Go Fund Me accounts for Annunciation shooting victims

Fletcher Alexander Merkel, 8, of Minneapolis, had sparkling blue eyes, freckles, blonde hair that often defied gravity and an infectious smile. He was always in motion, dancing with every touchdown he scored in flag football, or playing basketball in the driveway with his older brother and neighborhood friends. Fletcher used his boundless creativity to build Lego cities with his siblings and cook new recipes like bacon macaroni and cheese alongside his parents. Whether it was pickled herring or blue cheese, he was always up for trying new foods. Curious about animals, he had an expansive collection of facts to share. During the summer he would bring turtles, frogs, fish, butterflies, caterpillars and worms home to study and release. Fishing with his father was one of his favorite activities. With his family, he explored the world, visiting the Dominican Republic, France, Germany, Italy, Mexico, the Netherlands and Spain in the last two years. He was looking forward to going to his first Packers game at Lambeau Field this fall, with dreams of being an NFL player one day himself. Fletcher shared his love generously with everyone around him, friends and family alike. He loved and will be loved forever by: his mother, Mollie; his father, Jesse; his older brother; his younger sister; his younger brother; his dog, Clementine; his grandfather Dennis; his aunt Erin, uncle Joe and their three children; his grandfather Ron and grandmother Carol; his aunt Laura, his uncle David and their two children. His grandmother Kathryn was already waiting for him. In lieu of flowers, you can contribute to the fund in his memory at this link https://gofund.me/f629fc23 His funeral service will be held at 4 PM on Sunday, September 7th, with visitation starting at 2 PM, all at Mt. Olivet Lutheran Church, 5025 Knox Ave S., Minneapolis. Please wear bright colors. Find the obituary and tribute page: https://www.washburn-mcreavy.com/obituaries/fletcher-merkel/#!/Obituary

FROM THE GO FUND ME PAGE: On August 27th 2025, our community was shattered by a heartbreaking school shooting that injured several students — including 12-year-old Sophia Forchas, a bright, kind, and full of life young girl who is now fighting for her life. Sophia was shot during the attack and is currently in critical condition in the ICU. She has already undergone emergency surgery, and her medical team is doing everything they can to stabilize her. Her road ahead will be long, uncertain, and incredibly difficult — but she is strong, and she is not alone. Adding to the heartbreak, her younger brother was also inside the school during the shooting. Though he was physically unharmed, the trauma of witnessing such a terrifying event — and knowing his sister was critically injured — is something no child should ever experience. Furthermore, her mother, a Pediatric Critical Care nurse, arrived at work to help during the tragedy, before knowing it was her children’s school that was attacked, and that her daughter was critically injured. Her parents are by her side, holding onto hope while also trying to support their son through the emotional aftermath. The financial strain is enormous: ongoing ICU care, future surgeries, trauma counseling, lost income, travel, and the countless unknowns that lie ahead. We are raising funds to support this brave family during the hardest moment of their lives. Donations will go directly toward: • Sophia’s critical medical care and recovery • Trauma counseling for both children • Family support services and therapy • lost wages for the family Please, if you are able, donate to help this family hold onto hope. And if you can’t give, sharing this page means more than you know. Together, we can ease some of the burden they never should have had to carry. Thank you for your compassion, support, and prayers. With heartfelt gratitude UPDATE SEPT. 12: Two weeks ago, our beloved Sophia suffered a devastating gunshot wound to the head. Doctors warned us she was on the brink of death. In that darkest hour, the world responded with faithful devotion and fervent prayer. We thank you for all the prayers, love, and unwavering support from across the globe. Last week, rays of hope emerged. Dr. Walter Galicich shared that Sophia was showing signs of resilience. Wednesday, the hospital upgraded her condition from critical to serious. Her progress to this point is being called miraculous. We are calling it a miracle. The road ahead for Sophia is steep, but she is climbing it with fierce determination. She is fighting not just for herself, but for every soul who stood by her in prayer. Please continue to keep Sophia in your hearts and prayers. She is a warrior! And she is winning!! With gratitude, The Family of Sophia Forchas

