I’m creating this fundraiser on behalf of a close friend who has recently faced a life changing and traumatic experience.

He dedicated 13 years of loyal service as a store manager at a Kroger in Decatur. In all that time, he never received a single reprimand or disciplinary action and was known as a responsible, caring leader who always looked out for his team.

One day, he noticed that the side emergency door alarm had been triggered. When he went to investigate, he saw his 75-year-old bakery manager, following suspected shoplifters to their vehicle. Concerned for her safety, he went just far enough to ensure she wasn’t alone he did not coordinate anyone else to go out or ask associates to intervene.

What happened next was terrifying. While he approached the suspects, they attacked him. Despite being just one of at least five people outside, he was the only one injured and the only one fired. He suffered severe injuries, including:

• Six staples in his head

• A small fracture in his nasal cavity

• Concussion

• Laceration on the left side of his face

• A broken tooth

Even after all this, his focus remained on protecting his team. Concerned about the store’s expenses, he declined ambulance transport and had his wife take him to the emergency room.

After the assault, he was put on administrative leave. He wasn’t allowed to speak to anyone at the store or gather evidence to report the incident to police, leaving him unable to help catch the people who attacked him. After a brief investigation, he was terminated, with Kroger claiming that the altercation and his injuries were his fault and outside his scope of duties. Workers’ compensation was denied, leaving him without a job, without medical support, and responsible for all expenses.

This tragic event has taken a heavy toll on his family. He is a father of three two older children and a newborn and has a devoted wife. What should have been a joyful time celebrating a new addition to the family has instead become filled with medical bills, legal stress, and uncertainty about the future.

This fundraiser is created to help cover his medical expenses, legal costs, and basic family needs while he heals and works to rebuild. He has always been the kind of person to protect others and do the right thing now he needs the community to step up for him.

Every contribution, no matter how small, will make a difference in helping him and his family through this incredibly difficult time. If you’re unable to donate, sharing this fundraiser can help just as much.

Thank you for your support, kindness, and generosity.