My name is Cherise, and I am the aunt of this precious 11-year-old boy. I am sharing this personal message and request on behalf of his mother, Symone. The words below are written from her heart as she navigates this unimaginable tragedy and asks for support for her son.

My 11-year-old son was shot multiple times, including a gunshot wound to the head, during FAMU’s Homecoming weekend, where he was simply enjoying himself and making memories with family and friends. What should have been a fun and memorable experience has turned into an unimaginable tragedy that has forever changed our lives.

By the grace of God, my baby is still alive, but he remains hospitalized and faces a long and difficult road to recovery. As a mother, there are no words to describe the pain of watching your child endure something so horrific.

My son is full of life, joy, laughter, and endless energy. He is a child with a beautiful spirit, a bright smile, and so much life ahead of him. He brings happiness to everyone around him and deserves the opportunity to continue making memories, chasing his dreams, and simply enjoying the childhood every child deserves.

I am humbly asking for prayers, love, and financial support during this difficult time.

Funds raised will go directly toward helping our family manage the unexpected financial hardships resulting from this devastating tragedy. Donations will assist with medical expenses, ongoing medical care, therapies, transportation to and from medical appointments, and other unforeseen expenses.

Additionally, we must relocate to Jacksonville, Florida, to ensure my son receives the critical rehabilitation services necessary for his recovery. Given the severity of his injuries, including the gunshot wound to his head, rehabilitation is a vital part of his healing journey. This specialized care is critical to helping him regain strength, work toward restoring his abilities, and improve his overall quality of life. The relocation will bring additional financial challenges, including transportation, living expenses, and ongoing household bills due to missed days of work while caring for him.

Every donation, no matter the amount, will help ease this overwhelming financial burden and allow us to focus on what matters most: his healing, recovery, and well-being. We are asking for your generosity and support as we do everything possible to ensure he receives the care and rehabilitation he desperately needs.

If you are unable to donate, please keep my son and our family lifted in prayer and share this fundraiser with others. By God’s grace, he is still here, and we are holding on to faith, hope, and the power of prayer as he continues to fight and heal.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for every donation, prayer, and act of kindness during this incredibly difficult time. Your support means more than words can express. May God bless you all. ❤️