Help Single Dad Heal from Violent Attack
Donation protected
Help a single Dad and his 6-year old son get on their feet
This request comes from a mother’s heart.
The Attack
On March 10th 2005, my son Devon was heading for home, looking forward to spending the first night in his new apartment. That night, he was the victim of a random act of violence. Stabbed repeatedly, beaten and kicked, Devon suffering 66 stitches to his head, face, and both hands as he tried to defend himself. Devon told me that he has forgiven the three young men who attacked him, and that it was better this happened to him and not to someone else, who may not have been strong enough to fend off the attack.
This event has changed our lives. The old innocence is gone. But nothing can change a strong spirit, and Devon has continued on.
The Story
Today Devon is the single father of beautiful six-year old David. David is the joy of our lives. Devon loves his son very much, and since David’s birth, has had full, and sole, responsibility for his care and well being. This father and child have lived on a limited income of $500 to $700 a month, and government child assistance. Devon has used the resources available to him, food and clothing banks, to meet their basic needs. Limited income has resulted in unpaid bills which have increased due to interest charges, for example their electricity bill.
Devon’s primary concern has always been to prepare David for school, and to provide a good future for him so that his education will not suffer. In order to accomplish this, he needs a decent job. Devon’s education is limited to his high school diploma and some courses in a Program for Masonry and Brick-laying.
The Aftermath of the Attack
Because of the effects of this violent attack, Devon has had difficulty holding down jobs. He has moved often, trying to feel safe and at peace. Thanks to the surgeon, the wounds on the outside have healed - but the wounds on the inside are still there. Two years ago, things began to really unravel, and the effects of this traumatic event finally took its full toll. My older son Jason, father of four, and my daughter-in-law, Lindy, have now accepted responsibility for David’s full time care until Devon can feel better and get back on his feet. It has been a sad time for this father and child, for all of us - but thanks to the love and care of Jason and Lindy, and visits with Devon - David has continued to be a sweet and gentle child, full of love for others, and doing well in Grade 1 now.
Your Help is Needed for Devon’s Road to Recovery
Finally, the good news that has come out of all this distress is that Devon has now been diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, PTSD. He feels calmer now, and comes to church with us sometimes. He is also praying the rosary and reading the bible. There is hope for the future. We know what is at the root of the distress, and how to go forward.
Your donation will provide the means for the help that is needed to put a single dad back on his feet, and ensure a stable life and future for 6-year old David.
Please help Devon to receive the financial support he needs, so that he can receive the psychiatric care and counseling that he needs to get better, to pay off unpaid bills, and to complete his job training program.
Thank you so much for your help, and for sharing this appeal with others - through any means you may have - FaceBook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, email and word of mouth!
Please also see my website appeal at Life and Doctrine
This request comes from a mother’s heart.
The Attack
On March 10th 2005, my son Devon was heading for home, looking forward to spending the first night in his new apartment. That night, he was the victim of a random act of violence. Stabbed repeatedly, beaten and kicked, Devon suffering 66 stitches to his head, face, and both hands as he tried to defend himself. Devon told me that he has forgiven the three young men who attacked him, and that it was better this happened to him and not to someone else, who may not have been strong enough to fend off the attack.
This event has changed our lives. The old innocence is gone. But nothing can change a strong spirit, and Devon has continued on.
The Story
Today Devon is the single father of beautiful six-year old David. David is the joy of our lives. Devon loves his son very much, and since David’s birth, has had full, and sole, responsibility for his care and well being. This father and child have lived on a limited income of $500 to $700 a month, and government child assistance. Devon has used the resources available to him, food and clothing banks, to meet their basic needs. Limited income has resulted in unpaid bills which have increased due to interest charges, for example their electricity bill.
Devon’s primary concern has always been to prepare David for school, and to provide a good future for him so that his education will not suffer. In order to accomplish this, he needs a decent job. Devon’s education is limited to his high school diploma and some courses in a Program for Masonry and Brick-laying.
The Aftermath of the Attack
Because of the effects of this violent attack, Devon has had difficulty holding down jobs. He has moved often, trying to feel safe and at peace. Thanks to the surgeon, the wounds on the outside have healed - but the wounds on the inside are still there. Two years ago, things began to really unravel, and the effects of this traumatic event finally took its full toll. My older son Jason, father of four, and my daughter-in-law, Lindy, have now accepted responsibility for David’s full time care until Devon can feel better and get back on his feet. It has been a sad time for this father and child, for all of us - but thanks to the love and care of Jason and Lindy, and visits with Devon - David has continued to be a sweet and gentle child, full of love for others, and doing well in Grade 1 now.
Your Help is Needed for Devon’s Road to Recovery
Finally, the good news that has come out of all this distress is that Devon has now been diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, PTSD. He feels calmer now, and comes to church with us sometimes. He is also praying the rosary and reading the bible. There is hope for the future. We know what is at the root of the distress, and how to go forward.
Your donation will provide the means for the help that is needed to put a single dad back on his feet, and ensure a stable life and future for 6-year old David.
Please help Devon to receive the financial support he needs, so that he can receive the psychiatric care and counseling that he needs to get better, to pay off unpaid bills, and to complete his job training program.
Thank you so much for your help, and for sharing this appeal with others - through any means you may have - FaceBook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, email and word of mouth!
Please also see my website appeal at Life and Doctrine
Organizer and beneficiary
Penelope De Olive
Organizer
Dollard-Des-Ormeaux, QC
Devon Thibodeau
Beneficiary