My name is Tanekia Jefferson, and I am the mother of four beautiful children—three amazing boys ages 13, 8, and 6, and my precious 2-year-old baby girl. My world revolves around them.

On November 15, 2025, our lives changed forever.

That morning, I was at home getting ready for work while my kids were nearby, doing what kids do. When I heard a knock at the door, I had no idea that moment would become the darkest of my life. It was my brother, asking to come in and use the bathroom. Afterward, I told him I needed to finish getting ready for work, and I asked him to leave. He looked upset, but I never imagined what would happen next.

Moments later, he came back—this time kicking in my door. In an instant, everything turned into chaos. He attacked me, and as I screamed for my son to call for help, he turned toward my child. Without thinking, without hesitation, I put myself between them. As a mother, my only instinct was protect my babies, no matter what it costs me.

I was stabbed again and again. In those moments, I truly thought my life was ending. I thought my kids were about to watch their mother die. But God… God saw fit to keep me here. He gave me one more chance to hold my children, one more chance to fight.

Yesterday, November 20th, was my birthday. Instead of celebrating, I cried tears of gratitude. Because instead of my family planning a funeral… they were able to celebrate that I am still here. I survived.

Due to my sickle cell anemia my recovery will be long, and I am unable to return to work right now. Any support—any amount—will help me care for my children during this incredibly difficult time. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for every prayer, every message, every thought sent our way. Your kindness means more than I can ever say.