My name is Claudia Diggs, and I am creating this fundraiser on behalf of my childhood best friend Brittney, her partner Kenny, and their sweet two year old son, Cohen. I am setting this up to help support their family during an unimaginable time following a devastating, tragic accident.

On March 20th, two-year-old Cohen was involved in a traumatic lawn mower accident that resulted in severe, life altering injuries. He was airlifted to VCU Children’s Hospital, where he remains in the PICU under critical care.

Cohen underwent an incredibly difficult and emotional surgery on March 22. His right leg was amputated just above the ankle in an effort to save his life, and he also sustained a fracture to that same leg. By the grace of God, surgeons were able to preserve part of his ankle joint and protect his growth plate, giving him the best possible chance for adaptation as he grows!

He is currently stable, but still in critical care, and managing his pain has been a challenge as his care team works to keep him comfortable. Even in the midst of all of this, Cohen is already showing just how strong and resilient he is.

The road ahead will be long and filled with challenges. Cohen will require ongoing wound care, a wheelchair, and a cast while his fracture heals. As he grows, he will need a prosthetic limb (multiple prosthetics as he continues to grow), rehabilitation, and extensive physical and occupational therapy. With the addition of a wheelchair now and a prosthetic in the future, their home will also need to be modified to meet ADA standards so he can move safely and comfortably through his environment.

This tragedy does not only impact Cohen, it impacts their entire family. His siblings witnessed this horrific accident, something no child should ever have to experience. As they begin to process what happened, they may need emotional support and therapy to help them heal from the trauma.

At the same time, Brittney and Kenny have both recently started new jobs. During this critical period, both parents will be out of work as they care for Cohen and support their family. Brittney’s benefits have not yet gone into effect, leaving them without paid coverage during a time when they need it most. The financial burden of medical bills, transportation, lodging, lost income, and long term care will be overwhelming.

I am sharing this not only as a friend, but as a mother who understands this reality more than I ever wished to. Having walked through my own child’s medical journey, I know firsthand the emotional and financial toll that hospital stays, ongoing treatments, and constant uncertainty can take on a family. It is heavy in every sense of the word.

Cohen is a joyful, vibrant, and deeply loved little boy. His family is rooted in faith and is leaning on God through every moment of this. They are welcoming all prayers for healing, strength, peace, and unity as they navigate the days ahead.

If you feel led to give, any contribution will go directly toward Cohen’s care and helping ease the burden on his family so they can focus fully on his healing.

If you are unable to give, please consider sharing this and lifting this family up in prayer. Every prayer, every share, and every act of kindness truly matters.

Thank you for surrounding this family with love during such a heartbreaking time.