John,

Did you see Renay’s email from earlier today? She lived through a 26-year wrongful conviction, which included 24 years in prison — that’s more than two decades of time stolen from her and her children. 

Looking toward her future, Renay is determined to advocate for incarcerated women. Her unwavering faith has not only helped her stay optimistic about life post exoneration but also fueled her passion for helping others in similar situations. “I am going to speak out. I will not ever forget the fallen sisters that are left behind and there,” Renay said.

At the Innocence Project, we want to help as many wrongfully incarcerated people like Renay as we can — but we need support from you to do that. Will you make a matched donation in honor of Mother’s Day so we can continue this lifesaving work?*

Thank you for your support,

— The Innocence Project Team

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Renay Lynch, Innocence Project
Date: Tues, May 7, 2024 
Subject: The moments I’ll never get back, friend

Friend,

Being incarcerated for a crime I didn’t commit and being ripped away from my children was the most difficult thing I’ve ever been through — but thanks to my faith, I never gave up hope, and I knew that one day I would be free. 

I’m so grateful to the Innocence Project team who fought for justice in my case. After nearly 26 years of wrongful conviction, I was finally exonerated in January, becoming the 250th person freed by the organization. Being able to connect with my kids again has been a huge blessing, but I know there are so many women in prison right now who don’t have that opportunity. 

The majority of incarcerated women are mothers like me, and we have to do everything we can to help them. In honor of Mother’s Day, will you make a matched donation to the Innocence Project right now so they can continue reuniting families like mine?*

While I was incarcerated, I told my kids not to pause their own lives just because I was locked up for something I didn’t do. And I’m so incredibly proud that both of them pursued higher education and now have families of their own. While they worked to build successful lives, they never forgot about me. Through their regular visits, I was able to foster strong relationships with my grandchildren, whom I cherish every moment with.

I waited 26 years to be exonerated. The days without seeing my children grow up and days without holding my grandchildren are the hardest to think about — and these are the moments I’ll never get back.

I want to make sure other mothers who are going through the same painful experience have all the support they need, and that starts with you. Will you make a matched Mother’s Day donation to the Innocence Project right now?

Thank you so much, and hug the mothers in your lives.

Renay Lynch
Exonerated in 2024
Innocence Project

*P.S. All gifts will be matched $1-for-$1, up to $30,000 thanks to the Bernard and Geraldine Segal Foundation. Please donate today.