My dad is a legally blind retired veteran who has always put others before himself. He lives in Belize with my sister, and over the past few months, our family has faced a series of medical emergencies that have left us emotionally and financially drained. Doctors discovered stones in both of my dad's kidneys, bladder, and ureters, which required him to fly from Belize to the United States for two major surgeries. I stayed by his side for seven weeks as he underwent these procedures, and we were relieved when he was finally cleared to return home. 
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 However, just days after I left Belize, my sister called early in the morning to say my dad was experiencing severe bleeding. She rushed him to the local hospital in Belmopan, where he suffered a seizure and was immediately transferred by ambulance to a larger hospital in Belize City. There, doctors performed CT scans and determined he needed a blood transfusion due to significant blood loss. The hospital is now requiring a large payment before they will provide further care. After months of travel and medical expenses, our family is out of funds and unable to cover these urgent costs. 
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 My dad has always been the type of person to give the shirt off his back or go without for someone else in need. Our parents taught us to do the same. This time, however, we desperately need others to do the same for us if you can. Any support you can offer will help ensure my dad receives the care he needs to recover and return home safely. Thank you for reading our story and for any help you can give.

Urgent Medical Care For Paul Lewis

<div>Hello, I am Sean Philips, or you might better know me by my horribly ironic burn name, Guru. I have been an active member of the Texas Burn community for the last decade and throughout those many years, Chris Murphy (aka Druid) has been my friend, volunteer colleague, and just an all-around stand-up member of this community who constantly has gone above and beyond to support friends and strangers alike.
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<div>Since 2014, when he first began burning, he has volunteered with Rangers, Guardians, Site Ops, Medical, Conclave, Fire, Greeters, and Gate and has taken on leadership roles in many of those. Before any of this, Druid served his country as a scuba diver and combat medic for the Army. Add to those an ever-growing list of helping people move and with various other tasks and needs, and you can quickly see how much this man gives of himself.
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<div>Now, Druid has come into some hard times and <strong>I think it is time for his community to give back a bit to support him.</strong> Four years ago, he was diagnosed with diverticulosis, and he has been doing his best to manage that with dietary and lifestyle changes. Recently, he had a nasal surgery that ended with complications, causing him to have to be hospitalized for several days at the end of June. That concluded with him being told he could not lift more than five pounds.
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<div>This last week, Druid went through a horrible trauma that none of us should have to suffer, where he watched as a good friend of his died in front of him. He tried to render care, but the friend passed away nonetheless. Despite his own grief and the physical limitations previously mentioned, Druid has taken the role of primary caregiver for his late friend's widow. He has made sure she has gotten the social support she needed as well as coordinated help getting her moved, since her husband passed right in the middle of their move with a non-sympathetic apartment complex enforcing a strict deadline, despite the circumstances.
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<div>Now, with no time to grieve or ground himself, <strong>Druid faces another surgery, this time to deal with the diverticulosis.</strong> This is a fairly major surgery, where they will be removing his entire sigmoid colon and he will be hospitalized for up to ten days, more if there are complications. When he gets out, he is in for a rough healing and will need help with meals and support, but mainly he will need help covering his bills that are stacking up as he is unable to work.
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<div>*We will also be setting up a meal train once the surgery dates are set.
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Stand by Druid in His Time of Need

<div>We are raising $5,500 for my bestie, Destiny! She's been dealing with some grueling pain that is making eating solid food extremely unpleasant. After consulting with her dentist, these funds will cover the cost of repairing a cracked molar, at least two crowns, and cleaning and patching 5 other cavities. There will also be various other dental treatments, as well as post-procedure follow-up care.
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<div>She's in a lot of pain and is taking ibuprofen every time she eats solid food. This pain and the condition of her teeth are worsening as well due to another chronic condition that she is currently addressing. She needs to get this dental work done ASAP.
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<div>Destiny is a devoted and active community builder and helper to so many on a daily basis. If you can throw in a few dollars to help her along her journey to better health, it would be immensely appreciated. Any little bit helps!
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Destiny's Dentist Dollars

