The family of the two injured girls told PEOPLE that the Mahomes “brought the first smile to their faces since tragedy struck”

Photo:Anna Bazan-Munguia

Patrick Mahomes and wife Brittany Mahomes are offering support to children wounded during the Kansas City Chief’s victory parade shooting.

On Wednesday, Lisa Lopez-Galvan was fatally shot and 23 others were injured Wednesday following the NFL team’s parade and rally in Kansas City, Missouri. Two of the young victims — sisters aged 8 and 10 — who were injured were related to Lopez-Galvan, a local DJ who died at 43.

Patrick, 28, and Brittany, 28, visited the two young girls at Children’s Mercy Hospital on Thursday, where they are recovering from respective surgeries after they were both shot in the legs, in what their family, the Reyes’, tells PEOPLE was a “senseless act” that has meant their daughters’ “lives have forever changed.”

“We are avid Chiefs fans and very proud of our home team through the highs and the lows. Madison and Melia’s lives have forever changed since Wednesday’s senseless act,” their statement began, before going on to explain the profound impact the shooting had on the two girls, as well as the joy brought by Patrick and Brittany’s visit — which saw the couple pose for sweet photos with Mario and Erika Reyes Jr. and their son Mario Ricardo Reyes III, 13, as well as daughters Madison “Madi” Rose Reyes, 10, and Melia Reese Reyes, 8.

Patrick and Brittany Mahomes visit Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City.Anna Bazan-Munguia

“In a time where they are traumatized, saddened, and worried, having a surprise appearance from Patrick and Brittany Mahomes brought the first smile to their faces since tragedy struck. Even though they will be wearing casts for several months they are excited to show loved ones that Patrick signed their cast,” the statement added.

The family continued, “We want to thank the Mahomes Family for being so kind, caring, and loving to our little ones and ask that the community please keep them in their prayers as they navigate life moving forward.”

Patrick and Brittany Mahomes visit Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City.Anna Bazan-Munguia

In a previous statement issued Friday to multiple outlets, including Fox affiliate WDAF-TV, ABC affiliate KMBC, and the Kansas City Star. the Reyes family updated the public on their daughters’ recovery, revealing that both are expected to remain in casts for several months.

“While we are relieved by their progress, the emotional healing continues for all of us,” the family said. “The girls were celebrating with many family members when they were senselessly injured. We kindly ask that you continue to keep our family and the other families affected in your thoughts and prayers.”

eople take cover during a shooting at Union Station during the Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl LVIII victory parade on February 14, 2024.Jamie Squire/Getty 

The earlier statement noted that an existing GoFundMe campaign has been set up to help cover the family’s medical expenses. “This fund will help provide vital financial support for their physical and mental recovery, any leftover funds will be saved for their college funds,” the campaign’s organizer, Katie Martinez, wrote on the site.

On Friday, Chiefs tight end, Travis Kelce, 34, made two separate $50,000 donations from his charity Eighty-Seven & Running to the page, and as of Saturday morning, more than $180,000 has been raised.

Meanwhile, the Reyes family also thanked Patrick, Brittany and Children’s Mercy Hospital “for their outpouring [of] care, love, and support,” per reports.

On Friday, Patrick and the Chiefs announced the creation KCStrong, a fund that will help support victims of the shooting and their families.

“Just like #ChiefsKingdom has always been there for me and my family, we want to be there for them,” the quarterback posted on X (formerly Twitter). “The @Chiefs have launched #KCStrong, an emergency response fund supporting victims and their families, violence prevention and mental health services, and first responders.”

“Please join me, Brittany and @15andMahomies to support and if you are able, donate here: http://chfs.me/KCStrong,” he concluded.