Keeping hope alive for Doris!

I have known Doris Cates for the past 13 years. Regardless of the curveballs life has thrown at her, she has always smiled and said “I’ll be alright“. She was my dad’s caretaker until this past July, when he passed away (pictured above, dad with Doris). His passing was tough on her. She had lost not just her best friend but also her livelihood. She had bills to pay, a car to repair, a roof to maintain over her head and food to keep on the table. Bravely she said, “I’ll be alright.”

These past few months have been tough on Doris. The self-respecting individual that she is, she has found odd jobs, worked long, hard hours, endured sleepless nights, but has remained cheerful and hopeful. With her son's support, she has managed to stay afloat. She was “alright.”

Today, however, the hardworking, caring, generous, cheerful and selfless Doris got the worst news of her lifetime - something that no parent should ever have to go through. Her 34-year-old son, Reshaun Cates, her pride and joy, her pillar of support, was senselessly shot dead while driving to pick up his toddler from daycare (https://www.wral.com/man-found-shot-dead-in-car-off-85-exit-ramp-in-durham-police-say/20503302/).

She is SHATTERED! A grieving mom, funeral expenses, ever accumulating bills, childcare expenses, and a fatherless toddler to raise. I have witnessed major ups and downs in Doris’s life, but never have I seen her lose hope. Let’s not allow her to give up now!

She needs our support. I am confident that together we can create a ripple effect and make a difference. No donation is ever too small. In this season of giving, let's pay it forward; let’s rekindle hope for Doris. Let’s facilitate a respectful burial for her child, who was senselessly snatched away from her. Let’s assist her in ensuring a decent upbringing for her grandchild. Let’s aid her in keeping food on the table, a roof over her head, continue her job interviews and let’s make sure that SHE'LL BE ALRIGHT!