NEED TO KNOW
- A family in Chicago suffered a series of tragedies at the end of 2025
- Jamiee Lester’s daughter was attacked by a dog on Dec. 28, and her family’s car was stolen three days later
- “We are reaching out with heavy hearts after a series of devastating events that have left our family reeling,” the mother wrote in a GoFundMe page
A Chicago family is taking it one day at a time following a series of unfortunate events.
On Dec. 28, Jamiee Lester’s 6-year-old daughter “was the victim of an aggressive dog attack,” the mom wrote in a GoFundMe page.
Following a three-day hospital stay, when the child got stitches to her face and arm, the 6-year-old was released on Dec. 31, but that same day, the family’s car was stolen and later totaled in a high-speed chase, Lester claimed in a Facebook post.
Now, with no car to use and more medical appointments in her daughter’s future, Lester said she set up the fundraising page to assist her family amid what she described as a “nightmare” situation.
“We are reaching out with heavy hearts after a series of devastating events that have left our family reeling,” Lester said.
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According to Lester, the dog attack her daughter was a victim of “was a terrifying and traumatic experience.”
Even though the child is now home, the mom said her “journey is far from over,” explaining, “She has several more doctor’s appointments, counseling and potentially more surgeries in the near future.”
Of the subsequent carjacking, Lester claimed the vehicle “was stolen from a local gas station.” The Grundy County Sheriff’s Office (GCSO) later arrested a man, Deondre Logan, in connection with the incident, authorities announced in a Facebook news release. While he was at a nearby hospital receiving aid before being booked, police said Logan “became combative and started to spit at deputies.”
After he was taken to the Grundy County Jail, Logan was charged with aggravated assault, possession of a stolen motor vehicle, aggravated fleeing/eluding a peace officer, resisting or obstructing a peace officer, reckless driving and speeding 35 mph or more over the posted speed limit. He also faces two McLean County warrants for burglary and the possibility of a stolen vehicle, as well as an Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) warrant for parole violation, police said. (Authorities did not respond to PEOPLE’s request for an update on Logan.)
Lester said her family started their GoFundMe campaign to get assistance during a difficult time.
“We are now in a position where we have no way to get our daughter to all of her future doctor appointments out of town. Coming off the holiday season, we find ourselves without the means to replace our car,” she wrote.
“We know that life is incredibly hard for everyone right now, but we have nowhere else to turn. We are simply trying to ensure our daughter can get the medical care she deserves so she can heal and feel safe again,” continued the mom.
“If you are able to donate, any amount — no matter how small — will go directly toward securing reliable transportation for our family,” Lester added. “If you cannot give, please consider sharing our story. Our little family appreciates your kindness, prayers and support more than words can say.”
The GoFundMe has a total goal of $4,500.
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