Send Our Brother Home to His Final Resting Place

Help Bring Ajay Home

In the loving memory of Augustine "Ajay" Ikechukwu Chioma Jr. (04/09/1997 - 02/25/2024)

Dear Friends, Family, and Kind Souls,

It is with a heavy heart and profound sorrow that we reach out to you today. Our beloved Ajay, a cherished son, brother, and friend, left this world far too soon, just shy of his 27th birthday. Ajay was the epitome of joy, a beacon of light whose laughter, ambition, and dreams touched everyone he met. Our Ajay was the victim of a horrific car accident that took place in October 2023, which left him hospitalized and suffering from complications. Those complications eventually ended his life, and the sudden loss of Ajay has left an indelible void in our lives and hearts.

Ajay was the epitome of joy and light and a beacon of strength and resilience. Even in the face of his challenges after the accident, his spirit never wavered. His laughter, ambition, and dreams continued to touch everyone he met, embodying the true essence of courage and hope. Ajay was the only son and brother in our family, a pillar of strength, love, and laughter for his parents and siblings. His infectious smile and boundless energy brought immense joy and happiness to us all. More than our brother, he was our guiding star, our source of inspiration, and to his father, he was not just a son but a best friend. Their bond was unparalleled, a beautiful testament to the depth of their love and friendship.

One of Ajay's deepest wishes, expressed after the loss of our beloved grandmother in 2018, was to be laid to rest beside her in our homeland, Nigeria. This final wish encapsulates his deep love for family and his strong connection to our roots and heritage.

Ajay leaves behind a heartbroken family that loved him beyond measure. His parents, who cherished every moment with their beloved son, are grappling with an unimaginable loss. Ajay was also a brother to five sisters, one of whom shared an extraordinary bond with him, almost as if they were twins and best friends, sharing every joy and sorrow, every triumph and challenge side by side. This profound connection exemplifies the depth of love and camaraderie that defined Ajay's relationships with those closest to him. Alongside his immediate family, Ajay's departure deeply affects a wide circle of extended family and friends, all of whom he touched with his kindness, laughter, and unwavering spirit. Each person in this vast network of loved ones holds memories of Ajay, memories that will forever keep his spirit alive in their hearts.

Today, we are reaching out to you to help us fulfill Ajay's last wish. We are starting a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds to transport Ajay back to Nigeria, where he can be laid to rest in peace next to our grandmother. This journey is not just about saying our final goodbyes; it's about honoring Ajay's life, his dreams, and his profound love for his grandmother and his homeland.

The cost of international transportation and funeral expenses are significant, and in this time of unexpected loss, we find ourselves in need of support to give Ajay the farewell he deserves. Every contribution, no matter the size, will help us bring Ajay home and ensure that his final wish is honored.

In Ajay's memory, we also aim to celebrate his life and the joy he brought into our lives. He taught us to cherish every moment, to dream big, and to love without limits. By supporting this campaign, you're not just helping us lay Ajay to rest; you're also helping keep his spirit and dreams alive.

We understand that not everyone may be in a position to donate, but even sharing this campaign with others would mean the world to us. Every prayer, thought, and share helps us come closer to giving Ajay the peaceful rest he wished for, anything helps.

From the depths of our hearts, we thank you for any support you can provide. Ajay may have left this earthly realm, but his legacy, his dreams, and his love for life and family will forever remain in our hearts.

With all the love in my heart and unending gratitude,

The Chioma Family.

HOW THE FUNDS WILL BE USED

The funds raised through this campaign will be utilized with the utmost respect and care to honor Ajay's final wish and to celebrate his life in a manner befitting the love and joy he shared with us all. Here's a detailed breakdown of how the contributions will be used:

Transportation to Nigeria: A significant portion of the funds will cover the cost of international transportation to ship Ajay's remains back to Nigeria. This includes the logistical expenses involved in securing the necessary permits, handling services, and arranging for a dignified transfer back to his homeland, where he deeply wished to be laid to rest beside his beloved grandmother.

Wake and Funeral Services in Nigeria: The funds will also go towards organizing a wake and funeral service in Nigeria that honors Ajay's memory and celebrates his life. This will include venue rental, service arrangements, decorations, and other associated costs to ensure that family, friends, and loved ones can come together in a setting that reflects the warmth, love, and joy Ajay brought into our lives.

Wake in NY/NJ: Understanding that not all friends and family will be able to make it to Nigeria, a portion of the funds will be allocated to hosting a wake in NY/NJ. This will allow Ajay's local community to come together, pay their respects, and celebrate his life.

Hospital and Other Bills: Any remaining funds after covering the costs mentioned above will be used to settle Ajay's outstanding hospital bills and other related expenses. This will help alleviate the financial burden on the family during this difficult time, ensuring that we can focus on honoring Ajay's memory without the added stress of unresolved financial obligations.

Every contribution will directly support these essential expenses, ensuring that Ajay's journey home and the celebration of his life are carried out with the dignity, respect, and love he deserves. We are committed to transparency and will provide updates on the use of funds and the arrangements as we proceed. Your support in helping us fulfill Ajay's final wish is deeply appreciated, and we are immensely grateful for the kindness and generosity shown during this challenging time.

Thank you for standing with us to bring Ajay home and for helping to honor his memory in the way he truly deserves.