Mariah Dixon, Willowbrook mass shooting survivor

Over the weekend in Chicago, my friend Mariah was a victim of the senseless mass shooting that took place in Willowbrook, IL on Friday.

She deserves to not worry while she recovers from the injury, is undergoing multiple surgeries and dealing with PTSD from the horrific attack she experienced along with 25 others who were injured and one who passed away.

here is her story:

Hi, my name is Mariah Dixon. I’m 23 years old. I’m from Chicago Illinois. Recently, life has been hard. Where do I start? My father was diagnosed with Small Cell Lung Cancer in November of 2021. He passed away. Ever since then I’ve been trying to do things on my own. And learn how to live my adult life.

On June 18th 2023, my friends invited me out to a Juneteenth celebration. It was held in Little Africa, in Willowbrook Illinois. When I arrived, there were over 250 people of all ages attending the event. Children even.

As we were having fun dancing, I began having a funny feeling in my stomach…. I just knew something bad was approaching. I didn’t say anything. About 30 minutes later, I heard gunshots. As people began to scatter, I ran and people were pushing and shoving past me…the shots were still flying. I went into survival mode and forced myself under a car. The shots were still ringing. I felt myself get shot. All I could do was scream for help. No one heard me because the shots were still going.

I am going to be disabled while my broken femur heals from the surgeries. Sadly, I am not the only one who was impacted by this senseless act of violence. There were 25 other victims. Mentally, I’m not sure I’ll be okay for a long while. I got shot while hiding underneath a car. As I felt the bullet hit me, there were still shots ringing and flying in every direction. I was terrified and completely unprepared. I anticipated being shot again. I didn’t know if anyone would hear my screams. I didn’t know if the car would race away and drag me with it. All I could think of was my father.

I am blessed and highly favored to be alive. However, I won’t be able to work for at least five months. I am a server. I don’t know how I will make it through this.

I humbly come to you (the public), and I am asking for help. Anything will help. Anything will be appreciated. God bless you ❤️