<div>UPDATE:
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<div>Hello everyone, this is Braeden Brotherton again. I am unbelievably devastated to inform you all that my father, John Brotherton, has passed away this afternoon as a result from the medical event he suffered on January 4th. This past week and a half has been full of pain, little answers, and a lot of “maybe’s” as the doctors did everything they could to help him, however it proved to be too much. There’s been so many twists and turns in his condition it’s been hard to have a concrete update for everyone, so for those who have been asking for updates, I apologize, and we all truly appreciate the privacy you all have allowed us during this. This is the most difficult thing I’ve ever lived through, and I’m sure this is very hard for y’all to learn.
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<div>My dad was the kindest, funniest, most generous, and most dependable person I’ve ever known, but I’m sure you all know that firsthand from your own interactions with him. You all know how passionate about his family and his craft he was. I could pour my heart out into this post for you all, but you knew him too. Every person who met him seems to have a story about how kind he was. Some of my own personal friends have stories about him I never even knew. He is my hero, my inspiration, my everything. 
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<div>Our family is deeply hurt right now, and we’d greatly appreciate if everyone would refrain from asking us and our staff for the details. We do not want to discuss them. I would like to share, however, that he was lined up to be an organ donor. Once we got him ready for the process, he kept going, so he ultimately was unable to donate. The gesture is still incredibly telling of his character.
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<div>Of course, many are wondering if the restaurant will be moving forward, and the answer is yes. This past Christmas, my dad made Bill Dumas, Bobby Holley, and Julia Daycock all part owners of the restaurant. Under their leadership we will continue serving and supporting our community and further beyond. He would never want us to stop just because he’s gone. The next few weeks may be a bit turbulent for the business as we try to regain our footing after losing such an integral part of not just my, but our entire staff’s family, but we will persevere. We have to. We will continue operations as normal, however, please be patient and kind to our staff as this is a very trying time for them as well.
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<div>I can’t even begin to thank y’all enough for the kind words, prayers, donations, and everything y’all have done to keep my family stable throughout this journey. We’re truly moved. I can’t think of any other way to end off such a difficult post for me to write except thank you. Thank you to all who have supported us. Thank you to the city of Pflugerville for letting us support you. And thank you to my dad, for being the best one I could ever ask for. #JMFB
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<div>Many of us know and love John (JMFB) Brotherton who is one of the biggest supporters of Texas BBQ.
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<div>He's probably been in your restaurant, posted a picture of the food, the people who made it, and shared about his great experience. He truly just wants everyone to succeed in their endeavors and has tried to do whatever he can to help them.
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<div>John’s always been a fighter, and right now he’s fighting for his life. On Thursday morning, John suffered a medical event that has him in the ICU in a medically induced coma.
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<div>All of us have been or have had a loved one in the hospital and know that the bills (some from doctors that you don't even remember seeing) can become a huge financial strain, and John’s medical bills for the hospital stay and his after care will be substantial.
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<div>John is someone who has given so much to the BBQ community and the city of Pflugerville. This is an opportunity for us to give back to him, his wife Brenda, and his son Braeden when they need it the most. If you are able, please donate or eat at Brotherton’s Black Iron BBQ to support his family through these trying times. He's a one in a million person who could really use our help right now.
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<div>Stay tuned for a announcement kicking off in a few days for a once in a lifetime BBQ trailer rig.
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<div>On the trailer will be a Moberg 500 gallon, a CenTex whole Hog cooker, a Backline live fire table. All of that on ONE trailer. Stay tuned !!!!! It could be yours.
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The Brotherton Family needs our help.

