An Update on Gavin and Our GoFundMe Goal ❤️

First, I want to take a moment to thank every single person who has donated, shared, prayed, or reached out to support Gavin and his family. We are so incredibly grateful for the love and generosity everyone has shown. We are getting close to reaching our original fundraising goal, and that alone has been such a blessing.

I also wanted to give everyone a little update on Gavin. He is still in the ICU, but thankfully, he remains stable. His first surgery on his intestine went well, he has undergone some reconstructive surgery on his hand, and doctors have placed pins in his thumb. At this point, we don't know exactly what additional surgeries he may need or what the next steps will look like. We are taking everything one day at a time and are just grateful that he is still here with us. We will continue to share updates as we feel comfortable doing so.

When I first started this GoFundMe, I was encouraged to begin with a smaller goal and adjust it as we learned more about what the family would need. At the time, we were just trying to get through the immediate shock of what had happened and make sure Tamber had some financial help while being there for her son.

As the days have gone by, we're beginning to realize just how long and difficult this road is going to be. Gavin was shot four times, underwent major surgery, and has a long recovery ahead of him. There will be ongoing medical appointments, transportation needs, and so many things that come with helping him heal physically and emotionally.

But there is another part of this that is just as important. This family no longer feels safe in their own home. The people responsible know where they live and what vehicle they drive. Our goal is to help Tamber find new, safe housing and a more secure vehicle so she and her children can begin rebuilding their lives without constantly living in fear.

I don't want Gavin to come home from the hospital feeling like he has to look over his shoulder every time he walks outside. I don't want his younger siblings living in fear that something else could happen. No child should have to feel unsafe in the place they're supposed to call home, and no mother should have to worry every day about whether her children are going to be okay.

Because of these additional needs, we have decided to increase our GoFundMe goal. This isn't because we aren't grateful for what has already been raised. We are beyond grateful. It's because what started as helping a family through an emergency has become helping them through a long recovery and hopefully into a completely new chapter of their lives.

Every donation will continue going toward helping Gavin and his family with recovery-related expenses, transportation, relocation, and the everyday necessities that don't stop just because life has been turned upside down.

If you are able to continue supporting them, whether through a donation, sharing this fundraiser, or keeping them in your prayers, it means more than you could ever know.

More than anything, we want Gavin to be able to focus on healing and for Tamber and all of her children to have the opportunity to feel safe, find some peace, and start rebuilding their lives.

Thank you all from the bottom of our hearts. ❤️

On November 9th, at approximately 2:45 PM, my 16-year-old nephew Gavin was lured out of his apartment and shot four times. By the grace of God, Gavin survived, but he has a very long road to recovery ahead of him.

Gavin underwent several hours of surgery, during which doctors had to remove a portion of his intestine due to his injuries. He also sustained injuries to his hand and thumb that will require further evaluation by an orthopedic surgeon, along with an injury to his pelvis. Although we are incredibly grateful that he is alive, he has been through something no child should ever have to experience.

His mom, Tamber, is a single mother raising multiple children on a fixed income. Right now, she is facing every parent's worst nightmare while still having to make sure her other children are cared for and that everyday responsibilities are met.

I started this fundraiser because I don't want Tamber to have to worry about how she's going to afford gas to get back and forth to the hospital, put food on the table for her children, or provide Gavin with the things he may need once he is finally able to come home.

We don't know exactly what Gavin's recovery will look like or how long it will take. What we do know is that this family is going to need love, prayers, and support as they navigate the days, weeks, and months ahead.

No mother should have to choose between being at her injured child's bedside and making sure her other children have what they need at home.

If you're able to donate, no matter how small the amount, it would mean so much to our family. If you're unable to donate, sharing this fundraiser and keeping Gavin and his family in your prayers would be just as appreciated.

Gavin is only 16 years old. He has his whole life ahead of him, and we are incredibly thankful that he is still here with us.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts to everyone who has reached out, prayed, shared, or offered support during this heartbreaking time. Every little bit helps, and together we can help take some of the financial burden off Tamber so she can focus on what matters most, her children and Gavin's recovery.