I was just 17 years old when I had my son, Ka-Sheem. At five months pregnant, I learned through a sonogram that he would be born with a heart condition. From an early age, Ka-Sheem had to undergo three open heart surgeries. Each time, the doctors warned me that he might not make it, but by the grace of God, he pulled through. Now, at 20 years old, he has graduated high school—something I couldn’t do myself because I had to stay by his side during his surgeries, missing my last two years of school to be the mom he needed most.

As a single mom to Ka-Sheem and his two brothers, I’ve done my best to provide for my family. His father wasn’t there to help, but Ka-Sheem has always stepped up. Now that he’s older, he helps me with bills and takes care of his younger siblings. He’s a blessing in every way, working hard and putting himself through college while still supporting our family at home. I wish I could help him more with school, but I just don’t have the extra funds.

Ka-Sheem is studying to become an accountant at Mercy College. He’s never been in trouble, doesn’t run the streets, and is incredibly book smart. His birthday is January 19th, and I want to take some of the burden off his shoulders. I don’t want him to feel like he has to quit school because of money. I want him to finish and become successful, not fall victim to the streets like so many other young Black men. I’m praying for help so he can pay for his tuition and books, and I am deeply grateful for anyone willing to support us. If anyone would like proof of his heart condition, I am happy to share his doctors’ records.