On Memorial Day, May 25th, our community of Pleasant Hill was shaken by a tragic shooting. My great nephew, Ayden, was working that afternoon and was shot twice while retrieving carts from the parking lot. Ayden is now in the ICU at Children's Mercy, and while he is stable, his recovery will be long and challenging.

Ayden's parents, Jaime and Steven, are devoted parents to five children, three of whom still live at home. Recently, Jaime lost her job and Steven is temporarily out of work after back surgery. With Ayden's medical needs and the family’s current situation, they are facing an extreme financial hardship. The costs of medical care, daily travel to the hospital, and essential bills like rent and utilities are overwhelming for them right now.

We are reaching out to our community for help. Your donation will go directly toward Ayden’s medical expenses, his parents’ travel costs, and the family’s basic needs during this difficult time. Please consider supporting Ayden and his family as they navigate this unimaginable challenge. Every contribution, no matter the size, will make a difference.