Alice Eisenberg, like many others, was devastated by the sudden death of her friend Lauren Jill Delman Hanechak (LJ to friends).
According to Eisenberg’s Facebook account, LJ was first taken to the hospital on Friday, June 9, where she told friends she was experiencing “a variety of very worrying” symptoms.
She was diagnosed in hospital with acute myeloid leukemia, a rare and aggressive form of cancer.
Four days after his diagnosis, LJ passed away.
She leaves behind a 10-year-old daughter, Keeley, whose father, Rob, also died in March 2020, Eisenberg noted.
Eisenberg, now orphaned and claiming custody of Keeley in accordance with LJ’s wishes, is doing everything she can to help support Keeley through this difficult time.
“Our hearts are all broken for Keely,” she wrote in a GoFundMe she created on Friday, June 16. “[We] Want to make sure she gets the support she needs. “
Now, Keely is coming to the end of the school year and plans to go to summer camp as planned. However, Eisenberg wants to make sure the 10-year-old’s current and future needs are met, including legal fees and trust funds.
In the six days since the fundraiser launched, the community has raised nearly $94,000 for Keely.
Many paid tribute to LJ’s passion as a mother.
Friend Jennifer Harvey wrote in a post that her “love is unwavering and her heart is big. Most importantly, she is an incredible mom.”
Harvey implored her friends to help Keeley after her mother died, writing that she had a “kind, strong, loving and adventurous soul”.
GoFundMe donor Heather Wolters wrote: “Pure sunshine in human form…this is LJ.”
“I will miss you so much, my beautiful friend. Please rest assured that Keeley has so many people who love and care for her as much as you have for us.”
“[LJ’s] Her devotion to her daughter and continued focus on making her as happy a childhood as possible is very admirable and undeniable,” wrote donors Kristin and Chris.
In addition to her role as a mother, LJ is known as an enthusiastic member of the community who takes every opportunity she can to give back.
Christine and Kris point out that LJ often volunteers for “variety of valid reasons.”
“LJ will be greatly missed and we should remember her selfless act known and loved by all of us who were fortunate enough to be a part of her life,” they wrote.
“She was a huge light…and this will be her legacy.”
To donate to GoFundMe, click here.
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