Support for Bala and Sowmya's Children: A Tragic Loss

Support for Bala and Sowmya's Children: A Tragic Loss

Update 1:

Thank you for the overwhelming support for Bala and Sowmya’s children during this difficult time. A special thanks to the local families providing meals for the kids as part of the meal train through mid-September—your kindness is deeply appreciated. 

   The children have started school and are staying with a friend’s family, where they are being well cared for by people they know and trust. 

   This week, there will be discussions on setting up trust accounts for the kids’ future and an escrow for ongoing expenses. At this time, there are no updates on the funeral arrangements, but further information will be shared as it becomes available. 

   Thank you again for all the support. It’s making a real difference for these kids.

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On August 20th, 2024, friends and well-wishers of Balasubramanian Kathavarayan and his wife, Sowmya Balasubramanian, were shocked and devastated by the tragic incident that claimed their lives in North Columbus, Ohio. You can read more about the heartbreaking incident in the news here.

Balasubramanian, known to many as Bala, and Sowmya were parents to three young children, aged 4, 6, and 8, who now face an unimaginable future without their parents. The 6-year-old child is living with special needs, adding another layer of complexity to the challenges they will face in the coming years.

Our Immediate Objective:

Friends and well-wishers are coming together to support the long-term needs of these children. The funds raised will be crucial in:

1. Securing the Children’s Financial Future:

2. Final Arrangements for Bala and Sowmya:

A Commitment to Transparency and Updates:

Updates will be provided regularly on this GoFundMe page until the funds are successfully transferred to the children’s account within the next couple of months. This will include detailed information on how the funds are being managed and used for the children's needs.

Approved by All Parties in Kinship:

Please note that this message and the fundraising effort have been reviewed and approved by all parties in kinship with the children. This ensures that everyone involved is in agreement and committed to the responsible management and use of the funds raised.

Fundraising on Behalf of Patricia McKenna and Bala & Sowmya’s Children: (Update as requested by GFM)

This fundraiser is done on behalf of Patricia McKenna, a trusted friend of Bala and Sowmya’s family. Patricia is currently the kinship provider for their children and may potentially become their legal guardian, pending ongoing legal discussions about long-term care.

The funds raised through this campaign will be transferred directly to Patricia McKenna’s bank account. These funds will be used to cover immediate needs, including funeral expenses, legal costs, and essential expenses for the children’s care and well-being. Additionally, plans are underway to establish trust accounts to secure the children’s financial future, ensuring that the funds are responsibly managed for their long-term needs, including education and healthcare.

Regular updates will be provided on this GoFundMe page for the next few weeks to keep all donors informed of how their contributions are supporting the children.

Contact Information:

For any questions or further information, please feel free to leave a message to us directly:

How You Can Help:

Your donation, no matter the size, will make a significant difference in the lives of these three young children. Together, we can help secure their future and provide them with the stability and care they need during this incredibly difficult time.

Please share this page widely within your networks. Even if you're unable to contribute financially, your help in spreading the word is invaluable.

Thank You:

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for your kindness, generosity, and compassion during this difficult time. Let’s come together to ensure that these children are surrounded by love and support as they navigate their future.