There are moments in life that no parent should ever have to endure. This is one of those moments. My dear friend, Alicea King, is a devoted single mother of seven beautiful children. Everything she has done has been for them. Despite growing up in difficult circumstances, Alicea refused to let her past define her future. She worked tirelessly to build a better life for her family, returning to school to earn her degree in education while continuing to pour her love, strength, and sacrifice into raising her children. Her resilience has inspired everyone who knows her.

Today, Alicea is facing the unimaginable. She recently lost her beloved 18-year-old son, Josiah, to senseless gun violence. Josiah, the fifth of seven siblings, was a bright, respectful, kind-hearted young man with a gentle spirit that drew people to him. He was loved by family, friends, teachers, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. After an altercation that he chose to walk away from, Josiah was followed and tragically shot in the back of the head. A young man who was trying to avoid further conflict lost his life in an act of heartbreaking violence. His future was stolen, and a family who loved him dearly is now left trying to navigate an unbearable loss.

No mother is ever prepared to bury her child. As Alicea grieves the loss of her son, we want to surround her with the love and support she has so freely given to others throughout her life. The funds raised will help ease the immediate financial burdens Alicea now faces so she can focus on mourning her son and caring for her family during this incredibly difficult season. If you are able, please consider making a donation. No gift is too small, and every act of generosity makes a difference. If you're unable to give financially, we ask that you share this fundraiser and keep Alicea, her children, and everyone who loved Josiah in your prayers. Thank you for helping us remind this family that they do not have to walk through this tragedy alone.