Help cremate my Mom

Aim

Asking for help to cover End of life expences and an urn for my mother Amber.

• On June 18, 2026, our world changed forever when my beautiful mother, Amber Dykstra, passed away at only 50 years old after a courageous battle with end-stage breast cancer. As her only daughter, I, Nikole, am seeking support to help cover her cremation, a beautiful urn worthy of the amazing woman she was, and expenses related to caring for her beloved surviving pets. Amber's passing happened much sooner than expected, and like many families facing unimaginable circumstances, she was not financially prepared for end-of-life expenses. Our goal is to raise $2,000 to help honor her wishes and provide her with the peaceful farewell she deserves.

The love, kindness, and support shown to our family in the days following Amber's passing have been overwhelming in the best possible way. Every sweet message, memory, phone call, and expression of sympathy has touched my heart more than words can adequately express. Knowing how many lives my mother impacted has brought comfort during one of the most difficult times of my life.

Amber was born and raised in Oakland, California, and throughout her life she carried a spirit that could brighten even the darkest room. She was the type of person who would give you the shirt off her back without a second thought. Her friends meant the world to her, and she loved fiercely and unconditionally. Whether she was spending the day wandering through a flea market, hunting for treasures in an antique shop, or simply enjoying a spontaneous adventure, Amber was always ready for a good time and a new memory.

Life was not always kind to my mom. She endured heartbreaking losses, including the passing of her brother, Justin, and later the loss of her mother, Jean. Yet through every challenge, every setback, and every season of grief, Amber somehow managed to keep her warm heart, infectious spirit, and ability to find joy in life's simple moments. She never allowed hardship to define her. Instead, she chose hope, laughter, and love whenever she could.

Perhaps nothing demonstrated her strength more than her battle with cancer. Amber faced her illness with remarkable courage, determination, and grace. Even during the hardest days, she continued to find reasons to smile. Music brought her tremendous comfort and joy, especially during her final weeks, filling difficult moments with peace, memories, and happiness. She also adored her dogs, Charmin and Scruffy, who provided companionship, comfort, and unconditional love throughout her journey.

In her final weeks, Amber chose to spend her remaining time in Ohio with me. Those precious days together are memories I will cherish forever. Despite the challenges she was facing, we filled our time with laughter, adventures, and experiences that brought her genuine happiness. We visited Great Wolf Lodge, drove through an animal safari in Amish Country, and created beautiful moments that reminded us both how precious life truly is. Even as her health declined, she continued to embrace every opportunity to enjoy the time she had left.

Amber leaves behind a family who loved her deeply, including her loving daughter, Nikole, and her treasured granddaughter, Charlie, who brought endless pride and joy to her life. She is also lovingly remembered by her sister-in-law, Devon Anderson; her niece, Kaylee Thornhill; her nephew, Justin Thornhill; and her adopted sister, April Juarez. Along with countless friends and roomates whose lives she touched, they will all carry her memory, laughter, and loving spirit forward.

Though our hearts are broken, we are grateful for every moment we shared with her and for the incredible example of resilience, kindness, and love that she leaves behind. Amber's life was a testament to perseverance, compassion, and finding joy even in difficult times. She fought her battle with cancer with extraordinary courage and showed us what true strength looks like until the very end.

If you feel moved to contribute, your support will go directly toward Amber's cremation, a beautiful urn, and helping with expenses for the pets she loved so dearly. Most importantly, thank you for taking the time to read her story, share a memory, or keep our family in your thoughts. Every act of kindness means more than you know as we honor the life of an extraordinary woman who left this world far too soon.

Check out this link for the tick tock page I made of excursions with Mom 

tiktok.com/@ambers_warmth

Funding method

Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made by 14th September 2026 at 9:15pm CDT