My world turned upside down when my son was seriously injured protecting me from an armed intruder. Earlier that day, I had reported an assault to the police, and they arrested the man who threatened to come to my house. Despite this, he was released and returned just hours later, armed with a knife. I called 911 twice, desperate for help, but before the police could arrive, my son stepped in to protect me. I would give anything if it had been me instead of him.

The injuries my son suffered were life-threatening. He has had to undergo surgery, suffered a collapsed lung, and needed twelve stitches on his face. Right now, he is still in the ICU, fighting to recover, while the man who did this walks free. The pain and fear I feel as a mother are overwhelming, but I am doing everything I can to be by my son's side and support his healing.

One of the biggest challenges I am facing is transportation. I have been using Lyft and Uber to get to the hospital and back, but my funds are running out. Even after my son is released, he will need to get to many doctor’s appointments, and I want to make sure he never misses the care he needs. Any support you can offer—no matter how small—would mean the world to us. Thank you for helping us through this incredibly difficult time.