<div>****Update*****
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<div>Hello everybody, 
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<div>On behalf of Ralph and our entire family, thank you so much for your generosity. It has warmed our souls during an incredibly difficult time. Of course we never anticipated so much support for Ralph, but we wanted you to know that we are working with a certified financial advisor to establish a Trust to properly receive the funds and use them for all of the original purposes we described. All funds will be used for Ralph's benefit, as his well-being and safety is our highest priority. Right now we will continue to focus on Ralph's recovery, but in the future we are considering setting up a charity.  
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<div>Again, thank you so much for your support.
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<div>***Update on Ralph***
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<div>Ralph is currently at home with the family. He can ambulate and communicate. A true miracle considering what he survived.
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<div>Each day is different. He has a long road ahead. However, we are very thankful that he is still here with us. I've been taking the time to read the emails and comments to Ralph. It warms our hearts to see him smile at all the kind words.
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<div>Thank you so much for loving Ralph
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<div>On Thursday, April 13, 2023, my nephew Ralph P Yarl was on his way to pick up his twin younger brothers from their friend's house a few blocks away from his house. He didn't have his phone. He mistakenly went to the wrong house, one block away from the house where his siblings were. He pulled into the driveway and rang the doorbell. The man in the home opened the door, looked my nephew in the eye, and shot him in the head. My nephew fell to the ground, and the man shot him again. Ralph was then able to get up and run to the neighbor's house, looking for help.
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<div>Unfortunately, he had to run to 3 different homes before someone finally agreed to help him after he was told to lie on the ground with his hands up.
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<div>Ralph Pual Yarl is a fantastic kid, and I am not just saying this because he is my nephew. He truly is. At school, he is a member of the Technology Student Association and Science Olympia Team. Jazz and competition band. He is a section leader in the marching band; a scholar and one of the top bass clarinet players in Missouri. He recently earned Missouri All-State Band recognition with an honorable mention. He plays multiple instruments in the metropolitan youth orchestra. He is a 2022 Missouri scholar academy alumni. Ralph can often be found with a musical instrument. He loves them all.
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<div>Last summer, Ralph attended Missouri Scholar’s Academy, where he got a full college life experience. His goal is to attend Texas A&amp;M to major in chemical Engineering. When asked how he plans to get into this university, he said, “Well, if they have a scholarship for music or academics, I know I can get it.”
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<div>Ralph's teacher and friends describe him as “ a kind soul,” “quiet,” “friendly,” “well-mannered,” “always willing to help,” “super smart,” and a “musical genius.”
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<div>Ralph was looking forward to graduating high school and finally getting the opportunity to visit West Africa before starting college.
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<div>Life looks a lot different right now. Even though he is doing well physically, he has a long road ahead mentally and emotionally. The trauma that he has to endure and survive is unimaginable. He is our miracle. We have heard these types of stories many times, and unfortunately, most black boys are not alive to get another chance.
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<div>Ralph deserves to have the future that he has dreams about. He deserves to be the light that shows the world that LOVE wins and that humanity is still Good.
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<div>However, he will need a lot of help to get there. Funds from this account will be used for his medical bills and therapy.
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<div>Any additional funds will be use for college expenses at Texas A&amp;M, a trip to West Africa, and other expenses.
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<div>Thank you
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Ralph Yarl

<div>On Friday February 24th, our dear friend Brently Donnell's truck was broken into, while he was caring for his sick father in Dallas.
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<div>Over $6000 in specialized tools and equipment for his irrigation contractor business were stolen, leaving Brently without his professional livelihood. A police report has been filed, but no leads have emerged. He is self-employed, and these tools were not insured at the time of theft. Several of these tools cost hundreds of dollars apiece, and are difficult to replace.
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<div>We, Brently's friends and volunteer family, want to help our friend replace his professional tools, so he can return to work as quickly as possible. 
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<div>Brently has been a community leader, volunteer, and public servant in the Texas community for decades. His compassionate, courageous and principled actions have positively impacted the lives of thousands. Some highlights include:
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<li>Volunteer with Burners Without Borders on numerous projects including response to the 2009 Bastrop Fire, 2015 North Texas tornadoes, and 2017 Hurricane Harvey, hard freezes and power outages
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<div>Funds raised will go directly to Brently, for the purpose of replacing his irrigation and landscaping tools. We will also be coordinating a tool donation drive for the more common tools.
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<div>Thank you for your support of Brently in this time of crisis. He has had our backs on dark days, and now is our opportunity to show him our solidarity and unwavering support.
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Brently's Contractor Tool Recovery Fund

