The late Katy Gildner Obi from Phoenix passed away on Monday, June 24th, 2024, at the age of 34. This news has devastated her family, friends, and the community. Katy, who was known for her kindness, strength, and joyous spirit, lost her battle with stage IV melanoma, diagnosed in May 2024, just a few months after her marriage to Mike Obi in November.
Her passing has left a profound impact on her husband, Mike, who shared their love story and grief in a heartfelt letter. "It’s impossible to find the words, let alone type them, that express the grief I feel at the loss of my beautiful wife," Mike wrote. "She was a kind soul who brought joy and caring to so many around her. She made me a better man. She was my guiding light."
The couple’s dreams of starting a family and their journey together as husband and wife were tragically cut short after only eight months of marriage. The community is rallying to support Mike, who now faces significant medical and service expenses.
Chris Rabe, Mike’s best man, has organized a GoFundMe campaign titled "Helping Honor Katy’s Extraordinary Life" to help cover these expenses and fulfill Katy’s wishes for her ashes to be scattered in four locations, including the Cliffs of Moher in Ireland. Chris expressed his gratitude for the support received, stating, "I love to see that everyone is coming together in support of the fundraiser. It will make a major impact."
Anna Naughton, a friend, commented on Facebook, "So beyond sorry for you and everybody involved, Chris. Completely unfair." Chris responded, "Thank you so much, Anna. We’ll do everything we can to support Mike through this, and I love to see that everyone is coming together in support of the fundraiser."
The fundraiser aims to raise $20,000 to cover the accrued medical expenses, cremation, and travel costs. The community’s generosity and willingness to help reflect the love and respect they have for Katy and the impact she had on their lives.
Note:This post was written and edited by Mateo Lee, based on their expertise and research. It is intended for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice. We welcome your feedback and questions on this content. Please feel free to contact us.