Hi everyone,

My name is Ngozi Baker, and I’m a Registered Nurse proudly serving our community through a federal government agency. On April 8, 2025, a day that started like any other but with a simple afternoon trip to get my son plain white rice after a pediatrician visit ended in a devastating act of violence that changed our lives forever.

While attempting to enter a Popeyes restaurant in Bowie, MD with my 7-year-old son, when we were both verbally assaulted—and I was physically assaulted—by a stranger in public, simply because we didn’t move fast enough to his liking while exiting our parked car in a handicap space and through one the store's door. Despite being parked in a clearly marked handicap space and informing him of my disability, this man screamed, berated, and ultimately violently attacked me, throwing me to the concrete while I stood protecting my son after the man lunged at him.

The assault left me with multiple injuries, including a severely damaged shoulder that now requires extensive surgery and months of recovery. The emotional toll has been just as heavy. I was left to press charges on my own after police declined to do so, forcing me to act as my own advocate while struggling to heal and care for myself and our family.

To make matters worse, I'm currently on Leave Without Pay due to exhausting all my available leave. I’ve been approved for the federal Voluntary Leave Transfer Program, but navigating recovery, legal action, and basic living needs all at once has become overwhelming.

So many have asked how they can help. Here’s how:

How You Can Support Us

Spread Awareness

Please share my story to raise awareness about Invisible Disabilities—medical conditions that aren't immediately apparent but deeply impact everyday life. 70–80% of all global disabilities are invisible, and yet they're often overlooked or dismissed.

Speak Up

If you see someone being harassed, please speak up. I'm grateful to the few brave witnesses who did that day—but we need more people to stand up for one another in public spaces. At the very least discreetly dial 911 to report what you’re seeing.

Donate Leave (Federal Employees Only)

If you're a federal employee, you can donate leave to help me remain financially stable while I recover. Please contact me for the donation form and my agency’s HR details.

Contribute Financially

Any amount you give to this campaign will go directly toward:

Keep Us in Your Prayers

We believe in the power of prayer! Please pray for our healing, for strength, and for justice as legal proceedings continue.

I didn’t want to share this. I felt vulnerable and ashamed—but my dear friend, Jatina reminded me: my attacker doesn’t get to steal my voice, my joy, my light, or my power. I speak up not just for myself, but for all who live with invisible conditions and have felt unseen or unsafe.

Thank you for standing with me.

With love and gratitude,

Ngozi Baker