Families and friends of Annunciation Catholic School are pleading for prayers as some of the youngest survivors of last week’s mass shooting continue to fight for their lives.
One of the most critically injured, Sophia Forchas, remains in intensive care after doctors removed part of her skull to reduce swelling.
On Tuesday, a widely-shared prayer request described her condition as “day five, which is most crucial to keep the swelling down.”
The message urged people to “storm heaven” for Sophia and her family, adding that her father asked her name be shared “far and wide” so more people could pray for her recovery.
Sophia’s mother, a nurse in a pediatric intensive care unit, was working when her daughter was brought in for emergency surgery.
Another student, eighth-grader Lydia Kaiser, also remains in intensive care but is said to be improving, according to the message. Others wounded in the attack have since been released from intensive care.
12-year-old Sophia Forchas is in the hospital in critical condition after a trans t*rrorist shot her.
She had one side of her skull removed.
Her family is asking for urgent prayers.
Please stop and say a prayer and spread this everywhere 🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/S3vwrrflEH
— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) September 2, 2025
As families like Sophia’s face unimaginable challenges, many in Minnesota and across the country are asking how they can help.
Here are some of the ways people are stepping forward to support the victims and their loved ones.
Verified GoFundMe hub
GoFundMe has created a centralized hub of verified fundraisers for families of the victims.
The site features campaigns supporting children who are still recovering from gunshot wounds, as well as efforts to help the families of the young students who lost their lives in the attack. Two children, 8-year-old Fletcher Merkel and 10-year-old Harper Moyski, were killed in the shooting. Another 21 people, including 18 children, were injured in the attack.
The hub also includes the Annunciation Hope and Healing Fund, which provides direct support to the broader school and church community.
Catholic-led efforts
The Catholic Community Foundation of Minnesota launched the Annunciation Hope and Healing Fund to support the parish. Money raised through the fund will go towards “the needs of the church and school and to provide support to those affected by the tragedy.”
Blood donations
Donations can be made through the American Red Cross or Memorial Blood Centers.
Prayer
In a social media post Wednesday, Annunciation asked for prayers for “all those still in the hospital, for a swift and full recovery, as well as for the families mourning the loss of Fletcher and Harper.”
Jenna Gloeb
Jenna Gloeb is an Edward R. Murrow Award-winning journalist, media producer, public speaker, and screenwriter. Most recently, she worked as a reporter and on-air host for CCX Media. Jenna is a Minnesota native and resides in the Twin Cities with her husband, son, daughter, and two dogs.
