Those who know me know that I am not someone who asks for help, especially from people I do not know. I have always been the type of person who suffers in silence and finds a way to handle things on my own. But right now, the weight of what my daughter and I are going through has become too much for me to carry alone. I am exhausted, overwhelmed, and doing everything I can not to give up.
On February 6th, my daughter’s life changed forever.
She is a high school senior, and this was supposed to be her golden year — the year she turned 18, the year of prom, college visits, graduation, and celebrating the bright future she has worked so hard for.
Instead, her senior year has been shattered by a brutal assault at school.
What began as harassment and threats earlier in class quickly escalated into violence. As my daughter was walking to her next class, she was confronted in the hallway and attacked by other students.
During the assault, her hair was violently ripped from her scalp.
She was left sitting on the floor in pain, shock, and humiliation while other students stood around — many of them recording instead of helping.
No mother should ever have to see their child go through something like this.
The physical injuries were devastating, but the emotional trauma has been even worse. My daughter is heartbroken, embarrassed, and struggling to feel safe again. She is reliving one of the most painful and humiliating moments of her life — a moment that people witnessed, recorded, and may continue to share.
This was supposed to be the year people remembered her for her accomplishments, her dreams, and her future.
Instead, I fear the image many will remember is my daughter lying on the floor with her hair completely ripped from her scalp.
Her senior year — the year that should have been filled with hope, excitement, and celebration — has been taken from her.
Instead of preparing for prom, visiting colleges, and enjoying her final months of high school, she is now dealing with trauma, fear, and the aftermath of a violent attack.
Since February 6th, I have had to take time off from work without pay so I can care for my daughter, attend meetings, advocate for her safety, and begin seeking justice for what happened to her.
We are now facing an uphill battle.
We need legal representation to ensure my daughter’s rights are protected and that those responsible for this assault are held accountable. At the same time, we are trying to relocate, because we no longer feel safe where we are.
The financial burden of legal fees, trauma counseling, medical care, lost income, and relocation costs has become overwhelming.
As a parent, you want to protect your child from pain. When something like this happens, you realize how quickly everything can change.
Right now, my only focus is helping my daughter heal and reminding her that this terrible moment does not define who she is or the future she deserves.
We are asking for support to help us get through this incredibly difficult time.
Donations will help with:
• Legal representation to pursue justice
• Medical care and trauma counseling for my daughter
• Lost wages while I care for her and advocate for her
• Relocation costs so she can heal somewhere she feels safe
Most importantly, your support will help show my daughter that she is not alone, that people care, and that her life is bigger than the violence that was done to her.
If you cannot donate, please consider sharing our story. Every share brings us closer to the support my daughter needs to heal.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you for helping us give my daughter back something she has lost — hope.