My little brother, DJ, has always worked hard in school, and his dedication has paid off—he earned the Roo Scholarship at UMKC for his excellent grades, and with the help of Pell Grants, his tuition is covered. We are so proud of him and the future he's building for himself.

But this year, our family experienced a heartbreaking loss—our dad passed away unexpectedly. His passing has changed so much for all of us, especially when it comes to finances. While tuition is thankfully taken care of, housing costs are still a big challenge for my brother as he begins this next chapter.

We want him to be able to focus on his education, his friendships, and his future—not stress about where he will live or how he'll afford it. That's why we're reaching out for support. Every dollar raised will go directly toward covering his housing expenses at UMKC, so that his hard work and determination won't be overshadowed by financial burdens.

Our dad always believed in education and in supporting us to reach our potential. Helping my brother stay on campus, close to his classes and community, would honor that legacy.

If you feel led, please consider giving or sharing this page. Your support means more to our family than we can ever express. Thank you for helping my brother continue his journey with hope and stability.