Samy's Recovery Fund - an ALCS Survivor

***NOTE: I am officially converting this fund to a fund solely for Samy's Recovery (other than the first donations until 12/20 that were used for gift cards for all ALCS families).***

It is with a heavy heart that I ask our community to come together for our brothers and sisters at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison, WI. On December 16, 2024, the lives of 9 families changed forever in a gut-wrenching tragedy in our community. A teacher's life was lost while trying to aid a student, a student's life was lost, two students are in life-threatening condition, and four more will take months, even years, to heal from what happened at the hands of another classmate.

As a parent of ALCS's sister school, Lighthouse Christian School, I personally know the students at ALCS. I am not at liberty to release names, but I can share that one of the students in critical condition has a close relationship to LCS.

As the principal of LCS said today, "Abundant Life Christian School is not just another Christian school across town - they are our family. We share students, siblings, sports teams, and worship activities. Their pain is our pain; their grief is our grief." (Pastor Tia Sierra)

And as a community member of Dane County, ALCS's grief is also our grief. How easily this could have been our child, our sister, our wife, our nephew, our father.

Please consider donating to help with anything our ALCS family may need. There is currently a page set up by Adam from the alumni group for food, gift cards, jackets (because students had to leave everything), etc. Adam is facilitating getting a list of what is needed to those of us who signed up. The money raised here will go to purchase those items and will be delivered directly to the school and families of ALCS through the guidance of the ALCS Alumni group.

Anything remaining after necessities are covered will be given to the United Way fund to be distributed to families directly by the school, as they see fit.

Even if you can't give money, please share this or give your time, if you are able. Pray for those affected, hug your loved ones a little tighter this holiday season and say a prayer for those unable to do the same. Thank you for your kindness and generosity.

UPDATE: I have also been in contact with the family of one of the children that remain in critical condition after the attack. I will be donating directly to them as well.