The Celebration of Life for Kieran is June 5th at the Santa Ana Zoo.

 

Date: Sunday, June 5

Time: Zoo opens at 10am; Celebration to begin at 11am

Location: Santa Ana Zoo - Free entry provided for all our guests

1801 E Chestnut Ave, Santa Ana, CA 92701

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Please see pdf map for entrance and parking details.

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There is a separate entrance for the Celebration of Life event space around the corner from the main entrance. Please go to the event entrance for in order to gain zoo entry. 

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There is no need for a for a fundraiser to support costs for medical care. All Kieran's health care was covered by his medical insurance. Emotional support and friendship is really what the family would like. The community has already been incredibly generous in donations. No additional donations are expected or needed.

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If you feel absolutely moved to do something, in lieu of flowers, please consider:

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• Donations toward memorials aligned with Kieran's interests 

• Upload photos and videos of Kieran

• Wear some axolotl gear!

• Let us know you want a magnet!

• Donations to your local zoo in his name

• Donations to local libraries in his name

 

 

If you are not sure what to say during this time, please see some comments below curated from various support resources. (These are not direct quotes from Karl and Erika, but they agree that they are all true to their experience.) 

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• Don’t be afraid to speak Kieran’s name. Kieran lived and was very important to us. We need to hear that Kieran was important to you too. 

• You won’t hurt us if we become emotional when you talk about Kieran. We cry because our child died. You have talked about Kieran, and you have allowed us to share our grief. We thank you for both. 

• It hurts when you remove Kieran's pictures, artwork, or other remembrances from your home. 

• Don’t shy away from us. We need you now more than ever. 

• Taking things one hour at a time is all we can handle right now. 

• When I walk away, let me find a quiet place to spend time alone. 

• Allow me to talk about Kieran, even if it seems like it’s too much. 

• I need diversions, so I do want to hear about you; but I also want you to hear about me. 

• Let us know about the times you think and pray for us. 

• Tell us how Kieran's death has affected you. 

• Don’t expect our grief to be over in six months; our grief will never be over. We will forever live with the death of our child. Don’t expect us to “not think about it” or to “be happy.” Neither will happen for a very long time.

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Thank you for all your support.

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