Meet Lauren and Walter. Lauren (27) was born and raised in Knoxville, TN. The past ten years she has worked hard in the restaurant industry gaining knowledge and experience while being able to share her love of food with others. Walter, who is three years old, is a fun-loving little boy that loves playing, laughing, and giving big hugs. 2020 has been difficult for so many across the globe, and Lauren and Walter have also been affected from the results of Covid-19. In March, Lauren lost her job but was one of the fortunate people that were able to receive unemployment quickly to help her continue to support herself and Walter. Lauren and Walter had also been very blessed to have the love and support of Walter’s father, Rylan. While looking to the future, Lauren made the decision to go back to school in the Fall and has registered for the semester at Pellissippi State College. She knew that this would be a big change in their lives but had worked out a plan so that it was possible to balance the new responsibilities that school brings with her responsibilities for Walter and allow her to continue to be an excellent, present, and involved mother. Sadly, tragedy has hit Lauren and Walter yet again this year. After years of battling mental health issues, Rylan’s battle ended when he took his own life. Not only has his death brought immense emotional pain, it has also brought uncertainty to the future and created new stresses that come with financial loss. Lauren’s number one priority, since he was born, is to provide care for Walter and shower him with love and support. It is heartbreaking for her to know her son will be growing up with only the memory of his father, and she is determined to ensure that he has the best life possible. In order to accomplish this, Lauren needs help. She must proceed with their plans for the future by going back to school in the Fall. Walter will need to be enrolled in daycare (this will also benefit him with socialization at an age that his development requires). With a loss of love so great it leaves a canyon to pass. Rylan was the most talented, unique and magical individual I have yet had the chance to meet. With your help I want to raise his son Walter in a current flowing forward towards the sea. He leaves behind a legacy as a research scientist, a future career as a musician, and as an artist. (The list could continue forever) I would be using the funds to help OUR son reach his maximum potential, weather it be daycare, drum lessons, education, or the things that I cannot begin to fathom because he has his fathers mind. I cannot begin to than you, enough, for the support that you have already shown. Thank you again, Walter and Lauren