Safety and Security for Kat & Zoe

Hi everyone!

I’m reaching out on behalf of an incredibly strong and resilient mom, Kat, and her 8-year-old daughter, Zoe. They’ve already been through more than most of us could imagine and, unfortunately, right now they're in need of some additional support.

In October of 2024, Kat and Zoe were removed from their home by police for their safety following a violent incident involving Kat’s ex-boyfriend, who is currently being prosecuted for assault. A protection order has been put in place, but the trauma of everything has left lasting effects.

Since the incident more than 6 months ago, Kat and Zoe have been living in a women’s shelter in the west end of Toronto . The shelter is overcrowded, surrounded by bulletproof glass, and filled with chaos—definitely not the place for a little girl to call home. They're doing everything they can to rebuild their lives, but it’s clear why this family is in need of support.

Kat is a survivor in every sense of the word. She’s not only survived domestic violence, but she’s also currently battling breast cancer-- having undergone a mastectomy in December, followed by ongoing chemotherapy, and an upcoming reconstructive surgery this summer. Her number one priority through it all has been her daughter, especially since becoming a single mother when Zoe was only 4 after her father tragically passed away.

Zoe is a beautiful, bright, and courageous child turning 9 this May. She’s been facing her own challenges since birth: she had a stroke in utero, was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at 8 months, and has had major brain surgery (a functional hemispherectomy) at only 1.5 years old. She lives with autism, is half blind in both eyes, has one functioning kidney, and wears orthotics to help her move. However despite the above challenges, Zoe continues to spread joy to everyone she meets with her contagious smile and loving soul.

With all of that being said, funds are being raised with the following GOALS…

- Relocation to Ottawa in order to be closer to family and essential support systems. This move is critical to their long-term stability and well-being.

- Covering costs related to necessities of life (clothing, food, toiletries, transportation).

- Paying for health/medical expenses not covered through OHIP or other funding.

- Send Zoe to summer camp! If any kid deserves to go to camp this summer, it’s Zoe hands down. Camp would also provide a safe and enriching place for her to be while Kat is recovering from her upcoming surgery.

To say they’ve been through hell is an understatement.

Anything you can give—no matter how small—will go directly toward helping this beautiful mother and daughter start a new chapter in life. Whether it’s $10 or $100, your kindness will go a long way.

And if you can’t donate, please consider sharing this with your network. The more eyes on this, the better chance we have of getting them the help they so deeply deserve.

Thank you for reading, thank you for caring, and thank you for helping change their story.

With love and gratitude,

A Friend of the Family