Help English Take Care of Asheley and Aaliyah!

Hi Everyone! My name is Shantez and I am creating this GoFundMe on behalf of my friend English. Please allow me to share a quick synopsis of her and her family’s story that I have witnessed firsthand over the last few years and particularly over the last few months.

In Feb of 2023, English learned of her cousin Erica (who was raised as her sister) being ill. Upon reaching out to Erica on Feb. 19th, 2023, Erica disclosed to English that she had been recently diagnosed with advanced brain and lung cancer. Erica chose to keep the severity of her condition private and held the intricate details of the matter to herself until she reunited with her cousin English. During their first point of contact, Erica revealed her diagnosis, and her horrible experience with the Nevada health system, and opened up to English about just how this situation has affected her life and more importantly the lives of her three children, Demetrius (20), Aaliyah(11), and Ashley(8) due to her being their sole caretaker. At this point, Erica was unable to care for her children in any way, and the children were left to coexist in their Nevada home and fend for themselves.

Upon learning of all of this, English being the selfless person I have known her to be over the last 15 years, she immediately began to take action. In an effort to help her ill cousin and her children, English jumped on a plane and ran to be with her cousin and children. She began to advocate on Erica’s behalf by purchasing medical equipment, contacting medical personnel, and taking over the responsibility of caring for her children.

In March 2023, Erica had an appointment with the Cancer Centers of America, where she learned that her cancer had spread throughout her entire body, and her options were extremely few. At this point, Erica’s body was frail (maybe 70 pounds) and she felt that she could not physically nor mentally handle any further medical treatment. Erica chose to be put on home hospice, so she could spend the remainder of her days with her children. While her children were able to spend her last few years on earth with her in close proximity, watching Erica decline and transition in front of their eyes has affected them in several ways. April 19, 2023, Erica lost her battle with Cancer, and transitioned peacefully in her home surrounded by her children.

These tenacious children have not only witnessed their mom's transition, but they have also endured several other traumatic situations that they have had to cope with all while having life-altering disabilities that cause this trauma to affect them even more. While I will respect this family's privacy and not disclose too much, these precious children were left with absolutely NOTHING, and English is now left to figure out how to raise two beautiful girls.

Due to the complete transformation of her life, English has lost her job(after years of teaching), and altered her entire existence, all to keep the girls out of foster care. Every aspect of this situation has been a fight, and English continues to do all that she can to ensure the well being of these precious babies. Thus far, English has done an amazing job caring for the girls while receiving no government assistance, unemployment, or any monetary help. From the unexpected expenses of Erica’s funeral to caring for the girls, English has selflessly given her resources and is now low on funds. English’s selflessness has been the highlight of my time with them. She has taken them on trips and continues to provide them with experiences that they have never had before. The girls are truly in a better state of mind since they have been with their big cousin.

School is coming up, but the children do not have what they need. Honestly, this family needs everything. They currently live in English’s small apartment in one of Chicago’s worst neighborhoods. They are in need of a larger living space in an area that provides good special education programs to accommodate the girls' needs. The family is also in need of a better mode of transportation.

The survival of this family means EVERYTHING to me. I truly believe that English is an angel on earth that was sent to care for these babies. They have been through enough, and there has to be some way the community can help relieve some of the financial burden.

The funds will be used to get their school supplies, uniforms, basic necessities, a safer place to accommodate the new family size, therapy/grief counseling, and everything for the girl's survival.

My friend is not one to ask for help, but please help if you can. If you are unable to help financially, and you know of agencies, blogs, charities, shows, or news stations that can help, please do not hesitate to get in touch with me. I know we can all pull together and help these precious babies and this heroic caretaker.

In Love and Community,

Shantez

English