Dear All,

We are reaching out to you with difficult news.

We are raising funds for Anas and his family as they go through the most difficult times. On Friday, October 2nd, Anas was shot as he was walking home from school with his friends. Anas, a 14-year-old Chicago freshman, was walking to pick up his younger sister and brother from elementary school when he was struck in the neck. Local news covered the story here and many other places.

Anas and his family immigrated to the U.S. in 2018 when Anas was 5. His family is part of the Rohingya refugee community that fled to the U.S. from Myanmar via Malaysia. Anas attends Chicago Public Schools, is an avid soccer player, and graduated with honors from his elementary school. He loves Messi and actively rooted for Argentina in the World Cup. His family became U.S. citizens the moment it was available to them. He is their hope and dream for the future.

People throughout the community have asked how they can show their support, and we want to direct this energy into something beneficial. We are raising money to ease the heavy financial burden for Anas’ family as they navigate medical bills, missed work and school, and access to rehabilitation and therapy services.

Any and all donations are meaningful and deeply appreciated. Our prayers are with Anas, his family, the larger community affected by this tragedy, and all those affected by gun violence.

This fundraiser has been organized by a small team that has been supporting the family on their journey from arrival in the US until now. Rachel Bronson and John Matthews are holding the funds on the family's behalf and all money raised will be directed to the family and their expenses.

Thank you for your support.