Help for the Davis Family
Thank you for visiting our page. The outpouring of love and prayers for our family is overwhelming. Your support is so appreciated. We've been asked many times over the past few days how folks can help, and where they can contribute to a fundraising effort. We're posting this page in the hopes of easing the financial burden that this tragic event has caused our father, and to allow the family to continue to effectively care for our brother and father.
On Monday, August 30th, our parents were the victims of a random and senseless act of violence. Anyone who knew our mother, Julie Davis, would tell you that she was filled with love for others, even strangers. When she opened her door to a neighbor that day, our family lost the fabric that bound us all together. She was one of three killed in a mass shooting that shook our family and community to its core. And they weren't the only victims. Among others injured, our father Paul was shot multiple time in his attempts to cross the yard to reach his wife of 25 years.
Many visitors here know the Davis family and can feel the impact of this loss. Our mother was the strongest and most amazing women. She was so selfless, always putting others before herself. With two children still living at home, she was a tireless caretaker to her husband, daughter, and disabled son. She was a part of the Trinity Lutheran family, and a key member of their community outreach efforts. She was a missionary, visiting Kenya, Honduras, Joplin, and other locations to spread love and healing to people around the world. She was the best mom and grammie, a cancer survivor, a Bible School leader, a special needs advocate, and more than we could ever list. She was witty and spoke her mind. She taught us so much. But the one thing that she couldn't teach us is how to live without her.
Our family was our mother's life. Our adult brother Ryan Davis, who has cerebral palsy and is non-verbal and wheelchair bound, depends entirely on others for activities of daily living. He doesn't understand what has happened or where Mom and Dad are, but his smile still lights up the room. She left big shoes to fill, and we can only hope to have the strength to care for Ryan as Mom would have. Many of you might know Paul from his days at WJBC radio, or as a long-time member of the dirt track racing community. This is going to be a long hard road to recovery for our family, and especially Paul, who has survived three strokes and a heart attack that put him on permanent disability.
We know that, along with the pain that we're feeling, this event will have a financial impact on the Davis family and those caring for them. We hope that your contributions will help to pay for our mother's final expenses. Additionally, contributions toward fuel and a reliable vehicle that can better accommodate wheelchairs for doctor's visits, physical therapy, etc. would be incredibly helpful. With further contributions, we can address medical needs that insurance will not cover and potential in-home care options.
Again, our family appreciates your kind words, thoughts, and prayers during this difficult time. Thank you for all of the many ways that you've supported us.