Supporting Both Parents of the Kim Family

Dear Friends,

I’m Minji, and I’m reaching out on behalf of my family during this profoundly difficult time.

My brother and I are currently and unexpectedly planning the funerals and burials for both of our parents. With no other family or relatives in the States, it’s just the two of us navigating this overwhelming journey. If you’re able to contribute or share our story, it would mean the world to us. Any support—no matter how small—will help alleviate the tremendous financial burden we’re facing right now. Thank you so much for taking the time to read this and for your kindness during this vulnerable time.

Here’s a bit of our story:

In October 2023, our lives changed when my mom was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease). I moved in with my parents to provide support as she faced this challenging diagnosis. In March 2024, our mom suffered a heart attack, leading to surgery and an extended hospitalization that left her bedridden at home. My father, my brother, and I dedicated ourselves to her care, drawing on all our resources.

Then, on August 9th, our dad faced a sudden health crisis. He was taken to the emergency room and was admitted at the hospital, where doctors discovered he had experienced multiple strokes. Despite extensive lab tests, scans, and procedures including brain biopsy and multiple lumbar punctures, the cause remained unclear. After a month of uncertainty, he was treated for vasculitis in the brain and subsequently sent to a skilled nursing facility for rehabilitation.

However, shortly after his discharge, his condition deteriorated again, and more strokes were discovered. After a long battle, he was eventually diagnosed with tuberculosis in his brain. Just as we began treatment for him, our mom’s health declined rapidly due to the ALS. We faced the heartbreaking decision to intubate her, hoping for more time together. Tragically, she passed away on September 23rd.

Since then, we’ve been consumed with planning her funeral. The day after losing her, we visited our dad in the ICU, where he is now in a comatose state. The doctors have told us they do not expect him to recover as he already suffered too much brain damage and other medical complications have surfaced.

In light of these challenges, we are reaching out for support. Any contributions would be immensely helpful as we navigate both the emotional and financial burdens of planning our parents' funerals.

Thank you for your compassion and support during this incredibly difficult time.

With deep gratitude,

The Kim Family

Mom and dad enjoying the sunset at their favorite spot. I am the best third-wheel.

Our very first family photo. Celebrating grandson's first birthday.

Family game night. Losing to grandson at Uno but still happy.

Didn't know this would be our last Christmas together.

So proud of their daughter getting her Master's.

Dad taking care of mom and washing her hair in bed.

Recovering after the biopsy. Talking encourages brain activity.

Holding granddaughter's hand encouraging her that all will be okay.

Mom's last few hours together, laughing, crying, and chatting because she wanted to hear our voices instead of any other music.

Prayer for comfort and peace.

Back to the hospital. More labs and procedures. Trying to wake him up.

Asking him to hold on just a little longer please. Asking mom to not take him just yet

My favorite photo of my parents. Supposed to be one-person bed but he didn't want to sleep alone.