<div>Hello, my name is Sean Philips, or some of you might know me better as Guru in the burning world.
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<div>Yesterday, a tragedy that no human should have to endure hit two of our own, Sula Milstead (AKA Songbird) and Chris Ford (AKA Cap'm ButterCup), as their youngest daughter Hailey Mil (they/them pronouns) was taken from them abruptly. Hailey, born Rebekah (but please respect them by referring to them by their chosen name), was a bright light in this world who brought joy to all who knew them. Their family and friends should have been celebrating their 20th birthday come December 9th. Instead, they are all left mourning Hailey's loss a week before then.
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<div>On top of the massive pain and suffering they are both dealing with, they are also being hit with the immense financial burden that accompanies such a loss. At the moment, they have to make a lot of decisions based on their ability to pay for them. No family in mourning should be put in that position, but it seems even more unfair when it is placed on two people who have given so much time, love and selfless service to the communities they love. It is time for us, the folks in those communities, to come together and show up for them.
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<div>Currently, they have many logistical expenses and the high cost of arranging the services, as well as the added expense of bringing family into town (who could not otherwise afford to be there). There is also the huge impact of lost income, as both will be unavailable to return to work for several weeks. Last, but certainly not least, is the cost of getting them and their other daughter into therapy, so that they can get the help they need to properly mourn this loss.
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<div>For now, I am setting the goal at 10k. I doubt that will even begin to cover the family's total expenses, but it seems like a good starting point. I will adjust that goal as they have a better idea of what their needs are.
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<div>Can't afford to donate, but want to offer a meal instead? There is a mealtrain set up for that: <a href="https://www.mealtrain.com/trains/l60med" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><a href="https://www.mealtrain.com/trains/l60med" target="_blank" class="" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://www.mealtrain.com/trains/l60med</a></a>
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<div>Hailey's Obituary: <a href="https://www.greencremationtexas.com/obit/rebekah-lauren-milstead" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><a href="https://www.greencremationtexas.com/obit/rebekah-lauren-milstead/" target="_blank" class="" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://www.greencremationtexas.com/obit/rebekah-lauren-milstead/</a></a> 
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<div>Wake for Hailey: <a href="https://m.facebook.com/events/527393462647790" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><a href="https://m.facebook.com/events/527393462647790/" target="_blank" class="" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://m.facebook.com/events/527393462647790/</a></a>
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In Memorium of Hailey Mil

God Bless Ray &amp; Yolanda Gomez.  They have both lost their fight with COVID......  

Prayers are greatly appreciated, but the family needs help with mounting medical bills, and now funeral and memorial expenses.<br /><br /><img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/49381000_1593884838105272_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" alt="49381000_1593884838105272_r.jpeg" /><br />Everyone needs to know the truth about how quickly COVID-19 can affect someone.<br /><br />Ray became ill on 6/24/20, his oldest daughter Mary Lou’s, birthday. The following day Mary Lou took him to the emergency room where he tested positive with COVID-19 and was admitted. Mary Lou also took her son (Ray and Yolanda’s grandson) Joshua, who is an Army Veteran, to the emergency room where he too tested positive and was admitted. Yolanda was tested next and her results were positive as well however, she was able to return home with mild symptoms initially. Two days later Yolanda’s condition worsened and was admitted to the hospital with much more severe complications from COVID-19.<br />Ray, was very recently placed on a ventilator after many other attempts to help him beat the virus. The doctors and care team in the ICU are keeping a watchful eye while they let machines breathe for him, feed him, and hydrate him. They are monitoring all vitals and body functions for signs of stress or improvement. Yolanda was transferred to ICU recently as well. She has been given a plasma transfusion and 2 antibiotics. After more attempts with medications/treatments, if her condition does not improve, she too could be put on a ventilator.<br /> <br />Ray Gomez, 75, grew up poor but worked hard and became a successful small business owner of a tailor shop in Temple and then in Austin. He married the love of his life Yolanda, 73, and taught her how to sew. She then became a master of her craft, and has an alteration reputation unmatched by any. They are well respected in their community and loved and adored by all, including their four daughters, grandchildren and great grandchildren. We pray they will be celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary this September but COVID-19 is taking its toll!<br /><br /> <br />Please, if you can find it in your heart to help Ray and Yolanda, it would be immensely appreciated.<br /> <br /> <br />Thank you in advance!<br /><img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/49381000_1593884892742207_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" alt="49381000_1593884892742207_r.jpeg" /><br />The Gomez Family

