Main fundraiser photo

Jamal's Healing Journey

Donation protected
Dear family, friends, and compassionate individuals,

It is with a heavy heart that we come to you today on behalf of our dear friend who has suffered an unimaginable tragedy. On July 28, 2023, the only child of Judith was the victim of gun violence. Tragically, her twenty-seven-year-old son, Jamal, sustained a life-altering gunshot wound to the back of his head following a night out with friends in Alberta, where he has been living for the past year.

After being found in an alley by a passerby, he was rushed to a nearby hospital where emergency neurosurgery was performed to remove the lodged bullet and repair the damage left behind. Jamal nearly passed away during surgery as he went into cardiac arrest. Luckily, the medical team was able to revive him and at this time he remains in the intensive care unit in critical condition. Jamal has already had two surgeries and will require a third surgery to reattach a portion of his skull that was previously removed to help alleviate cranial swelling.

Jamal’s prognosis is still very uncertain due to the traumatic brain injury that he suffered. However, the medical team has suggested that his quality of life will be significantly impacted due to the high probability that he will be left with physical and/or psychological impairments.

Within hours of learning the news, his mother, Judith, was at his bedside, where she has been advocating for Jamal to receive the best quality care and showers him with a mother’s healing love.

This journey will not be without its challenges. As a single mother, Judith has no other local immediate family that can provide her and Jamal with the support and care that they both so desperately need at this time. In addition, Judith was just beginning to get back on her feet in May 2023 when she returned to work after a 3-year medical leave due to a physical work injury.

Jamal is known by his close family and friends as a kind, respectful, peaceful, and loving young man. He was always seeking new adventures and his independence. His smile and gentle spirit has touched so many near and far. Jamal being a victim of gun violence has been difficult to comprehend as this contradicts his selfless, non-violent and quiet nature.

Judith is known as being kind, loving, attentive, and a giving person. She is often helping those in need around her whether through emotional/financial support, even opening her home for friends and family, sharing her way of life, cooking and baking exquisite delights. Also, up until recently, Judith has provided financial support to extended family abroad.

Expenses are climbing as Judith has been placed on leave from work, which will significantly reduce her income. This leave was granted on medical grounds due to the impact that this event has had on her emotional and mental health whilst remaining at the bedside of her ailing son. She continues to pay all living expenses for her home in British Columbia and now, a short-term room rental in a Compassion House while she is in Alberta. As Jamal continues on the road to stabilization, transportation expenses will rise as Judith will likely need to fly back and forth between British Columbia and Alberta. Additional expenses that Judith will incur include ongoing trauma counselling and continued medical expenses for Jamal due to his long recovery ahead.

Judith cherishes Jamal deeply. Her love and dedication to him knows no bounds. In the blink of an eye, this tragic event turned this family's world upside down, leaving friends and family devastated, grappling with grief, and facing uncertain times ahead. During this dark and difficult period, we, as a compassionate community, have set up this GoFundMe campaign to help Judith and Jamal navigate the challenges of this life-altering tragedy.

Please, share this campaign far and wide so that we can reach as many hearts as possible. Your kindness can make all the difference in the lives of Judith and Jamal.

Thank you for opening your hearts and standing by this family during their darkest hour. Your generosity and love will forever be cherished and remembered.
Donate

Donations 

  • Celeste Boyce
    • $125
    • 1 yr
  • Marcel Cadogan
    • $50
    • 1 yr
  • Debbie George
    • $150
    • 1 yr
  • Anonymous
    • $50
    • 1 yr
  • Antoinette Drydgen
    • $200
    • 1 yr
Donate

Fundraising team (3)

Tasha Clarke
Organizer
Coquitlam, BC
Cathy Tremblay
Beneficiary
Andrew Richards Saldeba
Team member

Your easy, powerful, and trusted home for help

  • Easy

    Donate quickly and easily

  • Powerful

    Send help right to the people and causes you care about

  • Trusted

    Your donation is protected by the GoFundMe Giving Guarantee