Athena Strand’s Army By Mommy

06/10/2026

I went to the post office today to check the PO Box 😬 we had 3 checks in there totaling $105.00. Every check was dated prior to the end of May. Bringing the total as of the end of May to $10,422.57, with the $11,200 I donated making the grand total $21,622.57. (Ya know, if my math is mathing).

For the month of June 2026, a total between cashapp and Venmo, $1,035.74* has been donated.

Don’t forget, in the next few weeks we will have the tshirts and bracelets ready. This is a fundraiser hosted by the nonprofit and every penny raised goes right into the nonprofit! Make sure you’re following this page closely in the next couple of weeks if you are interested in buying a t-shirt or bracelets 💝 Trust me when I say you will DEFINITELY want a t-shirt or 2! They are stinking adorable 😭🥰 Well.. maybe just to me because I designed them 🤷🏼‍♀️ I want to also make it very clear, I do not benefit financially from the nonprofit and neither does any of the board members or volunteers. Every penny donated and raised goes into growing the nonprofit, senior scholarships, and helping families in their darkest moments.

Again, and I really can’t say this enough, thank you to every single person that donates, shares/likes/comments on our posts, shares Athena’s story, and supports this nonprofit. And thank you to everyone that has believed and trusted in me. I cannot verbalize how much every one of you mean to me 💝

06/09/2026

One thing I didn't mention in tonight's story, but wanted to share.

Before our interview with Maitlyn Presley Gandy, several of the Texas Rangers who worked 's case met privately with her.

They brought her a gift.

Their badges--melted down and forged into a metal cross.

Not something requested. Not something expected.

Just a gesture from investigators who spent critical and tireless moments helping a family navigate the darkest chapter of their lives.

A reminder that Athena's case was never just another file on a desk.

Tonight, after game 3 of the NBA Finals, you'll hear Maitlyn's story in her own words.

It's the first time she's sat down to talk at length about the trial, the verdict, the grief that remains, and the legacy she's building through Athena Strand’s Army By Mommy.

And once it airs, I'll post our full unedited interview here for anyone who wants to watch the entire conversation.

06/09/2026

06/06/2026

Numbers are in: total donations from the public launch of the nonprofit until the end of May 2026 is $10,317.57 plus my donation of $11,200.00 brings us to a grand total of $21,517.57
Thank you all for your dedication and continued support 💝

05/25/2026

As of at this very moment, since the start of accepting donations for Athena Strand’s Army nonprofit, $8,685.84 has been received in donations 💝

And given Athena would have been 11 and I have 2 daughters, I have donated $11,200.00 to the nonprofit. My math isn’t great, but that’s just under $20,000.00.

I said I’d match, and I stand by my word. If donations go over what I’ve already donated, I will continue to match until 5/31/2026.

This year, we awarded 5 seniors between Paradise public schools and Comanche public schools $1,000.00 scholarships ($5,000.00).

We will continue to raise money, find well causes to help those in their darkest moments, and continue to grow the nonprofit. None of this would have been possible without all of you loving Athena and believing in me. Thank you from the bottom of my heart 💝

05/22/2026

Update time: We have the t-shirts and bracelets ordered! We will be taking orders around mid June!

There will be three T-shirt design options and I can’t wait to show you them as soon as they’re ready 🤍 I ordered sizes ranging in size from adult small to adult 5X

The bracelets- we will have 2 options for bracelets, both coming in adult size and youth size. The first design is the original and the second design will say “Athena Strand’s Army”. All bracelets are a silicone band. 

Hope to take orders and get them to you soon 🤍 thank you to everyone who has supported the nonprofit and made everything we are doing possible 💝

✨ yes, shipping will be offered ✨

05/21/2026

I make this face a lot. It’s my “don’t cry, don’t cry, don’t cry.” “Stop crying, stop crying” face. It looks very mean in photos but it’s just me internally fighting myself. Y’all can make fun of me, I do. I hate very few things but crying in front of people is definitely towards the top of my list. I’m sorry my face makes faces 😅