Ray and Yolanda Gomez

Hi, I'm Thomas Mahler, an activist and community organizer in Austin, Texas who is helping coordinate planning and resources for several new street medic organizations that are spinning up to help respond to the need for on the ground support in protest actions around the united states. I'm personally running this fundraiser to immediately be able to help cover some costs for these groups to get medical supplies, PPE and other operational support. If you are able to contribute I ask that you also donate equally to fundraisers for bail funds, injured protesters or BIPOC causes as well, or to them as priority if you can not contribute to both. <br /><br />My goal is flexible, the more money available the better gear I can get for street medic teams to safely assist, the more new and existing street medic teams I can distribute to and more advanced kits can be assembled for trained EMT volunteers to have. If I raise more than is needed for our requirements, extra funds will be donated to the causes referenced above. <br /><br />I will be carefully tracking costs, expenses and where all the money goes for transparency sake as well, and have volunteers around the country ready to help with scaling up our efforts of building and distributing kits as we need.<br /><br />I'll update as well soon for some direct links to contribute direct material/supply needs to various groups in Austin and beyond as well as contacts for food donations to feed medics and others.<br /><br />Our focus is on non-partisan medical care for all those in need during protest actions, operating on a mutual aid fashion to those in need.

Supplies, Gear and Support for Street Medics

In January I tore my medial meniscus at Freezerburn while character acting in costume. I was simply just walking but the ground was wet and uneven and I must've twisted it or landed wrong because it swelled up. <br /><br />Thinking it would get better, I didn't go to the doctor and then COVID hit, so I became even more reluctant. <br /><br />I do not have medical insurance.  After months of not getting better, the pain finally got worse and worse until I couldn't take it. I walked into Legacy clinic as well as some other clinics and orthopedic specialists and have been paying out of pocket for MRI's and consultations. <br /><br />I have finally found what I believe is the most affordable surgery center to perform my surgery.  Money is the only thing stopping me from moving forward right now. <br /><br />I have been unable to do much at all, especially work, but even surviving and doing basic human functions is extremely difficult for me given that I am immobilized and one leg is in constant pain.  <br /><br />The money I'm asking for is to help cover: consultation fees, MRI payments, Surgery Center fees, Surgeon fees, anesthesiologist fees, and those related associated costs with recovery from this injury. <br /><br />I am a movement and circus artist and use my body for literally everything, especially any single way I make money.  I do a tremendous amount of travel and need to be able to do so. <br /><br />This injury is my right knee, and even driving has become painful.<br /><br />It is so difficult to better my situation in the condition I'm in. I am asking for help.<br /><br />This is urgent.  I can schedule my surgery and not be in pain second I have the money.  Thank you for your continuous support.<br /><br />-Jandro

Knee Surgery

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On behalf of the 5000 Role Models of Excellence Project, it is with a heavy heart that we announce the death of our Role Model Son and American Hero, Army Sergeant La David T. Johnson.  This Sergeant, 25, of Miami Gardens, Fla., was ambushed in Niger while providing training and security assistance to the Nigeriens Armed Forces in the region overwhelmed by Boko Haram.  What a tragedy!  Role Model Sgt. Johnson leaves behind two children, ages 2 and 6, along with his beloved wife and soulmate Mrs. Myeshia Johnson.  Mrs. Johnson is currently pregnant with their third child. The 5000 Role <u>Models</u> of Excellence Project, is establishing a Role Model Army Sgt. La David T. Johnson Scholarship to benefit his children by providing money towards their college education. We are asking you to donate to this worthy cause.  
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<p dir="ltr">Please, donate generously today. 
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Sgt. La David T Johnson Scholarship

<strong>We are happy to report to you; our donors, that we are only weeks away from opening the doors to our new mosque.</strong><br /><br /><strong>The rebuilding of our mosque is made possible by the generosity of over 24,000 donors from 91 countries . </strong><br /><br /><strong>We're tremendously humbled and </strong><span style="font-weight:900;">overwhelmed by </span><strong>the emotional and financial support you have given and continue to give us throughout this calamity.</strong><br /><br /><strong>On another note, I want to inform you all that the trial for the person who set our mosque on fire concluded early this week and the jury found him to be guilty of all charges. Sentencing is set for October 2nd.</strong><br /><br /><strong>Gratefully, <br />Victoria Islamic Center<br /><br /><img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/17805928_1532289822188428_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" alt="17805928_1532289822188428_r.jpeg" /><br /></strong>

Cathy Pearson