Standing with Victims and Families in Grand Blanc, Michigan

As Latter-day Saints, we covenant to mourn with those that mourn and comfort those who stand in need of comfort. In the wake of the September 28, 2025 attack at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc, Michigan, many lives were forever changed. Below are ways to offer direct, practical help through verified fundraisers, along with brief summaries to honor each person’s story. If you cannot give financially, your prayers, shares, and simple acts of kindness still matter deeply. And if interested, in the midst of terror, a 14 year old boy’s faith and courage shone brightly as he saved his younger siblings and led his family to safety. Read about that, here. 

In Memoriam and Care for Bereaved Families

• Craig Hayden, 78 — Ran to help after he believed a car had crashed into the building and died while trying to aid another victim. His family has publicly expressed forgiveness, witnessing of Christ’s power to heal hearts.

  

  • Donate: https://www.gofundme.com/f/taewq-help-for-widow-of-church-shooting-victim
  • News story on his daughters’ forgiveness: https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/michigan/2025/09/30/daughters-of-grand-blanc-church-shooting-victim-say-they-forgive-killer/86443308007/

• John Bond, 77 — Loving husband, father, and grandfather; Navy veteran; well known for his kindness and love of family.

  

  • Donate: https://www.gofundme.com/f/john-bond

• Pat Howard, 77 — Beloved husband, father, and grandfather; his family invites us to respond with unity and love during their grief.

  

  • Donate: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-the-howards-after-tragic-loss

• Thelma Armstrong — A devoted mother and grandmother remembered for her selflessness. Gifts will help her family with funeral expenses during this heartbreaking time.

  

  • Donate: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-the-family-ofthelma-armstrong-victim-grand-blanc-mi

Injured Survivors and Families Facing Recovery

• Pierre Dery — Rushed out to help what he thought was an accident and was met by gunfire; sustained a gunshot wound to the abdomen and has undergone multiple surgeries, with more care ahead.

  

  • Donate: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-for-pierre-dery

• Greg Mikat — Ran toward danger in an effort to stop the attacker; suffered life-threatening gunshot wounds and is in the ICU. Funds assist with surgeries, hospital stays, and living expenses during recovery.

  

• • Donate: https://www.gofundme.com/f/greg-mikats-family-victim-of-the-grand-blanc-church-attack

• Benjamin Phelps — Member of the bishopric, shot while shielding others. His young son was also injured and is now home. Benjamin faces a long recovery; contributions support medical and family needs.

  

  • Donate: https://www.gofundme.com/f/aayc3-support-for-the-phelps-family

• Jeff and Marei Kubiak — Jeff rushed to help after hearing the crash and was shot, shattering his ankle. He has undergone two surgeries (including a skin graft) and faces months of rehab. Marei was injured by glass in her hands and feet. With Jeff unable to work in his small business, medical and living costs are mounting.

  

  • Donate: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-jeff-mareis-healing-journey-after-church-shooting

• Two emergency medicine residents: Jared Hicken and S. Bridger Frampton — Both sprang into action amid gunfire, smoke, and chaos; one was shot and the other sustained smoke inhalation while searching for children. Funds support medical care, mental health, and living expenses during disrupted training.

  

• • Donate: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-two-brave-doctors-recover-and-rebuild
• Brandi and Piper Hicken — Brandi (Jared’s wife) sustained shrapnel injuries; their 5-year-old daughter, Piper, was shot in the back. This fund helps with medical bills, time away from work, and other immediate needs.
  • Donate: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-brandi-hickens-family-recover-and-heal

Why We Give: An LDS Perspective

Our discipleship is measured in the small and simple things: prayers offered, meals delivered, funds shared, tears wept with those who weep. Mosiah 18:9 calls us to “mourn with those that mourn… and comfort those that stand in need of comfort.” In that same spirit, the family of Craig Hayden has testified of forgiveness, reminding us that the Savior’s enabling power can soften even the hardest moments of mortality.

• Story: https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/michigan/2025/09/30/daughters-of-grand-blanc-church-shooting-victim-say-they-forgive-killer/86443308007/

Extending Compassion Broadly

Following the Lord’s command to love our enemies is not easy, but it is part of the higher, holier path. Some in our community have chosen to support the family of the perpetrator. If you feel prompted to help, please do so with prayer, discernment, and a desire for healing on every side.

• Support for the Sanford family: https://www.givesendgo.com/helptheSanfordfamily

A Call to Be Peacemakers

Shortly before his passing, President Russell M. Nelson invited us to build bridges and honor the dignity of God’s children:

“Love your neighbor and treat them with compassion and respect. A century of experience has taught me this with certainty: anger never persuades, hostility never heals, and contention never leads to lasting solutions… Imagine how different our world could be if more of us were peacemakers—building bridges of understanding rather than walls of prejudice… There is power in affording others the human dignity that all of God’s children deserve.”

• Full article: https://time.com/7315003/russell-nelson-dignity-respect/

Finding Strength and Peace in Christ

Amid grief, we look to Jesus Christ—the Prince of Peace—and gather to hear living prophets and apostles who point us to Him. We invite all to join us in seeking comfort, courage, and direction.

• General Conference: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/feature/general-conference?lang=eng

How You Can Help Today

• Donate: Even small gifts relieve very real burdens.
• Share: Spread these links so help reaches those in need.
• Pray: Ask heaven to heal bodies, calm hearts, and strengthen caregivers.
• Serve: Do something kind for a neighbor; lift where you stand.

Thank you for every prayer, donation, and act of love. In a world too often marked by fear and anger, we choose faith, hope, and charity—and we trust that through Christ, broken hearts can be bound up and communities made whole.