Support Willow James After Injury

Help Support Willow James After a Life-Changing Injury

On May 28, 2025, our 11-year-old daughter, Willow James, survived something no child should ever face — she was shot in the head. By a miracle, the bullet did not enter her brain, but it fractured her skull and caused serious trauma that has impacted her ability to walk, speak, and process emotions. She was rushed into emergency care and is now undergoing intensive rehabilitation at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, one of the top rehab centers in the country. Willow is currently relearning how to walk. We’ve also noticed changes in her behavior and personality — her medical team is helping us understand that these are part of the brain’s healing process.

Meet Willow — A True Champion

Before the injury, Willow was a force of nature: she won three basketball championships back-to-back and was named MVP this year. She was also a cheer captain, track star, and a dancer and singer with endless energy and talent. She lit up every room — and every field, court, and stage she walked onto. Her spirit is still there, fighting hard every day through therapy. We believe in her strength more than ever. To make things even harder, Willow also recently lost her beloved grandmother, who lived with us and helped raise her, making this a deeply emotional time for our entire family.

Facing the Trauma

Willow is not just recovering physically — she is also carrying deep emotional scars. She repeatedly says she won’t get back into our car right now, because that’s where the shooting happened. It’s her body’s way of protecting her from what felt like the most terrifying moment of her life. Her team is working with her through trauma therapy, but this kind of healing takes time, patience, and love.

How You Can Help

This injury has turned our world upside down. We’re doing everything we can to support Willow, but the financial burden is growing quickly. Your support will help with medical expenses, ongoing therapy, adaptive equipment, home care, emotional and trauma counseling, missed work and daily living expenses, future school support and learning accommodations, and transportation support. We are committed to giving Willow the best chance at a full recovery — physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Any contribution, big or small, makes a real difference. And if you can’t give, please share this with others who might be able to help.

Thank You for Believing in Willow

Thank you for loving Willow, believing in her, and surrounding us with support. This is the hardest thing we've ever faced — but we know we're not alone.