Hi everyone, it's Brandi, Nate's mom again. Today would have been Nate's 22nd bday (5/12). Instead he is for3ver 19. Life as we once knew it stopped when his heart did and we will never be the same. I can't help but to reflect today on how much life he had left to live, yet he impacted more people's life in his short time on earth than most ever will. His loving heart, passionate soul and beautiful mind left his mark on all that were lucky enough to be in his presence. The Nate Evans Love & Light Foundation continues to honor him and carry on his legacy. Since it's launch in December, the Foundation has given beanies to victims of violence, books to underserved youth, financial contributions to the Equal Justice Initiative, Mending Walls RVA and peaceful protests at W&M. Today, in honor of his 22nd bday, Nate's Love & Light contributed $2,222.22 to RISC (Richmonders Involved to Strengthen our Communities) for their overall work in the Richmond community, with an emphasis on reducing gun violence in the City.
I want to thank everyone within the W&M community (current students, alumni, etc.) that have contributed to his Foundation/GoFundMe and/or have rallied around my daughter and I to continue to show Nate's love through your kindness.
Today, I ask that you consider donating to his Foundation to keep the good work going. Another way you can help is by writing to the College asking that Nate's life be memorialized in some way on campus. For over two years I've been told that "they" were discussing how best to honor him and his positive impact on campus and still NOTHING has been done. A $50K donation was made in Nate's name to the Football scholarship program, but most people are unaware of it. I have attempted many times to hold administration accountable to put action to their words, but have come up empty. Please, please if you could take a few moments and write to President Rowe and Interim AD Martin, it would mean so much to me and those around campus that continue to seek this memorial.
President Rowe: karowe@wm.edu
Interim AD Martin: jpmartin@wm.edu
I could go on and on about Nate's journey as well as my own experiences with W&M administration since his tragic death, but in the end, all I really want is to honor him, carry on his legacy and to ensure mental health, substance use and concussion related issues are properly addressed so that no other student, student-athlete or parent suffer. We can not be silent and we can not act alone. WE are One Tribe!
With love and gratitude,
Brandi Evans
https://www.nateloveandlightfoundation.org/