Dear friends, family and kind-hearted strangers, Yesterday, our family's world was turned upside down. My 13-year-old nephew, Endre, was tragically shot twice while he attended mass at Annunciation Church with his school. It's impossible to make sense of this act of violence against children, in a place that should have been a sanctuary of peace and safety. In the face of unimaginable fear and pain, Endre showed strength and faith beyond his years. Before he was rushed into surgery, Endre looked at the surgeon and asked one simple, powerful request, "Can you say a prayer with me?" The surgeon later told us that not only did Endre survive the surgery, he fought through a terrifying event with courage that inspired the entire medical team. That moment of prayer, and Endre's resilience, will stay with our family forever. Right now, he is recovering from surgery at the hospital, surrounded by his loved ones and the best medical team possible. While the road ahead is long, we are beyond grateful he is still with us. The emotional and physical healing ahead will take time and resources. We are raising funds to help with Endre's medical bills, rehabilitation, trauma counseling and support for his immediate family as they will remain by his side every step of the way. We want to extend our deepest prayers and love to the other victims and families impacted by this horrific tragedy. We are holding them all close to our hearts as we navigate this together. If you're able to donate, pray or even share this page, we are deeply thankful. Every act of kindness makes a difference and reminds Endre—and all of us—that we're not alone. With Love and Gratitude, Natalie Davis and family August 31st, 2025 by natalie Davis, Organizer Update: Endre Is Home We’re incredibly grateful to share that Endre has been released from the hospital and is now home! He is so happy to be back in a familiar space, surrounded by love, and beginning the next stage of his healing journey. His recovery—both physically and mentally—will take time, but his strength and spirit are truly inspiring. His parents, sister, and our entire family are taking it one day at a time and will continue to be by his side every step of the way. We are still holding in our hearts all those who remain in the hospital, those who are mourning, and everyone who was present that morning. Thank you again for your continued generosity, prayers, and kindness. Your support is lifting a huge burden from my sister and brother-in-law, allowing them to focus fully on Endre’s healing. With heartfelt thanks, Natalie

On August 27, 2025, our world was shattered. The sense of safety and security was ripped away by incomprehensible violence during the school shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church, Minneapolis, Minnesota where children were targeted while attending mass. Among them was Genevieve Bisek, a loving and beautiful 11-year-old child who is now being treated in the Pediatric ICU. Genevieve was struck by gunshot to the neck and remains in critical condition. Her medical journey is uncertain, but she is surrounded by a dedicated care team working tirelessly to give her the best chance at recovery. This courageous child, her family, and the entire community are struggling to comprehend the unimaginable. Genevieve’s older sister was also present during the tragedy, bravely helping her mass buddy to safety. She now carries the emotional weight of that day, questioning if she will ever feel the same again. The road ahead will be long and filled with challenges, but their faith—and the support of family, friends, and the community—will help guide them through. We are seeking funds to support this family in their time of need. The financial burdens are already substantial. Your donations will go directly toward Genevieve’s medical care and recovery, counseling for both children, and lost wages for the family. Please consider contributing to help ease this family’s financial strain as they focus on healing. We are deeply grateful for your prayers, generosity, and support. Together, we will rise above this tragedy. August 31st, 2025 by Carolyn Benz, Organizer The love that has surrounded the Bisek family these past few days has been overwhelming in the most beautiful way. From the blue and green ribbons lining the trees throughout our community to the thoughtful gifts, messages, and generous donations, we feel truly blessed by your support during this difficult time. We are grateful to share that Genevieve continues to improve each day. Last evening, she was moved out of the ICU—a positive step forward in her recovery. Thank you for being part of her journey. September 2nd, 2025 by Carolyn Benz, Organizer On behalf of the Bisek family, we want to express our deepest gratitude for the incredible outpouring of love and support. We are truly humbled and overwhelmed by the number of people who have contributed to help Genevieve on her road to recovery. Your generosity is a powerful reminder of the goodness that exists in the world. We are grateful to share that Genevieve is making steady progress and has been discharged from the hospital. As we celebrate her strength and healing, we also ask that you continue to keep in your hearts the children who witnessed this unimaginable tragedy, the other injured children, and the families who are grieving such devastating losses.

