I am so very,very sorry for your loss--I know it must be so much more than words can ever say or your heart can ever express----but thank you from the bottom of my heart for all you are doing for the other "Kaitlyns" out there.......even if it only made ONE person think twice and pick up that sleeping baby instead of leave her/him in the car, it would be worth it.But, your message is heard and I am sure many, many people will think twice. Thank you also for mentioning keeping the cars locked so they cannot get trapped in them--this is one thing I do not do--although I am vigilant in all other ways.
God Bless You,
Amy, mother of fourHello,
My name is Maggie and I have 2 daughters.... I am interested in passing out some purple ribbons for you. My girls are my everything to me and I'd love to be part of an organization like this.. I am so very sorry for your loss... Kaitlyn is beautiful!!!! I live in Murrieta and would like to find out what I need to do to get some purple ribbons and give them out to my friends and family.... I read an article in the paper about the story and it just touched my heart... like I said my girls are the world and I'd do anything to keep them safe...I'd love to help!!! Please let me know what I need to do ... thank you so much... have a nice day.....
Maggie
Murrieta, CAJust last week I noticed all of the purple ribbons going up around our area. I knew exactly what they signified and told my 5 year old daughter about Kaitlyn, and what I'd heard about her story. Having four children of my own I know how tempting it is to leave them in the car while "I just run in," and I have to admit I've done it before. Yesterday I loaded up the kids for one of the few trips I've taken with them all since the birth of my fourth child, now three months old today, to Sam's Club. When I pulled into the parking stall, as normal I took out my 3 year old, and the 4 & 5 year olds got out on their own. After I strapped my 3 year old in the shopping cart, I went around the other side of the car to get my baby. I locked the car with my remote, since it was the last door to shut, and set my belongings down on the car seat, including the keys. I noticed the lady in the car next to me trying to back out. I figured since I had to put my Snugli on anyway I would be kind enough to shut my door for her. Not realizing until after she pulled away, that I had just locked my 3 month old baby in the car. I panicked, I turned around and noticed an employee pushing some carts in and asked him if they had a Slim Jim, he casually walked into the store to check. Luckily the lady in the car parked on the other side of me saw my distress and told me she would watch my kids while I ran in to call 911. I knew it was an emergency and I didn't have much time to figure something out, but this woman bless her soul, demanded I get in the store and call 911 immediately. Without hesitation I did, and beat the employee back by at least 2 minutes. By this time the baby was crying, so I knew he was okay at that point, I kept checking on him feeling so terrible for what a stupid thing I had done. Then we finally heard sirens, when I looked in again, he was not crying, just laying there. I wanted to break that window so bad, but had nothing to break it with and I knew help was just around the corner. When the fire truck pulled up there was Kaitlyn and her message right there on the side of the door. The firemen got him out within less than a minute, and he was fine, just very exhausted and drenched with sweat. I figured he had to have been in there for ten minutes at the most, but it felt like a lot longer. I know that had he been in just five minutes more, it could have been serious, and even though this was just an accident, I feel it was the closest I could have ever come to losing one of my children without any consequences to them. I am so lucky for everyone's quick responses and help.
I felt very compelled to share this story with your organization and to the mother of Kaitlyn, to let you know what an inspiration you are to me. I don't understand what makes me so different than you, why you lost your precious Kaitlyn, and by my own stupidity and foolishness, my son is just fine. I know Kaitlyn was left under more extreme circumstances, but I don't know how I would forgive myself if something had happened to Cole. I think it is amazing how someone has the spirit, strength, and will not only to move forward after such a tragedy as Kaitlyn's, but to turn it into such a powerful example for others. I think what your organization is doing is awesome and I would be honored to volunteer my time to do anything I can to spread the message. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help. Thank you so much for taking the time to read my story.
Sincerely,
Nickole Solis
Corona, CALaura,
Yesterday I went to the post office on my lunch, I was wearing one of the lapel ribbons and the bracelet, the clerk asked me what they represented. When I explained to her, she thanked me for getting the very important message out. That made me feel like I was really making a difference. I just want to thank you for the wonderful message/reminder you are sending out to all the parents/caregivers.
Again, thank you for doing such a great job for such a wonderful cause!
