My name is Jarron, and if you know me at all, you know how much I love being an uncle. I became a “guncle” in 2011 when my niece Amari was born, and she has brought so much joy and purpose to my life. Today, I’m asking for help because our family is facing a crisis no one is ever prepared for.
On March 14th, Amari went to what should have been a fun St. Louis 314 Day celebration for local teenagers. Multiple fights broke out, and before she could get to safety, gunfire erupted. Tragically, Amari was shot.
She has spent more than a week in the hospital, underwent emergency surgery, and is now beginning a long recovery that will take at least six months. She is fighting hard, but this type of trauma will require so much of her and our family.
At the same time, my twin sister Jaray (Amari’s mom) is dealing with serious housing instability after a long and unfair battle with a negligent landlord. To make sure Amari can recover safely, and to keep the kids in their school district during this crisis, we urgently need support with:
1. Medical Care & Recovery Costs
Insurance covers some things, but Amari will need:
- Intensive physical therapy
- A second surgery approximately six weeks after discharge
- At‑home medical supplies to treat open wounds and her surgical incision
2. Safe, Stable Housing
We are trying to secure housing in the children’s current school district to avoid disruptions and potential loss of essential school resources. We’re seeking help with:
- Temporary housing near St. Louis Children’s Hospital
- First month’s rent + deposit
- 3–4 months of rent to ensure stability during recovery
3. Legal Support
We need assistance to:
- Pursue accountability from the event organizers who failed to provide adequate security
- Secure school accommodations so Amari can complete the year without losing access to critical in‑person services. The school administrators are not quite grasping the severity of Amari’s condition and having a legal advocate who knows their way around St. Louis County would help a ton
- Navigate victim support resources that are helpful but extremely slow to arrive
I am doing everything I can emotionally and financially, but our family cannot do this alone. If you’re able to give — no matter the amount — it will directly support Amari’s healing, safety, and future. And if you’re not able to donate, sharing this campaign also makes a huge difference.
Thank you for loving us, supporting us, and helping us get Amari to a place where she can focus on just being a happy, healthy teenager.
Organizer
