Elias Christian Nelson Memorial Fund

Do you have friends with whom you share dozens— maybe even hundreds— of happy memories? Bryant and Cierra Nelson are those friends for my husband, Kevin, and I. Staying up ‘til 1 am playing round after round of Pokemon Monopoly. Splitting a pack of Skittles. Having an Italian sandwich picnic on Thanksgiving Point Gardens while talking about TV shows and house hunting. Racing each other down the slides at Splash Summit. Catching up on life while chasing our kids across the park. Talking about Jesus and how we came to know he really is our Savior.

The harsh reality of life, however, is that mingled with good times are seasons of tragedy and loss. On Tuesday, February 22nd 2022, Bryant and Cierra welcomed their second child, Elias Christian Nelson, into the world. The following evening, he passed away.

Perhaps you share happy memories of your own with Bryant and Cierra. Maybe you know them only a little, and maybe you’ve never met them at all. Regardless of your connection to my friends, the true measure of friendship and humanity is standing by and supporting one another through both good times and bad. Bryant and Cierra have been there for Kevin and I as we’ve processed our own struggles with unemployment and mental illness. My plea today is that each of us reading this post can rally together to be there for Bryant and Cierra in their struggle. I ask you to offer a prayer, a donation, or both to help Bryant and Cierra (and their families) as they grieve and heal.

Donations to the Elias Christian Nelson Memorial Fund will go towards the payment of hospital bills and funeral services. Don’t hesitate to donate even if you can only share a few dollars; every penny is appreciated. Donations can be made to Bryant and Cierra’s personal Venmo account, @Cierra-UIRM . If you are asked a verification question, the last four digits of Cierra's phone number are 9381.

If you don’t already have a Venmo account, visit venmo.com for instructions. If you haven’t offered a prayer before and would like to learn how, visit churchofjesuschrist.org/comeuntochrist/believe/god/how-to-pray .

Thank you, my friends. May we continually mourn with those that mourn, comfort those that stand in need of comfort, and stand as witnesses of God at all times (Book of Mormon, Mosiah 18:9). May God bless you.

-Mikayla Johnson

Bryant, Cierra, and baby Elias

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