LC
Modesto, CAHi Tammy,
I just left the Moms Club meeting where you spoke. It must be very heartbreaking to have to keep discussing Kaitlyn's tragic death, but through it you are making a huge difference. It is so wonderful that you channel your energy into creating awareness so no one else has to go through what you have.
Thank you very much.
Robyn
Corona, CAHello,
I looked up Kaitlyn's Law because I seen purple bows along the entire block of Frito-Lays in Ontario, CA. My heart poured out at the stories. This is a wonderful organization and I will send this site to as many people as I can for more awareness.
God BlessHi there....
I am very pleased at this years participation. The hospital I work at has purple ribbons throughout the hospital and completely covering the campus trees and such, I even have some of the ambulance people wearing them! I have had so many people at work ask what it is about and I am so pleased to tell them. My church also has ribbons all around the property after I launched an email off to the children's pastor. My kids have been wearing ribbons to school and now the teachers are wearing them also. It just get's better every year. I hope that these ribbons will make a difference, even saving just one life would be wonderful. Thank you so much for allowing me to be a part of such an awesome program.
Sincerely,
Shannon ScarbroughMy name is Barbara Clark. I am a mother of 3 children and I would like to volunteer my help with purple ribbon month. My family and I were very touched and saddened by your story of the unfortunate loss of your beautiful daughter Kaitlyn. I am very, very sorry. I will keep you all in my prayers. My ten year old son and seven year old daughter are also very interested in helping in any way they can. We were at Costco one day and you had a booth set up, passing out flyers,stickers and licence plate frames. They asked me all about what happened and after I explained it to them, they were very sad for your family. After I got a flyer in my bilI, I mentioned to them about the purple ribbon month and they told me contact you right away so we can help. So please contact me at your convienience. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Barbara Clark
Riverside, CAI just wanted to say thank you for getting this message out to people. It makes my heart ache every time I hear another story on the news of a child being left in a car. I first heard about your website last year after another tragic news story that occurred in Lancaster. We requested flyers and brochures last year and placed purple ribbons everywhere. We even made a ton of purple ribbons for everyone to where. We wore them everywhere we went including to a large seminar. People were asking all day what the purple ribbon was for and we made sure to inform them about Kaitlyn's story and Kaitlyn's law. I work for a large medical group called Lakeside and we have our corporate office, five medical offices and are about to open a sixth in August. Our offices are in Glendale, Burbank, North Hollywood, Van Nuys, Mission Hills, and Santa Clarita. We are looking forward to August again this year, to try and get the word out and hopefully make a difference. The pediatricians in all of our offices love to be involved with purple ribbon month and make sure that their patients parents know the law. I will be sending over an order form for more flyers this year, but I just wanted to make sure you knew that I think it is wonderful what you've been able to accomplish. I was also wondering if you have any clip art for purple ribbon month that you could e-mail to me. My corporate office would like to post a notice regarding purple ribbon month on our website mylmadoctor.com. Thank you,
Suzan
Dear Laura,
Thank you so much for giving us the opportunity to share your message. I have 2 young children myself and cannot imagine the pain of losing them. Hearing from you, specifically, has touched my heart. The poster with Kaitlyn's picture is hanging in my children's daycare center. Your beautiful little angel caught my attention immediately, and the message was imprinted in my mind. Your familys' strength and ability to turn a tragedy into something of benefit to others is so admirable. Thanks again. Sincerely,
AngieI live in Corona, CA, and a day or two before the first of August, I began to see purple ribbons all over trees and light posts, and my three children and I began to attempt to uncover the mystery of the purple ribbons! We had all sorts of strange ideas, but the mystery ended when we saw a lady tying a purple ribbon to a tree and pulled over to ask her about it. She told us, gave us a piece of paper with Kaitlyn's story on it, and handed me a purple ribbon. I brought it home, tore it up into strips, and tied the strips to my two trees out front and to the antennas on mine, and my husbands cars. What you are doing is WONDERFUL!!!! I have had many conversations with my kids about the dangers of heat, cold, abduction, accidents, etc...all because of a purple ribbon reminder. I admit, I have been in the position where it was easier to leave my kids in the car, rather than drag them all out, and load them all back up. I'm lucky nothing's ever happened! I will NEVER, EVER do it again...shoes or no shoes, they're all going in with me! Thank you for the reminder, and please take comfort in knowing that you WILL see your beloved daughter again...in much more beautiful surroundings! Cathy Jones
