In December, my father passed away. In his final act of generosity, he gave the gift of sight through organ donation — a decision I was honored to protect and carry out.

This spring, I will be traveling from Florida back to Buffalo, New York, to lay part of my father to rest and to celebrate his life at the George Washington Club, a place deeply tied to our family for generations. I will be driving with his remains — a personal pilgrimage back to where we were both born.

I’ve chosen to make this journey in the spring as a symbol of renewal — the closing of one chapter and the beginning of another, learning how to move forward without my father by my side.

The trip will take approximately two weeks. I work in a non-corporate environment and do not receive paid time off, so this journey includes both travel expenses and lost income. Asking for help does not come easily to me, but this feels like a moment where community matters.

In July of last year, I became a living kidney donor so that my best friend could live. I share this not for recognition, but because giving — and allowing others to give — is part of how I try to live. I was raised with a Christian moral framework rooted in service, humility, and love, and I believe we are meant to carry one another when the road is heavy.

How the funds will be used

This goal helps cover the real costs of the journey, including:

• Fuel for a round-trip drive across multiple states (with room for price changes and detours)
• Lodging during travel days and while in Buffalo
• Food for the two-week journey
• Lost wages due to unpaid time away from work
• Burial and celebration-of-life related expenses

Every dollar raised will go directly toward making this journey possible and allowing me to focus on honoring my father with intention rather than financial stress.

If you feel moved to contribute, thank you — truly.

If you’re unable to give, your prayers, good thoughts, and sharing this page are just as meaningful.

This pilgrimage is about honoring a life, closing a chapter with care, and continuing forward carrying love instead of weight.

With gratitude,

Matthew Jr.