From Grief to Triumph: Help with an Aggie Ring

Joey Cadena III is organizing this fundraiser.

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Rebirth

It took fortitude to create this because those who know me well can attest that asking for help isn’t exactly my forte. I'm raising funds for my Aggie ring, a prominent symbol of my redemption arc. I am currently a senior at Texas A&M, where my empowering decision to return to college in 2020 has been marked by success. In my first two semesters, I earned a 4.0 GPA and Dean's Honor Roll. Now, with a 3.68 GPA, I continue to pursue a bachelor’s in human resource development with a minor in Business. My academic journey has also introduced financial tribulations such as a broken laptop and struggling to afford groceries at times. Yet, I persist in finding ways to surmount these financial barriers through resilience, sacrifices, and unwavering dedication.

Nadir

My decision to return to school was born from heartbreak: the tragic loss of my son. His death left me shattered, spiraling through a tempest of grief and mental health struggles that continue to linger today. In his honor and memory, I’ve poured my pain into purpose. I have individually raised over $5,000 for Scotty's House, a local nonprofit fighting child abuse, from 2016 to 2021. The accumulated funds were used to purchase clothing, supplies, and toys for child abuse victims and families. My efforts earned recognition on local news and resonated with donors across the U.S. At my lowest, I was merely a shadow of the father my son adored, but I vowed to recover to become the man he would be proud of. His radiant light continues to help navigate me through life’s struggles as a person and as a grieving parent.

Embodiment

Aggie rings aren't cheap, so l am humbly asking for support. I’ve no need for ostentatious frills so I’d be content with the standard ring, priced at $2,190. Funds exceeding my goal would go towards a new laptop and backpack, which my current one is hanging on by hope and duct tape. Your help would illuminate this comeback story. Originally, I eschewed the idea of an Aggie ring, but many have urged me to see it as an emotional testament. The Aggie ring embodies the spirit at Texas A&M University for some. For me, it serves as a subtle reminder of the raw, unyielding courage that carried me through my darkest hours, and the cherished memory of my son, forever etched in my heart.