Corona, CAPlease let me know if volunteers are still needed to put ribbons up. It is wonderful to see how they are up all over Corona, even on my street this year. I will be picking some up for my cars, and even mine and my mom's front porches. Tammy Russell (and family) is an amazing person, we admire her strength and dedication! Thank you,
Tricia HernandezHi, My name is Kellie Walden. I remember reading about your story 3 years ago. I remember my initial reaction, and I was horrified. My son was just 18 months old. When I moved to Corona the following year, I noticed the magnets and billboards and remembered your story. I have checked out the website before, and looked at all the beautiful pictures of Kaitlyn. Your family has always been in our prayers, but it never really "hit" me until today. I took my boys to the library for Story Time with Mr. Z. My oldest son, age 4, went in with a friend as my 22 month old is just too busy to sit still. Connor came out with a purple ribbon, and my friend told me the story. She had mentioned that Kaitlyn's older siblings were there and so was her Grandma. I was so touched when I got to my car that I sat and wept. I explained to my 4 year old that a little baby was up in heaven now to look after all of us, and that is why he got a purple ribbon. We put our ribbons in the bag with our books, because we were going to lunch and I did not want them to lose them. I took the boys to McDonald's and they played and had a great time. As we finished, we went inside for an ice cream, and I noticed someone standing behind me with a purple ribbon. She had a very familiar face, but being in the MOMS Club, I find that sometimes. I noticed that her ribbon had a little angel on it, and it hit me that it was Tammy. I felt so in awe, and almost star-struck. I wanted to introduce myself, and let her know how much I appreciate everything she has done. I gave her a smile, but could not find the words to express what I wanted to say. As we sat and had our ice cream, she again passed by us, and again, all I could do was smile, and look at my sweet boys and thank God for them. When we walked to our car, we saw the picture of Kaitlyn on the car, and Connor asked if that was the baby in Heaven. I told him that was her, and when we got in the car, Connor asked if she was and angel now. I said, "Yes, Connor, she is a precious angel now in Heaven." So, Tammy, if you are reading this, I would like you to know that I think you are amazing! Your smile as you looked at your children playing melted my heart. I wish I could have said something, but just know that your family has been in my prayers for years, and will continue to be in our prayers. Connor asked me all the way home why the little baby girl was in Heaven. All I could say is that God needed her to help him save other babies. God Bless and Thank you.
Sincerely,
Kellie WaldenI just read your baby girl, Kaitlyn's story and now I'm in tears. I'm only 15 years old, but I absolutely love children and can't imagine any child having to suffer like that. I am so glad that you have turned this absolutely terrible tragedy into a good thing, so that no other innocent little angels will have to suffer like Kaitlyn did. She's in Heaven, looking down at her mommy, daddy, and siblings, and is so proud that she has touched so many lives. I read about the purple ribbon campaign and would love to pass out pictures and ribbons to increase awareness. Please let me know if my family and I can help out in any way. I hope you and your family are doing well. God Bless You All,
Casey Milleson
Fremont, NCHello,
I just came across your website and as a new Mom to a now 6 month old little girl I was crushed to read your story. Kaitlyn was a beautiful little girl and I am so sorry for your loss. I absolutely could not imagine it. I have not viewed the entire website but have found what I have seen very useful and informative. I have also emailed a link to your site to all of my family and friends. I would like to volunteer during purple ribbon month. I am a stay at home Mom and would love to put purple ribbons wherever you'd like me to. I live in San Marcos, CA which is approx. 30 miles north of San Diego. Please let me know if I can help. Sincerely,
Michele Smith
San Marcos, CAI have seen the purple ribbons around Corona, I have seen the billboard off the 15 freeway and I have seen the white SUV with Kaitlyn's picture. I followed it today to drop my children (3 boys, ages 11, 9 and 8) off at Ben Franklin Elementary and I noticed the website on the back window. I cried as I read Kaitlyn's story and the other personal stories. I have never been a parent who leaves her children in a car unattended and I fired a babysitter who did just that when my middle son was 3 or 4. She left him in her car when she "ran in the store real quick". She said it was because he was sleeping. I got a call at work from a lady from Child Protective Services. She was off duty, and had observed the babysitter go into the store. She watched my child for TWENTY minutes and then she approached him. The babysitter came out and the lady from CPS demanded my work number. When I got the call at work, she said she had looked at his ID bracelet for his name. My stomach turned when I found out she was able to touch him! Fine, the windows were down, but what would have happened if she had not been who she was? My baby could have been kidnapped! I left work immediately and fired her.
