My mom, an Uber driver, victim of gun violence

Hello, my name is Meghan, and I'm from Chicago. I'm making this donation page for my mom, Margaret.

Margaret was a recent victim of gun violence while being an Uber driver in the Chicagoland area. Late one night, she picked up an uber ride in Crestwood. She doesn't usually accept late-night Uber rides, but she made the exception since it was close to her home. This unexpected ride was shortly before a scheduled passenger pickup from Midway Airport, which is why she was online with the app. Margaret picked up a young man and suspected a car was following her shortly after. She pulled over to let the car pass, but instead, three young men jumped out of their vehicle and began open fire... As the three suspects shot seven rounds into her car, without thinking, she braced herself against the steering wheel. Then one of the suspects approached her driver's side seat to reach into her open window. She freaked out, quickly shifted the car into drive, and sped away, only to find herself at a dead end! She noticed her car was filled with broken glass and blood everywhere. At this moment, her passenger screamed! She didn't know if he was shot, but he was convinced they were after him and demanded to be let out of the car. She unlocked the car doors, and he ran into the night, leaving the door open. She was afraid to return the way she came, but she didn't have a choice. She spun the car around, and the force of turning the car shut the back door. As she passed the area where she was shot moments earlier, she noticed the other vehicle was gone. She continued driving to the nearest gas station, where she called 911 to report the crime. After the police and medics met her, they said she was lucky to be alive! Because she was not shot, and her injuries were considered not severe, the medics wouldn't take her in the ambulance. Instead, they advised her to drive herself, even though she was bloody all over from shattered glass cutting into her skin.

I'm so grateful she didn't have more severe injuries and was quick enough to drive away. I can only think of how scared she must have been. Especially when she told me that for a split second, before putting the car in drive, the thought crossed her mind, "They are not done yet, but I am!"

Sadly this traumatic experience has left her with some serious financial setbacks. I hope this page can help contribute to some of those expenses because she cannot work this time. Throughout the school year, she is a teacher for students with special needs. She's the most kind-hearted person, loves her family, is devout Catholic, and is active with her church community and friends.

It would mean the world to me if you could help my mom in any way possible. She's such a selfless person and really in her time of need.

Many blessings and thanks to all of you for taking the time to read, donate, or share.

Meghan