The story of four siblings who lost their mother just weeks before Christmas inspired thousands of people to donate money so her children could have a better future.
The family's plight gained widespread attention after a heartbreaking Ring doorbell video of eldest child Micah, who lost his mother, Sheneice Simms, just weeks before the holidays, went viral and wished his neighbors a “Merry Christmas.”
In the clip, recorded around 6.30pm on Christmas Day, Micah is seen ringing the doorbell at his neighbour's front door, only to be informed by an automated answering machine that no one was home.
Asked to leave a message, he adorably replies, 'Merry Christmas! That's all I have to say. I wanted to make myself happier by coming out and saying Merry Christmas. My mother passed away a few weeks ago. That's all I had to say: Merry Christmas. I like the decorations on your door.”
A boy named Micah went to his neighbors' front door to wish them a Merry Christmas in an attempt to cheer himself up in the wake of his mother's death.
That same evening, Micah's neighbor Sharon Gonzalez posted the video on her Facebook
It didn't take long for Sharon's post to go viral. After contacting Micah's aunt Sherell Ferrer, she linked to a GoFundMe to raise money to support the children in the future
That same evening, the neighbor, Sharon Gonzalez, posted the clip with a short note on her personal Facebook page.
“This young boy knocked on my door today while we were out,” she wrote alongside the video.
'I don't know him, but his message broke my heart.
“First of all, I want to say Merry Christmas to you too, and I'm sorry for the loss of your mother. I know what it's like not to have your loved ones with you during the holidays.'
“I know you said you do this to feel happy, but you made me happy too,” her note ended.
The post soon started going viral, with many saying they were touched by the video – and would love to help the boy's family.
Just a few days later, Sharon updated the post and explained that she had found Micah's aunt Sherell Ferrer. With that, Sharon linked to a GoFundMe to raise money for the children of Sheneice in the aftermath of their loss, as well as for their children Amazon Wishlist.
The GoFundMe summary further explained that the mother, Sheneice Simms, had “passed away unexpectedly” on November 29 at the age of 33, “leaving behind four young children who now face a future without their beloved mother.”
The cause of her death is unknown.
Micah's mother Sheneice Simms passed away on November 29, 2023 at the age of 33, leaving behind four children along with other family members.
Sheneice's cause of death was not disclosed by her surviving family
Contributors to the family's GoFundMe shared their condolences for eldest son Micah and his siblings following the recent loss of their mother
“Sheneice was the heart and soul of her family, a devoted mother who worked tirelessly to provide for her children. Her sudden departure has left a void that can never be filled, and the grief the children are experiencing is immeasurable,” the message continued.
In the less than a week since its inception, GoFundMe has raised nearly $150,000 from nearly 5,000 donors so far — with several people making individual donations of $1,000.
The comments left behind the donations expressed heartfelt wishes for the children of Sheneice, with many emphasizing that they were touched by the video of Micah wishing the Gonzalez family a Merry Christmas.
“Sending you all my condolences, love and prayers. May God be with your family, comfort you and grant you peace during this difficult time,” one person wrote.
'The world needs more people like Micah. You guys are going to be okay,” a second offered.
'I saw the video on IG and was immediately in tears. This young man seems to have such a kind, gentle heart and I pray that God blesses him and his siblings. While I haven't lost a parent, I know what it's like to lose loved ones around the holidays and the lasting void it causes. I hope these children feel loved and cared for and can find peace in knowing that their mother did her best to raise them. God bless!' a third agreed.
A fourth added: 'To the children of this family you are loved by many. Your mother's spirit is with all of you. May God continue to shower you with His love and grace!'