What I want to thank you for is for your ongoing crusade to inform those who think "a few minutes won't hurt", because it can. Thank you! Christina Layne
Mother of 3
Corona, CAI am a first time mom of a beautiful baby girl, Alexandria Jaymes born July 23, 2002. I was looking for a particular baby product online and came across this tragic story of Kaitlyn Marie Russell. Her story has brought me to tears and I have gone in to kiss my baby and tell her I love her. My heart goes out to Kaitlyn's family. I see on your calendar of events the month of August is a purple ribbon month. I would love to help with the distribution of them. I am willing to tie ribbons all around San Diego. Please let me know if I can help in any way. I have never volunteered like this. I honestly don't think anything has touched me so much. My thoughts and prayers are with the Russell family. Carol Macarty
Mommy to 6 month old Alexandria
San Diego, CADear Laura,
My preschool has an enrollment of about 80 students. I will count on you to send an appropriate amount of flyers, posters, etc. for this number of students. I know that your campaign will remind and encourage parents to be more thoughtful in their daily actions concerning their children. Thank you for this wonderful service to our country. My heart goes out to you and your family for your loss and for your courage! I know that God blesses you and encourages your crusade here on earth as Kaitlyn plays blissfully at His feet in Heaven. You are in my prayers. Thank you!
Through Christ,
Whitney Yoder
Fairview, NCTammy- I stopped you in the parking lot today at Crossroads Church and we chatted briefly about your story and how you encouraged my friend to change babysitters due to her baby sitter leaving her daughter in the car while she runs errands. I just want you to know that what you are doing is accomplishing something. Everyone who sees your billboards every day must stop and think, and if one of the thousands of people who see the billboards every day reminds someone not to leave their child in the car, you have done them a great service. Thank you for taking on this great cause, and bringing awareness to something that is flat out child abuse. My husband and I get a heavy heart everytime we see Kaitlyn's smiling face on the 15 freeway. I would never leave my child for a second, but everytime I see Kaitlyn, it reminds me how lucky I am and to love my daughter even more than the day before. I hope to see you around Crossroads. Thanks again for your story. -Diana Carlstrom
Corona, CAHi Laura and Tammy:
Jules (my grand daugher) and I just got done 60 mail boxes in our immediate neighborhood and palm trees from Van Buren to Jackson on Indiana....(in Riverside). What positive responses- we received from people asking what we were doing. It just made us feel so good. Pro Heating and Air is all set up with ribbons waiting for volunteers. I have Katilyns picture up in the lobby with lapel ribbons and the 75 inch ribbons. Gals from work have began taking them into their neighborhoods and all of us began wearing our lapel ribbons on August 1st. Canyon Hills Juniors have been coming by and picking ribbon up to get out into their neighborhoods. I just received an e mail from a San Clemente Junior that wants me to get her 500 ribbons ...their street fair and kids health fair all begin August10th so they will distribute the ribbons at both functions. Anaheim Hills has a concert at a local park next week where Juniors will hand out ribbons to local residents.... So we are on our way. Thank you for allowing us into your life and being part of your worthwhile quest. Love and friendship
Christy Huhn
Orange District Emphasis Chairperson
4 R Kids Sake ProjectHi, Laura . . .
Just wanted to let you know that a picture of Kaitlyn was on our local news last night. At the start of the newscast they put a thermometer in the front window of a car parked in full sun - we've been having 100 degree weather. After 20 minutes they went back to the car and the thermometer showed 180 degrees, and stressed to not leave children or pets in a hot car, and to be sure to lock parked cars because kids think they are a great place to play. They referred to your foundation and Kaitlyn's story. Just thought you'd want to know.
Hope all is going well with you. Take care.
