In Honor of Archer Sun-Pham

A Fundraiser for Family, Hope, and Autism Support

Our Story

In January 2025, our beloved son, Archer Sun-Pham, was in a tragic car accident. Though we, his parents, survived, we are heartbroken to share that our sweet, stubborn, and joyful boy will not.

Archer gave us five of the happiest years of our lives —years filled with laughter, discovery, and the purest love. He built friendships from the time he was 2.5, grew into an independent little soul in transitional kindergarten, and played soccer with a determination that made us proud. He was bright, unique, and absolutely unforgettable.

To Parents of Children on the Spectrum:  Even though your kiddo might have complications, it's still so much better to have them around. Cherish every moment.

Autism Awareness – Archer’s Journey

Before Archer was born, we didn’t know much about autism. Most parenting resources focused on other conditions, and we had no reason to suspect it would be part of our story. But as he grew, we began to notice differences. His preschool teachers shared that their usual methods weren’t working for him, and he experienced speech delays.

At 2.5 years old, Archer was diagnosed with autism after our pediatrician guided us toward further evaluation. Through the California Regional Center, he received early intervention speech and occupational therapy (SpOT) services, and we also pursued Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) therapy to support his development. It was during this time that we learned autism is genetic and exists on a spectrum, ranging from mild to severe.

Early intervention made a world of difference. Archer hit milestone after milestone, and despite the challenges, he flourished. He made friends with his classmates, excelled in mathematics, and continuously developed his social skills while thriving in a general education, transitional kindergarten (TK) classroom.

Caregivers, therapists, and educators gave so much of their heart and time to support him. They are often the unsung heroes for parents of autistic children, and we will forever be grateful for the role they played in Archer’s life. Before he was taken from us, he was making great progress against his individualized education program (IEP) goals, growing in ways that gave us endless hope for his future.

By sharing Archer’s journey, we hope to spread awareness about autism, the importance of early intervention, and the incredible impact of dedicated caregivers and educators.

Archer’s Legacy – A Hero in Life and Beyond

Even in his passing, Archer is saving lives. His organs will be donated to children in need, giving other families the gift of more time with their loved ones. It brings us comfort knowing that his strength and kindness will live on through others.

To honor his life, Archer’s name will be engraved in a Red Cross Memorial Park for organ donors in China. This sacred space serves as a tribute to heroes who have given the ultimate gift: the chance for others to live. His name will stand alongside others who, like him, left an unforgettable mark on the world through their generosity. It is a place where families can remember, reflect, and celebrate the selflessness of those who, even in their brief time on earth, changed countless lives.

His story is one of courage, resilience, and love, proof that even a short life can leave an immeasurable impact.

Why We Are Raising Funds

Planning for the Future – Expanding Our Family

We are older parents, but we know in our hearts that we want to continue raising a family. While we are still grieving, we also want to take the steps necessary to ensure that when we are ready, we have the opportunity to bring another child into the world.

Your generosity will help us prepare for this next chapter through IVF treatment, not as a way to replace Archer, but as a way to honor the love and joy he brought into our lives. Through knowing Archer, we have learned how much love we have to give, and we want to share that love with another child when the time is right.

Giving Back to RCEB & WCCUSD IEP Programs

25% of all donations will be shared between two organizations that made a meaningful impact on Archer’s life.

• Regional Center of the East Bay (RCEB), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, supported us through Archer’s autism spectrum diagnosis and helped us navigate the resources that made him thrive.
• West Contra Costa Unified School District (WCCUSD) Programs provided him with a strong educational foundation in early intervention and transitional kindergarten, ensuring he had the right support to grow and succeed.

By donating, you’ll help these organizations continue their work for families like ours, giving more children the care and education they deserve.

How You Can Help

Please Contribute: Any amount, big or small, is deeply appreciated. Your support means everything as we grieve, heal, and take our next steps. If you are unable to donate, sharing this fundraiser helps just as much to raise awareness about traffic safety when traveling abroad and autism parenting.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for standing with us during this time. Archer’s love will always be with us, and through your kindness, his impact will live on.