Supporting Breanna through the loss of her sweet Carmello

I am raising money in honor of Carmello Jenkins, a beautiful young soul with a vivacious and sweet spirit . Carmello passed away last Friday due to complications related to his heart condition . He was first grader at Angel Oak Elementary School.

The first time I saw Carmello, I was in the car rider line and he was waiting for his mom to pick him up. He was standing there with the sweetest little smile and smallest little frame. He was holding his oxygen tank in one hand and book-bag in the other . As a nurse , he quickly caught my eye . I watched as the staff hugged him and helped him into his car .I wondered about his story and at the same time was impressed by his ability to manage so much at such a young age . As soon as my kiddos jumped into the van , I asked them if they knew the little boy with the oxygen tank. With excitement, my 4 year old son said “ YES !! He’s in my class mom. His name is Carmello . He is so much fun mom!”

It wasn’t until much later that I met Breanna, his mom, at the CD picnic and I shared with her how much my son really loved playing with her Carmello. We exchanged numbers and soon we grew close to both Carmello and Breanna .

AS I grew to know Breanna, I learned she worked MANY hours and weekends providing for “Mello” , her sweet nickname for him . She worked with kids with disabilities of all kinds. Her heart was big for helping others.

Not longer after that, Carmello had a heart surgery planned . We were lucky enough to get to visit him at MUSC right after his major surgery and spoil him with a few toys and juice boxes . He returned to school a few weeks later without his oxygen tank and a gigantic smile on his face to be back at school with one less thing to slow him down . Last year Breanna was able to get a job at Angel Oak Elementary as a TA , where our kids attend school. We were overjoyed that she would have a job closer to home, and not have to work as much to care for her self and a special needs child . She quickly became a part of the AOE family and I know Carmello loved having his mommy at school .

Carmello had a spunky personality and a BIG heart ! He handed out hugs like handshakes. He was FUNNY, smart and kind! Seeing his big eyes and wide smile warmed your heart. He was special, and everyone at school knew who he was. He made an impact on both the lives of the kids and the staff . As my daughter told me , “Mom, Carmello taught me how to have fun and laugh even when you’re sick or having a bad day !”

The loss of our sweet “Mello” will have a big impact on the kids ,teachers and staff of AOE . Please pray for the kids and staff as they return back from spring break without their friend Carmello.

I want to find a way to support Breanna during this time of grief and reflection. She will need some time away from work and that will require some financial assistance . I know she will want to find a way to honor her sweet boy. Funeral expenses can be steep and burdensome. If your life has been touched by Carmello and Breanna your prayers and support can make all the difference for a grieving mother . I thank you for your time and for every donation and word of support.

Please know all funds and donations will transfer directly to Breanna.