On August 27th, 2025 in a senseless act of violence against Annunciation students gathered in prayer, Lydia Kaiser was injured while protecting her little "buddy" during the first Mass of the school year. Her father, our community's beloved gym teacher, was also in attendance and helped to secure the room, to keep children safe, and stuck with them all until they were reunited with their families, even while his daughter was entering the emergency room. Lydia and Harry are 2 heroes in our midst. At this time, Lydia is in very serious condition and has undergone an unimaginable surgery. Her story parallels the other injured students in the community. We are praying for her recovery and asking for help as the family navigates all that is to come. Please consider supporting the family with donations. All money received will go directly to the family to cover medical expenses, ongoing care, trauma counseling, lost income, and the countless unknowns that lie ahead. And please PRAY for her recovery; pray for all of the students and teachers touched by this tragedy; and pray for the first responders and community members that were there to help. September 6th, 2025 by Jesse Wolf, Organizer After a long hard week+, there are so many good things to report in Lydia's recovery. She is walking, she is talking, she is fighting and she is ever so brave. She has another surgery coming up in the near future. This will be to replace the section of her skull that was removed to allow for swelling of her brain. She will face this surgery with grace, bravery and unbelievable strength. The outpouring of love, prayers and support is nothing short of incredible. Please share this page and keep the prayers coming for Lydia and for Sophia, for the Merkel family, the Moyski family and for all of the families touched by this violence.

On 8/27 hundreds of students were impacted by a horrific shooting at Annunciation Catholic School in south Minneapolis. I am Victor’s uncle establishing this page for the benefit of my sister in Victor’s current and future medical costs. August 27th 2025 is a day that will never be forgotten. Our community, our children, were attacked in a most horrific way. So many victims from all over the community will feel this for a very long time. Victor is one of the brave victims who survived the tragedy that unfolded. His selfless acts help to save many, but he and his sister were injured in the process. Vic, along with his family, have started the long journey of recovery. A journey that involves unknown and ongoing future medical costs. Time away from work for both parents, need to care for both Vic and his sister physically, emotionally and spiritually will take resources and support that go beyond what is readily available. As a community, we can feel helpless and confused, not sure exactly how to help. If you’re able, please give. If not, please share. September 3rd Update As we reach one week since the terrible events of August 27th, I want to once again mention the deep appreciation my entire family has for your kindness. The love from so many of you has been a positive point on an otherwise exhausting week. Some of you have known our family for decades, while others are kind strangers from across the world. All of you have helped lift us up over these seven days. Moments like this remind us what really matters. This last weekend Victor spent the holiday with his (mom-side) cousins, aunts and uncles, and grandparents all together. In the wake of such a strange and horrible week it felt somehow normal and gave all of us a chance to physically and mentally separate from everything. I watched Victor play Lego with his cousins, snuggle up with his mom and dad, and just be a kid. It was good for all of us. You should know that Victor, his sister, his cousins that are students at Annunciation, and all of us in the community are resilient and we will get through this. While one person chose violence, thousands of good people have shown us the strength of our community. We are looking forward to kids and teachers being back in school where they belong. I want to thank the teachers and staff at Annunciation. Their planning and good judgement on that day saved countless lives. There are so many ‘what ifs’, but their courage and quick action prevented this tragedy from being far worse. One other thing - I have set up an address where you can send mail to Victor if you would like. I have had several people reach out inquiring, but I would like to preserve Victor and his family’s privacy to the greatest extent possible. You can reach Victor at this UPS store mailbox: Victor 5021 Vernon Ave PMB #140 Edina, MN 55436-2102 If you are considering making a contribution to Victor’s fund, we would strongly encourage you to instead donate to the Annunciation Hope and Healing Fund organized by the Catholic Community Foundation, or directly to the school. Thank you again for all your support, Mike Kelly (Victor’s uncle)

