An online fundraising effort has been set up for Milan Arriola, the 20-year-old niece of trumpeter Kermit Ruffins, who was shot and killed on Friday, July 3.
Ruffins shared the link to the YouCaring.com fundraiser on his Facebook page with the simple note: “Thank you.”
The effort was organized by Imani Ruffins, Arriola’s mother and Ruffins’ sister. Imani Ruffins is also a veteran of the New Orleans Police Department.
A statement on the fundraising page speaks of Arriola’s contagious smile and ability to brighten anyone’s day.
“Her laughter was the best medicine in the world. Her smile made your heavy days so much lighter. She was a very humble and happy person with a beautiful spirit. She will be greatly missed,” the statement goes on to say.