Vicki
Kern County, CATammy:
I met you at the women's retreat and wanted to thank you for your note. I read Kaitlyn's story on your web site and understand where your grief is coming from. No wonder your heart is broken. I'm glad I could ask about such a beautiful little girl and could see a photo of her. I'm so proud of you for taking such grief and translating it into purpose. You are a powerful advocate and I'm proud to have met you. Thank you for making this world a safer place for our children. I hope our paths cross again in the future. Keep up the great work!
Love,
Kathy Collard Miller
Indio, CA
http://www.KathyCollardMiller.comHi Laura,
I saw you Monday at the CPS Media Event in Costa Mesa. I was there with my little boy, Andrew, the redhead. We first met at the Safety Belt Safe USA check-up in Pasadena. After seeing you and your daughter on Monday, I went online to your site to see what your latest events were and how I could help. The Albertson's card is a great idea, an easy way to help. Albertson's is our local store here in our neighborhood, and many of my friends shop there too. I was thinking of bringing it up at my next MOMS club meeting to see if any of them would be interested. I will contact you if I get any takers.
I am very much impressed by you and your daughter's courage and strength after enduring such a tragedy. Not many could step forward and do as much as you have done. God bless you and your entire family.
Christine Ford
Tustin, CASubject: Tears for you
I am sitting here at my computer so moved by your message and so filled with sorrow for you. My daughter Kaylie was born on the same day as your daughter, Feb 8, 2000. We also live in Corona. I saw a license plate frame last night with your web address on it and I was very curious. I am always interested in reading about ways to help children be safe. How can I get a license plate frame? I would like to help advertise child safety on behalf of your beautiful angel.
God Bless,
Kara Jacobs
Corona, CA
Hi Tammy, I met you and your mother at the car seat re-certification class at LLUMC last Friday. I wanted to let you know that we have placed Kaitlyns' poster in our Emergency room, Pediatric clinic, OB clinic, NST clinic, Pediatric unit, OB unit, Intensive care nursery, and my classroom. My Nursing Administrator approved 100% . Thank you for sharing, and please know, you are making a difference.
Thanks again.
Sincerely,
Nancy Peck RNC, CCE
Clinical Nurse Educator
RCRMC Birthing Center
Tammy, I don't know if you remember me, my name is Mia, I am a facilitator for the M. I. S. S. Foundation & I lost my daughter, Vanessa because of malpractice. I just wanted to tell you that on my way home from work (I am a nurse) I see 2 billboards with Kaitlyn's picture on them. Her picture caught my attention as I remember seeing it on this site. I want to thank you again for all you are doing for children's safety, I can assure you that I will NEVER leave my 3 surviving children (ages 7, 6 & 5 ) in the car. Thanks again (((HUGS))) Mia-
Mom to:
Vanessa 12/21/93-12/29/93
Alexis-7, Trenton-6, Gavin-5
Vanessa's Memorial:To the Family of Kaitlyn,
I am deeply saddened to hear of your loss. I have a 5 year old, a 2 year old and a 6 month old. It truly rips my heart apart to think we could all be victim's to such an unnecessary, and preventable crime. I was recently approached by Kaitlyn's grandmother in the parking lot at the Corona Post office on California Street. As I was buckling up my girls, she got out of her SUV and walked over to me. She said this might sound strange, but she had something to tell me. She told me she was so happy to see me take my 3 girls into the post office with me, and that she knows how hard it is to do that. I found it odd that somebody would say that, and I said to her, "What else am I suppose to do with them?". Then she told me your heart breaking story. I was shocked to say the least. You hear about awful things like this on television, but you rarely meet somebody whose life has been altered by such a tragedy. I haven't stopped thinking about that day in the parking lot, when I met Kaitlyn's grandmother. As odd as it was to have her approach me, and to "praise" me for taking my children inside with me, I hope she never stops doing that. Because she left a lasting impression on me, which I have shared with all of my family and friends. I will be stopping by Albertson's tomorrow to request a bunch of Community Partners cards, to pass out to all of our neighbors. We want to help you. God Bless you.
Merry Christmas,
Tammy
Chip, Tammy, Kylie, Madison & Ashley Soltis
Corona, CAI just wanted to say that I'm thinking of you and cannot imagine the pain that you go through daily. I live in Iowa where a Perry woman is on trial for leaving her baby in a hot vehicle all day while at work. I drove 5 blocks that day with my windows up and no air on to see what a brief second of that would feel like. I have a 18 month old and I could not imagine forgetting him in my car. Praying for you and your family!
