Stronger Together for Cleo
Donation protected
This pandemic has affected so many of us in so many ways.
Thousands are sick. Even more are in economic turmoil.
And in all of us is a growing weight of anxiety about what may happen next.
Well for one boy, that anxiety about an uncertain future has been magnified to a degree not many can imagine.
Cleophas Fuller Jr. is a 5th grader in my 5th grade class at Vincent Academy in West Oakland, CA.
On Monday, Cleo was awoken by his Aunt and was told that he was now an orphan.
In a tragic course of events this past weekend, Cleo lost both of his parents to a freak car accident. Police reports on what happened exactly are still forthcoming. But the details on what exactly happened on that fateful night are irrelevant in the scheme of things.
East Bay Times Car Accident Article
Dismay? Shock? Deep sadness and uncertainty? How would you feel to wake up to that news?
Cleo felt all of the above and more.
Despite being from a neighborhood that is riddled by trauma, gang violence, and economic hardship,
Cleo is an anomaly.
He is a straight A student.
He comes from a loving, supportive family.
He is an avid basketball player and almost a black belt in his Karate practice.
He has a kind heart, and always stands up for his friends, or doing what's right.
To many on the outside, it may be difficult to imagine that he comes from one of the poorest communities in California. Or that he's any different from any other young boy growing up in America.
For him however, he's been alienated beyond most likely even his own current understanding.
Cleo, as a 10 year old boy, now faces the financial hardship of burying his parents, growing up, and positioning himself for high school, college, and beyond - without the love and financial support of his two loving parents.
Monica Rasmussen, Principal at Vincent Academy in West Oakland, had this to say about Cleo's parents.
"Cleophas and Nicole have been a warm and supportive presence at Vincent Academy for the past 3 years. They have opened their hearts and home to Cleo's teachers and were always willing to lend a hand or donate their time and energy to our school community. They will be missed by all of us here at the school."
They say it takes a village to properly raise a child.
This kid, who has always been there for his friends, has always worked hard to support his school and karate community, and has always had big dreams of success for himself; just lost his two biggest supporters.
Now I need the village to circle around him.
We are asking for $20,000 (as a start)
This will help offset the funeral costs, help Cleo's family take care of him financially in the immediate future, as well as potentially set up college funds for his future self.
It's a modest number compared to the invaluable loss that Cleo is suffering.
Like, comment, or share this post.
Anything helps.
Let's show Cleo that he's not alone.
There is still light and goodness in the world, even during this most darkest period of his already challenged life.
Thousands are sick. Even more are in economic turmoil.
And in all of us is a growing weight of anxiety about what may happen next.
Well for one boy, that anxiety about an uncertain future has been magnified to a degree not many can imagine.
Cleophas Fuller Jr. is a 5th grader in my 5th grade class at Vincent Academy in West Oakland, CA.
On Monday, Cleo was awoken by his Aunt and was told that he was now an orphan.
In a tragic course of events this past weekend, Cleo lost both of his parents to a freak car accident. Police reports on what happened exactly are still forthcoming. But the details on what exactly happened on that fateful night are irrelevant in the scheme of things.
East Bay Times Car Accident Article Dismay? Shock? Deep sadness and uncertainty? How would you feel to wake up to that news?
Cleo felt all of the above and more.
Despite being from a neighborhood that is riddled by trauma, gang violence, and economic hardship,
Cleo is an anomaly.
He is a straight A student.
He comes from a loving, supportive family.
He is an avid basketball player and almost a black belt in his Karate practice.
He has a kind heart, and always stands up for his friends, or doing what's right.
To many on the outside, it may be difficult to imagine that he comes from one of the poorest communities in California. Or that he's any different from any other young boy growing up in America.
For him however, he's been alienated beyond most likely even his own current understanding.
Cleo, as a 10 year old boy, now faces the financial hardship of burying his parents, growing up, and positioning himself for high school, college, and beyond - without the love and financial support of his two loving parents.
Monica Rasmussen, Principal at Vincent Academy in West Oakland, had this to say about Cleo's parents.
"Cleophas and Nicole have been a warm and supportive presence at Vincent Academy for the past 3 years. They have opened their hearts and home to Cleo's teachers and were always willing to lend a hand or donate their time and energy to our school community. They will be missed by all of us here at the school."
They say it takes a village to properly raise a child.
This kid, who has always been there for his friends, has always worked hard to support his school and karate community, and has always had big dreams of success for himself; just lost his two biggest supporters.
Now I need the village to circle around him.
We are asking for $20,000 (as a start)
This will help offset the funeral costs, help Cleo's family take care of him financially in the immediate future, as well as potentially set up college funds for his future self.
It's a modest number compared to the invaluable loss that Cleo is suffering.
Like, comment, or share this post.
Anything helps.
Let's show Cleo that he's not alone.
There is still light and goodness in the world, even during this most darkest period of his already challenged life.
Organizer and beneficiary
Ryan Stone
Organizer
Oakland, CA
Marie Clark
Beneficiary