Dear Friends, Family, and Community,

Our lives changed forever on Saturday, October 5th, when our 17-year-old son, Ari, was shot near the Oaks Mall here in Gainesville. The bullet's path was devastating, entering his chest, piercing his lung, and lodging in his spinal canal at the T6-T7 vertebrae, resulting in a complete spinal cord injury classified as ASIA A. This means Ari has no sensation or motor function from the injury site down. 

Ari is no longer in the ICU, which is a significant step forward. The road ahead is long and fraught with challenges. We are navigating the complexities of insurance to secure his transfer to Brooks Rehabilitation in Jacksonville, known for its exceptional care in spinal cord injuries. Ari's courage and resilience throughout this ordeal have been truly astounding.

Here's where we need your help and why we were encouraged to start this support registry. We are quickly starting to realize the cost of this and what he will need going forward is going to be tremendous. Specialized facilities like Brooks are crucial for Ari's recovery, offering therapies and treatments tailored to his needs. Ari will require adaptive equipment that will help him regain independence. Our homes need to be adapted to accommodate Ari's new needs, ensuring he can live comfortably and safely. Continuous medical and therapeutic support will be essential for Ari's long-term health and quality of life. 

Every contribution will directly support these critical needs, helping to offset the medical costs not covered by insurance. Your donation will play a pivotal role in getting Ari the comprehensive care he needs to not only survive but thrive as he heads towards recovery. Ari's journey is just beginning, and we are determined to gather all resources necessary for his ongoing rehabilitation and to provide him with the best chance at a fulfilling life post-injury. 

Over the past ten days, Ari has lived up to the meaning of his name -- "Lion" -- and shown us what courage looks like. We’re thankful every day that his life was spared and are thankful for the functionalities he retains, which are blessings in our new reality. The continued prayers and outpouring of love and support have provided a beacon of hope for us. Thank you for being part of our community and for standing with us during this truly challenging time. 

If you feel compelled, you can contribute using the 'Donate' button here. And even if you cannot donate, please use the 'Share' button to spread the word to family and friends. And click 'Follow' to stay informed with updates. 

With heartfelt thanks, Ari's Family