Amber Wallace
Monroe, IAI just wanted to let you know that you had such a beautiful daughter. When I first saw a picture of her I could'nt believe how much she looks like my little girl. She's 19 mos. old now. Congratulations to you and your family on what you have done and accomplished. Kaitlyn must be so proud of her mommy right now knowing she is saving lives of other children!! Everytime I take my daughter Emma somewhere and I turn the car off, I think of Kaitlyn, and I will ALWAYS remember to get her out. God Bless You, and just remember that your little Kaitlyn is in the best hands right now!! Lori Rettinger
Murrieta, CACongratulations for all your hard work. Tears came to my eyes when I read your e-mail. Praise you and your family for all your endeavors and bless your baby daughter now and always! Christy Huhn
Riverside, CAHi Tammy,
My name is Joanna Holt. I'm from Bay City, Texas. I read the following article in my local paper and felt a calling to do something about preventing children from dying in vehicles. Unfortunately, in south Texas, it is a common occurrence to hear about a child being left in a car and dying. It sickens me and I can just feel my heart breaking. (HEB employee prevents harm to child) My heart just aches for you and your loss. I think what you are doing is absolutely wonderful. I was just in tears reading "Kaitlyn's story." God Bless you and your family. I am so frustrated from hearing these heart breaking stories that I have decided to start a volunteer group called "moms on patrol." I am in the very early stages of starting this, but have decided to start this weekend by patrolling the local parking lots looking for children left in cars. I hope I can influence others to do the same. Even if someone can take a half hour of their day to go through a mall parking lot, or even if I can just help raise awareness so if someone sees a child in a car, they will contact the authorities, and we can save one life, it will be worth it. It's not much, but it's a start. Sincerely,
Joanna Holt
Bay City, TXI commend you on the work you have done to pass this law. I am, however, regretful that it took a tragic way of coming about. I am positive that people will realize the dangers of leaving their child in an unattended vehicle. I just wanted you to know that I personlly support you and will let everyone I come into contact with know about your proposed law so this never happens again!!!!!! God bless you.
The Hills
Kailua, HII was referred to your web site some time ago by my father. he lives a couple of houses away from Kaitlyn's grandparents. I am very sorry for your loss. As a mother of two, I can't possibly imagine losing one of my children. Your strength and focus to set up an organization to prevent this from happening again is an inspiration for all mothers, fathers, and grandparents.
With deepest sympathy,
Vicki Underwood
Henderson, NVI think of you and your family often. I must say that I am one of those mothers that has left my children in the car "just for a second" while I ran inside. I know this is wrong but, with 3 it seems so overwhelming to take them all out. After meeting you and hearing of your tragedy...I promised myself NOT to practice this dangerous habit ever again. It is worth the hassle! I'm sure it is 100x more difficult to plan a funeral than to take the extra time for child safety.
Kim Case
Yorba Linda, CATammy,
I just wanted to thank you for coming and speaking last night at our group. I was almost not going to go because my daughter's name is Kaitlynn Alyce and she is 7 months old. I had felt bad because my daughter was here and yours was not, but I had talked to Laurie (our Executive Director) and she told me to come because you were doing this for your daughter Kaitlyn, in her memory. I do not know what you are going through, but I can relate to almost losing a child. I almost lost my little girl, because when she was born she was born with heart problems and she had to have open heart surgery when she was 4 days old. I have had her in and out of the hospital since she was born and she just recently had her 2nd surgery in November. She had to have another one because she was having a hard time breathing and was turning blue more than she should have. I almost lost her a few times and I am very thankful I have not. I will be praying for you and your family for strength and will power, God Bless. I thank you again for coming and opening my eyes to the dangers of leaving my child, or anyone else's, in the car alone for any length of time. Yours truly,
Kristin Rothfuss
Lake Elsinore, CAI want to wish you luck in all of your future endeavors with regard to Kaitlyn's Law. How wonderful to know that out of such a horrific tragedy, an organization so important should emerge and ultimately save the lives of so many. Tammy's promise to Kaitlyn was kept the very first time that someone heard her story and changed her mind about leaving her child in the car while she went into the store, or the bank, etc. She has made a difference! And I hope that she can take some comfort in knowing that. I know I have been forever touched by her story, and the efforts of your organization to spread this message of awareness. Please know that Kaitlyn is always in my prayers. I was at a local department store not long ago, and parked next to a car that occupied 5 to 7 children ranging in age from infant (in a car seat) to about 10 years old. Unattended in the car while their parent/caregiver was shopping in the store. I was absolutely dumbfounded. Some tragedies are not "accidents" at all, but are born of bad judgement and stupidity. I hope your organization will play a big part in changing scenarios like this one.
