Our friend’s life changed forever in a matter of seconds — and it happened at the hands of someone she had known since childhood.

In the early hours of February 1st, outside an Orlando Wawa, she saw someone she grew up with standing in the cold. Wanting to do a simple act of kindness, she offered him a ride. Instead of making it home safely, that same childhood acquaintance opened fire into the car, leaving her with devastating, life-altering injuries.

She was shot in the face and rushed into emergency surgery. By the grace of God, she survived — but the road ahead is long and painful. She has already undergone multiple surgeries, including extensive facial and jaw reconstruction, and spent time in the ICU. Because of the damage to her jaw and face, her mouth is now wired shut and she cannot speak for a few months while she heals.

Doctors have also informed her that it is too dangerous to remove one of the bullets, which remains lodged in the back of her neck near critical arteries and her spine, which might mean an additional surgery in the future. This means she must continue living with the physical and emotional weight of this trauma while navigating a complex recovery.

She will be unable to work for at least three months and faces overwhelming expenses, including:

• Emergency hospital and surgical bills

• Ongoing and future reconstructive procedures

• Rehabilitation and follow-up medical care

• Medications and medical supplies

• Transportation to appointments

• Basic living expenses while she cannot work

The financial burden is already significant and continues to grow each day. We are setting a goal of $200,000 to help cover her medical expenses, recovery costs, and lost wages so she can focus fully on healing and rebuilding her life.

She is kind, hardworking, and always willing to help others — which is exactly what she was doing that night. A simple act of kindness toward someone she had known since childhood turned into a tragedy no one could have ever imagined.

Any donation, no matter the amount, will make a difference. If you cannot donate, please share and keep her in your prayers as she begins this long journey toward recovery.

Thank you for standing with her and helping her rebuild after this devastating event.