Samuel Arellano absolutely loves the Kansas City Chiefs. He was so excited to join a few family members in attending the Super Bowl victory celebration on February 14th.
But little did the 11-year-old know that day would change his life. He was among the two-dozen people shot when gunfire erupted as the rally concluded.
“It’s been hard sleeping,” Samuel shared. “And being in crowds still feels overwhelming.”
Not long after the bullet pierced Samuel’s rib, he developed an infection, but thankfully, has had no long-term physical health effects from the shooting. His mental wellbeing is another story.
“He goes to therapy still every week,” said Samuel’s dad, Antonio Arellano. “It’s hard. But you know, as time goes by, the therapist has been really helpful in guiding us on what to do or what not to do to help him.”
Antonio and his wife Abigail both work at a small car dealership and their income relies on commissions. So when they needed to take time off work to care for Samuel, that meant less money coming in. Bills started to pile up. And they were worried even more, because at the time he was shot, Samuel did not have medical insurance.
“It was hard. We got behind pretty bad,” Antonio said. “I only took a couple days off, but his mom was the one who took more days off. While his wound healed up, he was still having trouble with panic attacks. He slept in our bed for weeks.”
In June, the family learned Samuel was one of the verified gunshot victims who would receive substantial relief through the KC Strong Fund, made possible through generous donors like you.
“That was really great that everybody from the community got together to help. We were able to catch up and it’s helping to cover the cost of the therapy both and he and sister, who was there with him, still need,” said Antonio.
Samuel just started sixth grade and he’s already dreaming of next year, when he’ll be eligible to join the football team.
“I like spending time with my friends. We all love football,” Samuel said. “I think the Chiefs are going to get another Super Bowl win this year.”
The family knows the journey to healing is long and sadly, in Kansas City, there are often reminders of the trauma Samuel has lived through.
“We sometimes hear gunshots in our neighborhood,” Antonio said. “He gets very scared. We just are really wanting to get his life back to normal. And get those fears out of the way.”
For now, that means continuing counseling and slowly warming up to attending events again. Because of KC Strong funds, the family is grateful financial burdens won’t stand in the way of helping Samuel seek the care he needs, for as long as it takes to heal.
“It really is a huge relief,” Arellano said. “We’re very thankful to everyone who has supported us.”
Note: Samuel and his parents were also recently able to attend his very first Chiefs game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. KSHB shared their story.