My best to you and your family. I hope to someday meet you all. Katrina Shedden
Burbank, CAWhen I heard your story on the news I just cried. I am so sad to think of the tragedy that happened to you and your baby. Your little girl has such a resemblance to my daughter who was just born on August 29th, 2000, Rachel. I thank you for speaking out about your loss, as it has brought such important awareness to an incident that people could easily take for granted.
My prayers are with you and your little angel in heaven. . .
Sincerely,
Heidi
Thousand Oaks, CAEarlier today I caught the end of a story on the news where the Mother of Kaitlyn Russell was just ending the tragic story of the loss of her daughter. I was holding my 1 year old daughter in my arms at the time and just the site of my baby's face after this story made me skip a breath. I am very aware of the serious problem we have when so many children are dying each year so needlessly.
I just logged on to your website, and seeing Kaitlyn's picture, I am moved again beyond words. I can't begin to imagine a loss this great. I just know I need to be a part of the movement to get the word out about these senseless and AVOIDABLE tragedies. In Kaitlyn's memory, I am requesting whatever flyers you can send me to distribute in my community. A small gesture that I can only hope will have a big impact on the people that read them.
I have had thoughts on this subject in the past, and have an idea for auto makers about a sort of "car seat/seatbelt sensor" that would sound an alarm when the car is turned off if there are any seatbelts that are still fastened. In an effort to remind the driver of silent or sleeping backseat passengers. Similar to the alarm that sounds in some cars when you have forgotten to turn your headlights off. Perhaps someone has already suggested something similar. But I have no idea what steps to take to get my idea heard where it would do any good. If you have any suggestions, I would gladly hear them. I don't know how much of an impact a product like this would have on the amount of these types of deaths each year. . .but I know this. . . I never forget to turn off my headlights, because my car won't let me.
Please relay this message to Kaitlyn's mother: I am so very sorry for her loss. Her precious baby girl is most beautiful and my heart and prayers are with her and her family. I want to help.
Mother of daughters, Bronte & Zoe
Katrina Shedden
Burbank, CAI have followed the story of your daughter in the news, and saw the follow up article this weekend. Thank you for trying to make something good happen out of your loss. It takes an unimaginable amount of strength and courage to do what you are doing. I am going to share your web site with the members of a mom's bulletin board I frequent, whose kids are all just now starting to walk. I am the mom of a 12 month old boy. I hope that your story will touch them and make them very conscious of the dangers that we don't always think about.
God bless you and your work
Michele McPherson
Moreno Valley CAI am so stunned and so moved by this story that I must write in to tell you how I feel about this tragedy. I am a licensed child care provider in Montana. I care for 6 children, including my 4-year-old daughter still at home. I also have 3 school aged children to raise as well. I normally have 3 infants and 2 children 2 years and older. With this many children, it gets very busy. I often have to transport to various activities and even to bring my daughter to preschool two days a week. Never once have I ever forgotten a child in my suburban nor have I ever mis-counted a one. With all the kidnappings and car jackings that occur in our nation, how could anyone leave a little child in a carseat even for a moment, non the less in the heat of California? This has got to be one of the most careless actions ever committed by a sitter. I myself could never forget one child or even think I could leave them for one minute. Something must be done to stop this from ever happening again.
To Tammy Russell: I cannot help but shed a tear for you and your family. I hope it gives you peace to know you will get to see little Kaitlyn again someday, in the kingdom of heaven.
Joanne Speer
Florence, MTHi Tammy,
I was very moved when I saw the story on the news about you and your daughter. First off my heart totally goes out to you for your loss. It is amazing what happens in life and what we do about it afterwards to make a difference. I totally commend you in taking a stand on this and boldly going forward with awareness of this matter to spread to others.
