Our community is grieving alongside a family from our Teach Guardians high school basketball program who is enduring an unimaginable tragedy.

In the early morning hours of November 2nd, Emilee and her three boys were staying at a family member’s home when they were awakened by gunfire. In a moment no mother should ever face, Emilee’s adult brother shot her 10-year-old son, Jonathan. With extraordinary courage and instinct, Emilee desperately fought to protect her children and save the rest of her family. When she finally gained control of the gun from her brother , her 17-year-old son, Matthew, stayed by Jonathan’s side — calling 911 and doing everything he could to help his little brother survive until first responders arrived. Their bravery is nothing short of heroic.

Jonathan was airlifted to Johnson City Medical Center for emergency surgery to have a portion of his skull removed as he is facing critical levels of swelling in his brain. After the surgery was completed he was again air lifted and is currently at East Tennessee Children’s Hospital, where he is fighting for his life. This family’s world has been shattered in an instant, and they are now navigating every parent’s worst nightmare.

As they face long days in the hospital, mounting medical costs, travel and lodging expenses, and the emotional toll of this trauma, we are asking our community to rally behind them. Your support — whether through donation, prayer, or sharing this fundraiser — will help ease the burden during a time no family should ever have to experience. Please keep Alfredo, Emilee, Matthew, Jonathan, and Christian in your constant prayers and pray specifically for the swelling in Jonathan's brain to stop.

On behalf of everyone who loves this family — thank you for surrounding them with care, compassion, and hope.