Our hearts are heavy as we come together to support our beloved teacher, Ms. Latrice, and her family during an unimaginable time. On February 3rd, while visiting family, Ms. Latrice and her 12-year-old son Zayden were caught in a tragic incident involving gunfire. In an instant, their lives were forever changed. Zayden was seriously injured and remains hospitalized as doctors continue to monitor a brain bleed caused by the incident.
Zayden is a bright, happy 12-year-old honor roll student who was ready to start the new season with his football team before this incident. Zayden has been playing football since he was just five years old. This season had just started, and he was supposed to hit the field last week before everything happened. What people may not know is that Zayden is considered one of the top five players in Chicago, in the state of Illinois. He’s not just playing the game — he’s known, respected, and loved in his league. Football isn’t just a sport to him… it’s his passion, his outlet, and part of who he is. That’s why we call him a superhero. His strength on that field is the same strength he’s showing right now. He’s a fighter in pads, and he’s a fighter in real life. And trust me… #23’s story is not over.
Due to his injuries, Zayden has lost the use of his left leg and will require extensive physical therapy in hopes of regaining mobility. While he is unable to return to the activities he loves right now, he continues to show incredible strength and remains in good spirits through it all. As Ms. Latrice focuses on being by her son’s side, her family is facing overwhelming emotional and financial challenges. They are also pursuing justice to ensure those responsible are held accountable.
Any contribution — no matter the size — can make a meaningful difference. Please consider donating and sharing this fundraiser to help surround Ms. Latrice and Zayden with the love, care, and support they need during this unfathomable trauma. If you’re unable to give, keeping them in your thoughts and prayers means more than you know. Thank you for standing with this family during their time of need.
Read more about the incident here (please note: the story is graphic): https://chicago.suntimes.com/crime/2026/02/03/2-in-custody-after-12-year-old-grazed-by-gunfire-in-austin
Zayden is a bright, happy 12-year-old honor roll student who was ready to start the new season with his football team before this incident. Zayden has been playing football since he was just five years old. This season had just started, and he was supposed to hit the field last week before everything happened. What people may not know is that Zayden is considered one of the top five players in Chicago, in the state of Illinois. He’s not just playing the game — he’s known, respected, and loved in his league. Football isn’t just a sport to him… it’s his passion, his outlet, and part of who he is. That’s why we call him a superhero. His strength on that field is the same strength he’s showing right now. He’s a fighter in pads, and he’s a fighter in real life. And trust me… #23’s story is not over.
Due to his injuries, Zayden has lost the use of his left leg and will require extensive physical therapy in hopes of regaining mobility. While he is unable to return to the activities he loves right now, he continues to show incredible strength and remains in good spirits through it all. As Ms. Latrice focuses on being by her son’s side, her family is facing overwhelming emotional and financial challenges. They are also pursuing justice to ensure those responsible are held accountable.
Any contribution — no matter the size — can make a meaningful difference. Please consider donating and sharing this fundraiser to help surround Ms. Latrice and Zayden with the love, care, and support they need during this unfathomable trauma. If you’re unable to give, keeping them in your thoughts and prayers means more than you know. Thank you for standing with this family during their time of need.
Read more about the incident here (please note: the story is graphic): https://chicago.suntimes.com/crime/2026/02/03/2-in-custody-after-12-year-old-grazed-by-gunfire-in-austin