I happened to witness a similiar situation taking place that caused me to act on it myself a couple of weeks ago. I wrote the local newspaper about it, "The Orange County Register." It was so coincendental that just a couple of weeks ago I wrote the very thing you are taking a stand on. See the attached letter I wrote. (Note: Letter can be found in the "Personal Stories" section of our web site.)
Thank you for helping the community in awareness. I am sorry it took such a tragedy, but I know you will be comforted in knowing in your heart you are helping others to prevent the same loss. God bless you.
Sincerely,
Patricia Jeffress
Mission Viejo, CAThank you, Tammy, for putting your energy into trying to prevent the tragedy, that has befallen you and your family, from happening to anyone else. Having had the joy of knowing your little Kaitlyn, our daughter Rheta, sent me a copy of your flyer. Being a mother of seven, with twelve grandchildren, I immediately sent your web address to all those who might benefit from it. Although heat is not generally a factor here in New Hampshire, the other dangers you warned of are ever present everywhere. Please accept our love and prayers for your whole family.
Sincerely,
Bette Ramsey, NHI picked up one of your flyers from my son's daycare which brought me to your site. Upon reading Kaitlyn's story, I wept to myself. Being a mother of an infant son myself, my heart aches for Kaitlyn's parents. I have put her flyer up by my desk in hope that everyone who walks in will take a moment to read it and it will have the same impact on them that it did on me. I would like to offer any help that I might be able to give, our children are so precious they are our future. Please let me know if there is anything that I may do to help fight against this very preventable tragedy. Suzanne Pearson
Anaheim, CAHi, my name is Karla Corbett and I work at UCI. Phyllis Agran gave me one of the flyers and I wanted to share with you that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers during this time. Upon receiving the flyer yesterday, it has moved me enough to make me want to hang it in the back window of my car, so that everyone that passes my car will see your story and learn a great deal from it. I also wanted to tell that you have created a very moving website and program.
Thank you,
Karla Corbett
Laguna Niguel, CAI wanted you to know that, through your Legislation link, I was able to contact our local Senator Joseph Dunn. I am astounded at the fact that CA has no laws regarding this kind of blatant child abuse and that people who have total disregard for these children simply walk away unpunished because they "made a mistake". Whether my e-mail will actually do any good, I can only hope that some day soon CA will also have laws against leaving children unattended in any capacity. Thank you for giving me a voice on an issue that has forever angered me. The more people use there voices the more we will be heard. Suzanne Pearson
Anaheim, CAI work with your neighbor Lynn Grimes, she told me about your web page and I had to take a look. After reading the story, I sat at my desk and cried, my heart goes out to you. As a mother of two children I can only imagine your pain. I am so sorry about this tragedy. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. Marianne
Lake Forest, CAYour website is extremely touching. Your activism provides support and hope to other families that have experienced the tragic and preventable loss of a child. Education and legislation are the essential elements necessary to prevent another unnecessary death. I will keep your family in my prayers. Sherry Monk
Uniontown, OHThank you for setting up the web page to try and help our children. There can never be enough out there to remind people how dangerous it is to leave children unattended in a car. Everyday it seems we read of a child hurt or killed because they are left by themselves in a car. Keep getting the word out, I'm sure it will reach someone and help a child. Best wishes to you for all you are doing. Barbara May
Anaheim, CAThis web page is great and I know will definitely touch a lot of lives. Kaitlyn's story would just have to, because this is a story people would never forget. Unbelievable tragedy!! I can't imagine what your family must be going through and would not want to. I cry if I even think about Kaitlyn's story. I am so sorry for your loss and, as a mom, just can't imagine this kind of tragedy happening. I would love to be a part of this and would like to help in any way possible. Cindy
Temecula, CAI just wanted you to know that people out there are praying for your loss and this website will make a difference. God bless you and your family. . .in Jesus name, Amen for your strength to make a difference for your daughter. . . . The O'Brien Family, CA This is such a wonderful thing you are doing. I am going to forward this web site to everyone I have in my address book. We are so sorry for your loss. Thank you for making other people aware of this unforgivable thing that is happening to our children. Good luck with everything. Brenda Griswold
Victorville, CA