Help Jamal Avery a Victim of Gun Violence

Dear Friends and Community,

My name is Tina, and I am establishing a healing and recovery fund for my nephew, Jamal Avery. As his aunt, I consider it a profound blessing to be part of his life. Anyone who knows Jamal can attest to his vibrant spirit; he is always smiling and laughing, radiating positivity. He is thoughtful, caring, and hardworking, and words alone cannot adequately capture the essence of his character. I hope this message provides you with a glimpse into the life of the nephew I hold dear. Jamal is 19 years old, a newlywed, and the father of a two-year-old son, with another child on the way. He often sent me heartfelt messages, expressing his love and wishing me a good day. His thoughtful gestures, such as sharing videos of him cooking, showcased his dedication to his family. He took great pride in preparing meals and had aspirations of attending culinary school to pursue a career as a chef; we discussed this dream on several occasions, and I always encouraged him by saying, "You are only nineteen; the sky is the limit." Reflecting on those moments, I now realize that I took his messages for granted, never anticipating that they would one day cease. I deeply miss those daily communications, which have now become treasures—videos and messages that I hold dear as if they were gold. On September 1, 2024, a tragic incident occurred while Jamal was working with his boss to repair a fence. A local homeless individual instigated an argument, which escalated when he returned with a firearm. Despite his boss's attempts to intervene, he was shot and succumbed to his injuries at the scene, leaving behind three children. Jamal was rushed into emergency surgery after sustaining gunshot wounds to his jaw and chest. The first bullet shattered his jaw, causing bone fragments to enter his brain, resulting in bleeding. The second bullet lodged in his lung, leading to pneumonia. Surgeons had to remove a portion of his skull to relieve pressure, and he was placed in a medically induced coma. Initially, the surgical team hesitated to operate due to the high risks involved. Since then, Jamal has undergone several surgeries, including plastic surgery to repair his shattered jaw and the removal of the bullet from his lung. A successful brain surgery was performed to extract the bone fragments. Unfortunately, he will require additional surgeries in the future. This senseless act of violence should never have occurred, and I hope that sharing Jamal's story raises awareness about the impact of such tragedies. Although this individual inflicted profound harm upon my nephew, he has shown remarkable resilience and a strong will to live. He fights daily to recover, motivated by his desire to reunite with his loved ones. I am immensely grateful to our family, friends, the community, and the hospital staff for their unwavering support during this harrowing time; your assistance means everything to us. Jamal's mother, wife, and father, Michael Avery, are by his side as much as possible, while Michael is managing the GoFundMe and funds on Jamal's behalf. As Jamal embarks on the next phase of his rehabilitation, he will need to relearn how to walk, talk, and eat—essentially, he must regain the skills necessary for daily living. The medical expenses are staggering. Jamal was the primary breadwinner for his family, and his inability to work during his recovery intensifies the financial burden. Once he is discharged, he will require ongoing care and medical equipment. Any donations would be greatly appreciated. I extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who has donated, shared the link, or offered prayers on behalf of the Avery family.

Sincerely,

Tina