My name is Ka'Mia, and I am the mother of Rodney “Money Man” Heard III. My son is 16 years old and one of the most joyful, outgoing kids you could ever meet. His friends and family call him “Money Man” and even “superstar” because of his energy, talent, and the way he lights up a room.
Rodney is playful, funny, and the type of kid people love being around. He plays basketball, runs track, loves going to the movies, hanging out at the mall, and spending time outdoors with his friends. More than anything, he has a big heart. He is kind, well mannered, and the type of young man who stands up for himself and others. Rodney is a kid with integrity who loves his family and friends deeply.
On February 19, 2026, Rodney went to a girls basketball game at Lift for Life Academy with his brother and cousin. While at the game, Rodney’s brother saw a girl he knew and waved to say hello. The girl was there with her 20 year old boyfriend. The boyfriend immediately became upset and told Rodney’s brother not to speak to her using aggressive language.
After that, the boyfriend threatened he was going to call his father. Rodney, his brother, and cousin left before any escalation and went into the game.
The situation should have ended there, but it did not.
Later, when Rodney and his family were leaving the game, the 40 year old father showed up and confronted Rodney’s brother outside. Rodney stepped in and tried to calm the situation and deescalate things. Rodney and his family did nothing to provoke this attack. He simply tried to deescalate a situation that was already threatening.
Instead, my son was violently attacked.
The man sucker punched Rodney from the side, breaking his jaw on both sides of his face and causing him to lose a tooth. There is video of the incident that was later posted online to further humiliate him, which has added even more pain to an already traumatic situation. At the time of the assault there was no security present to intervene. Security arrived only after the attack had already taken place. As a mother, watching my son, such a loving and bright 16 year old kid, suffer like this while the man who attacked him walked free has been unbearable.
Rodney’s injuries are severe. He required jaw surgery on March 4 and was hospitalized for two days before being released home on March 6. His jaw is currently wired shut for three weeks, and he is unable to eat normally. Everything he consumes has to go through a straw, and his medication has to be administered with a syringe. He is also dealing with painful inflammation and infection in his mouth.
After the wires are removed, Rodney will still need additional recovery time with rubber bands and orthodontic treatment, including braces, to repair the damage done to his jaw and teeth.
As a mother, watching my child go through something this violent and painful has been heartbreaking. Rodney is such a loving and good kid, and seeing him suffer like this has been incredibly difficult. This experience has also been very traumatic for both of us, and we will be seeking therapy to help us cope and heal.
The financial burden has also been overwhelming. Rodney has already been treated at two hospitals, including emergency visits and surgery, and the medical bills are continuing to grow. In addition to hospital bills and surgery costs, we are facing expenses for medication, ongoing treatment, orthodontic care, transportation to medical appointments, and lost income while I care for him during his recovery.
I never imagined having to go through something like this with my child.
I am asking for help to support Rodney during this difficult time so he can focus on healing. Any donations will go toward medical bills, ongoing treatment, therapy, transportation, and helping our family recover financially while Rodney continues his recovery.
From the bottom of my heart, I am grateful for any support, prayers, or help you can give. Even if you are unable to donate, sharing Rodney’s story means so much to our family.
Thank you for standing with my son as he heals.
— Ka'Mia
