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 will 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 see him hurrying toward me, hand-scribbled card in hand and excitedly saying, "Happy birthday, Daddy!" I can still 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, his kind heart, and watching him grow and enjoy his life.

So for my birthday this year, I'm asking for donations to Sandy Hook Promise so we can 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. I've dedicated my life to honoring Daniel 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 give $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.

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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 educators and students how to prevent tragedies. And I'm so grateful for your help in making this possible.

I can't save Daniel, but I know by expanding our programs, 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)



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Sandy Hook Promise Foundation
PO Box 3489, Newtown, CT 06470, United States

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