<div>My name is Bree Ladd, and I’m Carter’s aunt.
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<div>On Friday night (4/17/2026), Carter, Preston, and a group of friends were in Richmond, Missouri lighting fireworks — something many kids do this time of year. After setting off a few normal fireworks, someone brought out another “firework.” It was round, about the size of a baseball, with a short wick, and sounded like it had powder inside when shaken. They were told it was safe.
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<div>It wasn’t.
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<div>What they were given was not a firework. From everything we’ve been told, it was essentially a homemade pipe bomb filled with metal shrapnel. The blast was so powerful that neighbors ran outside thinking a house had exploded.
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<div>Carter lost both of his hands. He has ruptured eardrums and shrapnel injuries throughout his body. He is currently at Children’s Mercy facing multiple surgeries, followed by a long road of physical and emotional healing.
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<div>His friend Preston was also critically injured. He suffered ruptured eardrums, shrapnel wounds to his eyes, face, arms, and stomach, and severe trauma to his hands, including the loss of a thumb. His eyes were filled with blood and debris, and doctors are still unable to fully assess the damage. He currently has a breathing tube in place due to the severity of his injuries and pain. He cannot see right now and is struggling to communicate.
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<div>The surgeon shared that these are the kinds of injuries often seen in war zones.
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<div>These boys are alive — and we are beyond thankful for that — but their lives will never be the same. The road ahead is long, painful, and uncertain.
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<div>Please keep Carter and Preston in your prayers. Pray for healing, strength, peace, and for the doctors caring for them.
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<div>We initially shared both Jamie Grabowski’s (Carter’s mom) and Cindy Teegarden’s (Preston’s mom) Venmo accounts so people could donate directly. We understand there is hesitation these days because of scams, and we completely respect that. If you have any questions about whether the links are legitimate, please feel free to reach out to me directly. If you feel comfortable donating through Venmo, that support is deeply appreciated.
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<div>Carter and Preston have both expressed that they would like all donations to be split 50/50 between them. Our hope is to lift these boys up and surround them with the love and support this community is known for.
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<div>Fundraisers will also be taking place once the boys are home, and I will share those details as soon as plans are finalized.
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<div>And please — talk to your kids. Make sure they understand that not everything labeled a “firework” is safe.
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<div>This should have never happened. 
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Mark DeMellier

Robin Michael

Melanie Fitchett

Dory Kennedy

Julie Hanley

Donna Nichols

Anonymous

Rhonda Holland

Sarah Guthrie

Mike Denehy

Rene Kuhnhoff

Jennifer Ebert

John Golway

Ernest Young

Kathleen Engman

Julie Quick

Allison Mills

Standing Strong with Carter & Preston

Standing Strong with Carter & Preston

Still $1,380 to go. Help us build momentum.