I grew up in Oklahoma, a place often associated with the wild west and guns. My dad was a cautious hunter; we were taught to respect guns and their attendant danger. Only as an adult have guns come to the fore in my life, losing a dear friend to suicide by gun when we were only 26, having a mentally ill relative commit a gun crime, resulting in untold agony for the victim's family and devastation for his own. Watching Columbine, Virginia Tech, Aurora, Sandy Hook, San Bernadino, and so many more. In 2015, my kids were exiting the Washington D.C. Capitol Visitor's Center when a gunman fired a shot. Thankfully, they weren't hurt. That was the moment it all hit home. No one is safe.
I joined Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense, drawn by their research and excellent organization. Together, we are making a difference through education and advocacy. On June 3rd, we'll celebrate Wear Orange Day, in memory of young victim of gun violence, Hadiya Pendleton, whose friends celebrated her life by wearing orange - the color hunters wear for safety.
Please consider contributing to this important cause. Your donations will go awareness building, education and research. Many thanks, Andrea