I couldn't be more grateful, John.

Since I emailed earlier today, we've already raised more than $12,000 to help sustain and expand our lifesaving programs to protect children from gun violence. On especially difficult days like today, it means so much to know that other children's lives will be saved because of the generosity of people like you.

With only a few hours left until my birthday is over, I'm still hoping we can reach $30,000. Every single gift today will help protect more children like my sweet little Daniel from gun violence. So please, will you donate now to help us get there?

Please donate $10, or as much as you can, to Sandy Hook Promise now. Every dollar we raise will help us save more children's lives.

[link removed]

I can't tell you how much I appreciate all you do to help me honor my sweet little Daniel by protecting other children like him from gun violence – it truly leaves me speechless. Thank you.

Mark Barden (Daniel's father)



---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Mark Barden
Date: Mon, Sep 7, 2020
Subject: For my birthday


Today is my birthday, John – but it's hard to really celebrate.

My birthday falls 20 days before my sweet little Daniel's birthday. It's a painful reminder that while I'm growing older, Daniel never will. He should have started high school last week, but instead, he'll forever be our 7-year-old baby boy. Our affectionate, smiling, kind, brilliant, energetic, compassionate, shining baby boy.

When I close my eyes, I can remember him hurrying toward me, hand-scribbled card in hand and excitedly saying, "Happy birthday, Daddy!" I can feel him climbing onto my lap, putting his arms around me as James and Natalie join him in singing their best rendition of "Happy Birthday." As I would inhale and lean in toward the candles on the cake, they'd all exclaim, "Make a wish, Daddy, make a wish!"

And at that moment, I would think to myself just as I'd thought a billion times before: I truly am the luckiest man in the world.

I cherish every single moment I had with Daniel. And I ache for his hugs, his smile, his giggle and his kind heart. I wish I could watch him grow and enjoy his life.

So for my birthday this year, I'm asking for donations to Sandy Hook Promise so we can sustain and expand our lifesaving programs to protect more children like Daniel from gun violence.

This mission has become who I am – more than just a part of me, but literally who I am. Even though it's excruciatingly painful to constantly be reminded of Daniel's murder, I've dedicated my life to honoring him by preventing other families from being shattered by gun violence. But I can't do that without you. So please, will you donate now to help protect more children from gun violence?

Please donate $10, or as much as you can, to Sandy Hook Promise now. It's the only thing I'm asking for my birthday, and it will go so far toward helping us protect more children from gun violence.

[link removed]

I know our efforts to protect children from gun violence are working. Our Know the Signs programs have helped avert multiple school shooting threats. Children are alive today because people like you have generously donated to help us train millions of students and educators how to prevent tragedies. And as we see a rise in reports of children in imminent danger during these difficult times, our efforts are more critical than ever.

I can't go back and save Daniel, but I know that if we can sustain and expand this work, we can save other children like him. Thank you so much for helping me honor my sweet little boy today, especially on such a difficult day.

Mark Barden (Daniel's father)


Donate - [link removed]



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PO Box 3489, Newtown, CT 06470, United States

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