Tears streaming down my face, I'm holding a photo of five-year-old Aiden. He had this mischievous grin that could light up any room, but now his life was tragically cut short in the most devastating way—taken from us by gun violence during a drive-by shooting just outside a his home he lived in with his family.

Our struggle is real and raw. We're grappling with an unfathomable loss, feeling the weight of this pain every single day. Aiden was more than just our child; he was joy embodied—his laughter filling our home with happiness that felt like home-cooked comfort on a cold winter night.

The stakes are high: losing not only our son but also potentially our home and livelihood. The costs to cover his funeral, the damage to our home due to the senseless gun violence aimed at our neighbor , even basic groceries seem insurmountable in this moment of despair. It's as if we’re walking through a dark tunnel with no light at the end—but I believe there is still hope!

That's why today, on what this tragic day, I reach out to you: people who care about justice and humanity. We need your help now more than ever. Your support could be a beacon of light in our darkest hour, not just for us but also as a symbol against the senseless violence that took away our baby boy too soon.

"Every child deserves love," Aiden once told me with such conviction at bedtime one night. "Even if they’re sad or scared." His simple yet profound words echo through my heart and remind me of why we must fight not just for him, but also to protect others like him—innocent lives taken too soon because someone decided their life didn't matter enough.

Please, join us in honoring Aiden by donating whatever you can. Every dollar counts. Together, let’s give our boy the dignified farewell he deserves and secure a future for ourselves without fear of losing everything we have worked so hard to build. Your kindness could make all the difference during this unimaginable time. Let's prove that love always triumphs over hate.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart,

Kimberly Hammond