Hello everyone, and thank you so much for taking the time to read about a family that is very dear to my heart and my family’s heart—the Sanders family.

We met the Sanders in 2024 when my sons began attending private school. Mr. Pete (Peter Sanders) patrols the school every day, ensuring the safety of all our children and staff. Over time, he has built an incredible bond with so many of the kids—including my boys. He truly loves each and every one of them and would do anything in the world for any of our families. As you read their story below, you’ll see that love and dedication for yourself.

I know times are hard for everyone, but if you are able to spare even a dollar, the Sanders family would be forever grateful. And if giving isn’t possible right now, your prayers mean just as much—please keep Peter and Ramona in your thoughts.

I also want to recognize their daughter, Angel. She is a teacher, just like her mom, and works for Katy ISD. Angel lives with her parents to help care for them and assist financially, and she has truly been a saving grace for their family.

Thank you for reading, sharing, praying, and supporting however you can.

In April of 2022, on the Sunday after Easter, the Sanders ' life changed forever.

Peter was patrolling the church parking lot when he encountered two men attempting to steal catalytic converters. When the men fled, Peter followed them in an effort to get their license plate number. They turned into a nearby apartment complex, and as Peter followed, the men made a U-turn. As they passed him, the driver fired shots into Peter’s car.

Peter was struck once in the leg and once in the chin. Despite his injuries, he managed to drive back to the church and walk to the doors, where an usher found him and called for help. The bullet that struck his chin lodged under his tongue, shattering his lower jaw and teeth.

Peter spent six months in the ICU and underwent 16 surgeries in just four months—two of those surgeries lasting more than 24 hours. He spent months at home on a feeding tube and tracheostomy to breathe. Doctors had to take bone from both legs, skin grafts from both thighs, and tendons from one arm in order to rebuild his jaw and repair the damage.

Peter was unable to work for a year and a half and continues to live with PTSD, speech difficulties, and chronic pain in his legs and arms.

During this time, his wife Ramona had to take an unpaid leave from work for eight months to care for Peter full-time. As a result, the family fell behind on bills and their mortgage.

In November of 2024, Ramona received devastating news of her own—she would need open-heart surgery to replace two heart valves. While waiting for surgery, her doctors placed restrictions on her work hours. In February of 2025, she became seriously ill and was hospitalized. Over the following months, she was repeatedly admitted to the hospital with pneumonia in March, May, July, August, and September.

By September, due to worsening heart symptoms, Ramona was forced to quit her job as a teacher entirely while awaiting surgery. With both incomes disrupted and mounting medical expenses, the Sanders family had no choice but to file for bankruptcy in order to keep their home.

On December 11, 2025, Ramona underwent open-heart surgery. What was expected to be a five-day hospital stay turned into a 22-day stay filled with complications, including lung issues and the need for a pacemaker. Since then, she has continued to be hospitalized due to fluid on her lungs.

The Sanders family is in urgent need of financial assistance to help with bankruptcy payments, medical bills, and ongoing medication costs. At this time, Ramona is unsure if she will be able to return to work.

Any support—whether through donations, sharing this fundraiser, or prayers—means more than words can express.