John,

At the Innocence Project, we see the power and importance of family in everything we do. And with Mother’s Day fast approaching, my heart goes out to the families and loved ones who have been forced to endure the trauma of a wrongful conviction. 

I’m thinking of Tammy Barnett, who showed extraordinary tenacity when fighting alongside her two sons during their 14 years of wrongful incarceration. I’m thinking of Rosa Jimenez, whose son was born in prison and taken from her days after his birth. I’m thinking of Sharonne Salaam, who, in the face of extraordinary public condemnation, stood by her son Yusef before and after he was wrongly convicted at just 15 years old.

No mother should have to endure the unimaginable pain of having a child taken away from them so unjustly. 

In honor of Mother’s Day, I’m asking you to make a donation to help support our work of freeing innocent people and reconnecting them with their loved ones. From now until Mother’s Day, a generous supporter is matching all donations up to $30,000 — so this really is the best time to give.

As a mother myself, it warms my heart every time I see a freed or exonerated person reunited with their own amazing mothers.

We cannot do this critical work without supporters like you.

With deep gratitude for your support,

Christina Swarns
Executive Director
Innocence Project