In an instant, a senseless act of violence at an Independence Day celebration in Highland Park, Ill., made a young toddler an orphan when Kevin and Irina McCarthy, the parents of 2-year-old Aiden, were gunned down by a mass shooter.
The boy was found with a stranger and, thankfully, reunited with his grandparents by police, and now a GoFundMe benefitting the boy in light of the tragic loss of his parents has raised nearly $3 million.
“I am establishing this fundraiser to support him and the caregivers who will be tasked with raising, caring for, and supporting Aiden as he and his support system embark on this unexpected journey,” wrote Irina Colon, who established the page with the family’s permission.
“Aiden will be cared for by his loving family and he will have a long road ahead to heal, find stability, and ultimately navigate life as an orphan,” Colon continued.
According to a report from the Chicago Sun-Times that cited the boy’s grandfather, Aiden McCarthy survived the shooting because he was shielded from the bullets by his father’s body.
“They were crazy about their child,” Michael Levberg told the publication.
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