My name is Chantay, and I am now caring for my granddaughters, Samya (12) and Kenzie (9), after the sudden loss of my daughter. On June 25, 2025, my daughter disappeared while going to the grocery store, leaving Samya and Kenzie alone at home with no food. Their daycare provider and a family friend stepped in to help, and I flew to Los Angeles to bring them to safety. After a difficult search, my daughter’s body was found on July 16. Since then, Samya and Kenzie have come to live with me in New Orleans, and we are working to rebuild our lives together.


Samya is quiet and spends a lot of time on her phone or computer, especially since learning about her mother’s passing. Kenzie is outgoing, loves playing games on my iPad, and enjoys gymnastics. Both girls are coping in their own ways, and I am doing everything I can to support them. My daughter loved her children deeply and always made sure to travel with them. She dreamed of taking them on a cruise, and her world revolved around her girls.


Right now, our most urgent needs are beds and dressers for Samya and Kenzie so they can feel comfortable and safe in their new home. I am working, but supporting all three of us is a challenge, and food and clothing are also big concerns until I can get additional aid. Any support will help us create a stable, loving environment for the girls as we navigate this new chapter in our lives.