Stella Carlson is our beloved cousin, a lifelong creative, and a person our family knows as a pillar of strength with one of the largest hearts you'll ever encounter. She runs a children's entertainment business specializing in body paint, face paint, and airbrushing - work rooted in joy, imagination, and creating safe, happy spaces for kids and families.

Recently, Stella witnessed the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis, Minnesota. In a moment of shock and unimaginable fear, Stella did what many of us hope we would have the courage to do: she stayed, she bore witness, and she documented what happened. The decision - made in real time, under extreme stress - required extraordinary bravery.

In the aftermath, Stella's life has been profoundly disrupted. The public nature of the footage has raised serious safety concerns and has placed immense strain on her daily life, while she navigates the emotional and psychological toll of witnessing a violent death.

As a result, Stella has had to step away from her business, her income, and her normal routines - sacrifices made not lightly, but out of necessity. She is now facing urgent expenses, including rent, medical care related to trauma, and legal fees, all while unable to work.

We are creating this GoFundMe to surround Stella with the same care and protection she has shown others throughout her life. These funds will help cover her immediate living, medical, and legal expenses so she can focus on healing during this incredibly difficult time.

Supporting Stella means standing with someone who stood firm in the face of violence, who chose courage over comfort, and who now deserves community, safety, and support.

- Stella's Family