Hello, my name is India. I am in North Carolina. I am a single mother to five children. I work full-time as an assistant manager at a local retail store. I’m coming to you guys today reaching out for any type of assistance or help that may be available.

My son was tragically shot three times this past Monday evening 6/23. He’s a victim of the random gun violence that our city is seeing so much more of now. He was just walking to the local store to get some snacks and was shot. One bullet went in and out of his left shoulder; another bullet went in and out of his right shoulder, fracturing his collarbone. The third bullet went in his hip, fracturing his bone and pelvis area. That bullet is still in him; it’s too risky for them to remove it. Therefore, it is sitting in his muscle right next to his spine. He is going to need intensive occupational therapy.

I have been in the hospital with him since, having to go back and forth to care for my other children who are at home and then come back to the hospital to be with my son. He’s not able to do anything on his own right now. They are looking to send him to a rehab facility, but that will be about an hour away because they don’t have any pediatric inpatient facilities locally. I have been out of work 3 weeks now , because I don’t have anyone to sit with him while I am working. But the bills do not stop.

And the saddest part about this all, is he may or may not ever fully heal. Which gives him a slim chance at ever having a normal life again. We are thankful my son is still with us.  I am praying with everything in me that he does recover and is able to walk normally again. My son loves to play basketball and he also loves to be outside. This has really broken me down. 

I am asking for any type of help; it will be greatly appreciated. I just need to make sure my bills are caught up, I’m returning to work this weekend, with hopes that my son will be okay while im Working. he does still need help gettin the restroom, he cannot cook for himself nor can he bathe himself yet. Someone has to be in the home with him . This was a very unexpected tragedy. .. My mental state is all over right now. I am doing my very best. Please find it in your hearts to help; anything is a blessing to us. Thank you.