“My dad for sure has been my biggest role model,” August Dunn, 12 said. “Growing up my dad has always been my biggest role model and my best friend. He’s my motivation to get up every morning and he drives me to live even if he’s not here.”

Dunn spoke about the challenges he faces. “Mostly mentally you know, I have my own demons that I’m trying to face and handle by myself and I’m just trying to graduate. My mom having another heart attack, she has some heart issues and it’s scary most of the time.”