My boyfriend, Dedrian Milligan, is a hardworking, dedicated, and loving family man and father of two. He would do anything for his children, always putting their well-being first. In late 2023, Dedrian received devastating news that no parent should ever have to hear—his two-year-old son, who was living with his mother in Texas, had been shot and was in the hospital. Without hesitation, Dedrian booked a flight and rushed to be by his son’s side. When he arrived at the hospital, he was overwhelmed with pain and heartbreak seeing his little boy lying in a hospital bed, his leg in a full cast from a gunshot wound. As soon as his son was discharged, Dedrian brought him back to Washington to ensure he was safe and cared for. The following Monday, Dedrian began making calls to the detective assigned to the case and the CPS caseworker, determined to get answers and protect his son. He also went to the courthouse to file for a restraining order and a no-contact order against his son’s mother. Over time, Dedrian learned more about the incident. He was told that his son had gotten ahold of a gun and accidentally shot himself while his mother was partying with friends and intoxicated. This was not the first time Dedrian had concerns about his son’s safety—he had previously been told about his son suffering a head injury and being bitten by dogs while in his mother’s care. Since his son’s mother moved to Texas in early 2023, Dedrian had rarely been able to speak with his son. On the night of the shooting, he had asked to talk to his son but was told he would have to wait. Hours later, he received the call that changed everything. In 2024, unbelievably, the mother was still granted custody and a parenting plan was put in place. Now, in 2025 and 2026, it has become even more difficult for Dedrian to speak to his son. The mother has moved twice within three months, first to New York and now to Puerto Rico, without following the steps required by the parenting plan for relocation. This has made it nearly impossible for Dedrian to maintain contact with his son and ensure his well-being. Now, Dedrian is fighting to secure full custody of his son to ensure his safety and provide a stable, loving home. The legal process is expensive, and attorney fees are adding up quickly. Dedrian is doing everything he can to protect his child, but he needs help from the community to continue this fight. Any support is appreciated in the process of keeping Mr. Milligan’s son safe and in a stable home.