On August 27, 2025, tragedy struck at Annunciation Catholic School when a school shooting left several students injured and heartbreakingly took the lives of two children. Among the injured was 9-year-old Vivian St. Clair, who was shot multiple times in her back and arm. Despite her injuries, Vivi ran from the church to the school gym, where a police officer scooped her up and rushed her to an ambulance. She was taken to HCMC, where her mom, Malia, works. Doctors have shared that Vivi has several bullet fragments in her small body that they do not intend to remove, meaning she may carry them with her for life. She is receiving IV antibiotics and fluids, and through it all, she continues to smile and radiate sweetness. She’s been telling people how excited she is to swim at her Grandma’s pool in Arizona this evening with her dad, Joe—just showing how innocent and hopeful she remains. Malia, Joe, and older brother Jack have been by her side every step of the way, and will continue to support her through this long and emotional recovery. Already, Vivi has begun to ask questions about why this happened to her, questions no 9-year-old should ever have to ask. We are raising funds to support Vivi and her family as they face the difficult road ahead. Donations will go toward: • Medical care and recovery • Emotional support and therapy • Family support and lost wages • Resources to help Vivi heal and regain her childhood If you are able, please consider donating to help ease this time for Vivi and her family. Your compassion, support, and prayers mean more than words can express. ❤ Thank you—and please share this page so others can join in supporting Vivi and her family. ❤ September 12th, 2025 by Malia Kimbrell, Beneficiary Thank you. The generous outpouring of support, prayers, and donations remind us that kindness is more abundant than any evil that exists in this world. Our community has been surrounded by so much love, and we are forever grateful. Vivian is doing well. She has been able to taper off pain medications and has been getting back to doing the things she loves. Through much trial and error, we are now able to do daily dressing changes on her bullet wounds more efficiently and it has become less painful for her. Follow up X-rays showed the bruising on her lung has resolved and confirmed that the shrapnel scattered internally will remain in her, likely forever. I spoke at a press conference recently, calling on our lawmakers and those in power to protect our children. https://www.mprnews.org/story/2025/09/04/malia-kimbrell-mother-of-vivian-st-clair-calls-for-ban-on-semiautomatic-rifles There are many opinions on what can be done to ensure our kids are safe. It won't be easy to solve this problem, but it is unacceptable to do nothing at all. Our kids deserve better. As I stated previously, thoughts and prayers are what you do AFTER a tragedy occurs, but taking action is what we can do now BEFORE the next tragedy occurs. Please raise your voice and move your feet. With love and gratitude, Malia

Our school community is heartbroken as we rally around one of our own, David Haeg, who was tragically injured during the Annunciation School shooting. David has already undergone surgery and will need to remain in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit for at least the next five days. His road to recovery will be long, but he is showing incredible strength and resilience. In the midst of this unimaginable time, the last thing David’s family should have to worry about is mounting medical expenses. We are asking for your support to help cover these costs so his parents can focus fully on being by his side and helping him heal. Any donation—big or small—will make a meaningful difference. If you are unable to give financially, please consider sharing this page and keeping David and his family in your prayers. Let’s come together to lift this family up with love, prayers, and generosity as they navigate the difficult days ahead. Thank you for standing with David. September 2nd, 2025 by Beth Holine, Organizer Thank you all for your prayers and outpouring of love and support. We are deeply grateful to share that David is home! Your kindness has been a true source of light and comfort during this time, and the family holds immense gratitude for all of your generosity and ongoing support

If you've met my nephew, Weston, you know his love of basketball, being with friends, and enjoying a candy or two. You've been amazed by his quick wit, awed by his persistence, and charmed by his earnestness. If you've been watching the news, you've seen his grief-stricken face and heard, despite his shock, Weston's account of the horrific details during the mass at Annunciation Church. And in spite of everything, this 10-year-old boy was able to express appreciation for his friends and pray for their recovery. Since the interview, it has been discovered that Weston will need surgery to remove a bullet fragment that is lodged in his neck, dangerously close to his carotid artery. I am hoping that we, Weston's community, near and far, can show him our support and love in any means possible. Share this link, contribute, or pray for Weston and the children and families at Annunciation. He's been a light in the darkness. Contributions will go toward Weston's medical bills, trauma counseling, and support for his immediate family. September 3rd, 2025 by Allison Hawes, Organizer A medical update on Weston: Hallelujah!!! This morning the bullet fragment in Weston’s neck was successfully removed by the exceptional medical team at Children’s Minnesota! He will be home today! Please join us in thanking these amazing miracle workers! And, THANK YOU, our widespread community of helpers, for supporting the Halsne family, and all the Annunciation families. Your kind words matter and incredible generosity makes a difference. Your love triumphs over darkness. Thank you!