Hello, my name is J'Lah Ray. I am reaching out for support during one of the most difficult moments of my life. On Saturday, May 3rd, 2025, I was an innocent bystander when I was caught in the middle of a senseless act of violence and shot in the abdomen where the bullet zipped through and exited out of my back. I was rushed to the hospital where I underwent emergency surgery to repair my colon.

I'm still in the hospital, and while I'm grateful to be alive and on the road to recovery, I have a long way to go- physically, emotionally, and financially.

As a single mother to a 6-year-old son, this experience has turned our world upside down. I'll be out of work for at least three weeks, losing a large portion of my income, all while facing the heavy burden of medical bills, childcare needs, and cost of ongoing therapy to help process the trauma of what happened.

This GoFundME is to help me get through this painful and uncertain chapter in my life. Every donation will go directly toward:

-medical expenses and follow up care

-lost wages while I'm unable to work

-therapy and mental health support

-daily essentials for my son and me

I didn't deserve what happened to me, but I'm doing everything I can to stay strong and focus on healing- for myself and for my son. Your support, whether through a donation or simply sharing this page, means the world to us.

Thank you for your kindness, your prayers, and for standing by me as I recover.

-J'Lah