly to me, and I will be giving the full amount to Bereket’s mother Lydia Wood, the co-organizer. I will either transfer the funds to her account or hand them to her directly. I’m deeply grateful to everyone who’s helping us honor his memory.

We are doing everything we can to give Bereket the farewell he deserves — something simple but dignified, respectful, and rooted in the love that surrounded him in life. To do that, we’re asking for any contributions you may be able to offer, no matter how small. Every dollar makes a difference and helps ease the weight on the family’s shoulders during this incredibly difficult time.

If you’re not able to give financially, your support in spreading the word, offering a kind word to the family, or simply being here in solidarity means the world.

Bereket Wood was a truly special soul—someone whose presence could light up any room with his bright smile, vibrant energy, and unwavering enthusiasm. He was the kind of person everyone wished they had as a best friend: kind, uplifting, loyal, and full of life.

Bereket came to New York City as a young child from Ethiopia, and this city became the backdrop for his growth, dreams, and the strong community he built around him. Raised by his incredible mother, who poured so much love and strength into him, Bereket grew into a remarkable young man with a beautiful spirit.

He had a deep love for basketball, spent countless moments laughing and making memories with his friends, and was always someone who cared deeply for the people he loved. In school, he excelled—earning high grades and creating bonds with teachers and peers alike. He was more than just a student or a friend—he was a connector, someone who brought people together and made you feel seen and supported.

Outside the classroom, Bereket was a young entrepreneur, driven by a bigger purpose. He worked tirelessly not just for himself, but with the dream of one day bringing the rest of his family to be with him here. Everything he did was rooted in love, loyalty, and a desire to uplift those around him.

At only 19 years old, Bereket’s life was taken far too soon. We are all heartbroken, but we are also committed to honoring his legacy—the joy he brought, the unity he fostered, and the dreams he held so close to his heart.

We are starting this fundraiser to help support his family, especially his mother, during this incredibly difficult time. The cost of laying him to rest is a heavy burden, and we want to come together—as Bereket would have wanted us to—to ease that weight and give him the farewell he deserves.

Anything you can give will make a difference, and even if you cannot donate, we ask that you share this with others who knew and loved Bereket.

Let’s honor him by continuing to show the same love and care that he showed us every day. May his soul rest in peace, and may we all live in a way that would make him proud.