Grief broke me open. Losing my son, Junne, physically has been one of the hardest experiences of my life. The pain and heartache felt unbearable at times, yet through that grief, I began to align with my purpose and destiny. I came to see that our society often does not allow or honor the grief of every individual, and that many are left to navigate loss alone.

I also realized that I was privileged; privileged to have the financial, emotional, and spiritual support of my family and community. Because of that support, I was able to transform my grief into a source of strength and hope, becoming a lighthouse for others instead of a victim of loss.

The JunneBug Foundation was born from this truth: to turn the privilege I received into a fundamental human right for every individual experiencing grief. Just as I nurtured Junne with love, care, and intention, I plan to nurture and grow this Foundation; guiding it, protecting it, and helping it flourish, so that it can support others in their healing journeys and make a lasting impact on our community. Our mission is to create spaces, programs, and support systems that honor grief, nurture healing, and empower individuals to reclaim joy and resilience in the midst of loss.

We invite you to join this movement. Whether through donating, volunteering, partnering with us, or simply learning more, your involvement helps ensure that grief is recognized, honored, and supported for every individual who needs it. Together, we can create a world where grief is a human right, not a privilege.

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Ayoka Ciera G.
Co-Founder, President