Read Peter Kassig's heartbreaking letter to his parents

Peter Kassig, the American aid worker whom ISIS claims to have executed, sent this heartbreaking letter home to his parents before his untimely death. Read it here, and get a sense of what it feels like to face death in pursuit of a cause you believe in. "At least you and I can seek refuge and comfort," he writes, "in knowing that I went out as a result of trying to alleviate suffering and helping those in need."

Here's the whole thing:

Read more about Kassig, who dedicated his life to helping Syrian civilians and Vox's full coverage of the Syrian Civil War that has cost so many lives.

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