Help with Jayden's Recovery Bills

Last year when I was in need of a roommate to help me get through a challenging time in my life, I happened to find one of the nicest and most caring people in all of Philadelphia. So I was really excited when she told me she had a son who was the same age as my son, Julian. Jayden quickly became like family to me and my kids. They played,created, did homework, laughed, and yes, even fought, just like siblings would.

For over a year Mariah and Jayden have been an energetic and beautiful addition to this household. Which is why my heart sank when I heard Jayden was the victim of a senseless act of violence - a passenger in a vehicle that was part of a shooting. Jayden was shot in the foot - possibly the best outcome in a situation like this, but nevertheless, a tragedy. He is out of the hospital and recovering well but still has some significant recovery ahead of him.

It is an outrageous fact that gun violence in Philadelphia remains so high. Recently there have been a disgraceful amount of children who have been injured or killed by the proliferation of guns in this city. I can’t do anything about this - at the moment. What I can do is help make the recovery of a sweet boy a little easier on him and his mom.

I’m asking my friends, family, and anyone else who would like to support them to look into your heart and share what you can in this giving season. Mariah will be out of work while she gets Jayden to and from hospital visits. Additionally, she has many out-of-pocket hospital costs she now needs to cover. Any money raised will help her cover these and other expenses related to her son’s recovery.

Thank you for your generous support.

Tony Spagnoli