Hi John, 

My name is Liz Dunning, I’m the head of the development team at Brady, and 17 years ago, my mom was killed by an act of senseless gun violence. In a moment, I'm going to ask you to join the fight to end gun violence by making a donation to Brady – but first, let me tell you why this is personal to me.

Three years ago, as I braced myself for what would have been my mom's 70th birthday, I decided I wanted to do something to commemorate it — something that would take grit and sacrifice. And, as if the stars aligned, I found a marathon — a 26-mile run to celebrate the 26 years of life my mom and I shared together — on her birthday.

That day, I ran for my mom — for all the memories we shared and all those we lost to gun violence. I ran for my kids, who never got to meet her. I raised almost $30,000 for Brady that day to honor her. When my mom was killed, I felt like I had lost my voice. Running that marathon helped me reclaim it, and with my renewed spirit, I decided to dedicate my voice to Brady.

I am writing to you as a gun violence survivor who never wants another family to suffer the pain and carry the loss that I do. And I am writing to you as a staff member of Brady who believes in Brady’s mission and sees firsthand how the work we do can save lives. That work is only possible because of grassroots supporters like you, John. You fuel all that Brady does and will do. This year, we have a historic chance to root out the NRA's toxic influence in our country and take decisive action to end the gun violence epidemic.

So please, John: To honor my mom and the thousands of other Americans senselessly killed by gun violence every year, will you make a gift to Brady today so we can make tangible change in this country, end gun violence, and save lives? Every dollar you give will be doubled by a generous donor — but only for the next 24 hours.

I set an ambitious goal to match what we raised for my mom — $30,000 — and I’m confident that with your help and a generous donor DOUBLING every gift, we can blow past our goal, make tangible change in this country, and end the gun violence epidemic.

John — imagine an important milestone in your life — a wedding, a birth, an anniversary — without your loved ones there to share it. Every day, more than 100 families in this country feel that loss and begin to carry this pain. I know that together, we can put an end to it — but only if you’re fighting by our side.

Please, John, will you give $5 or more now — every dollar you can spare to have DOUBLED before midnight — to help Brady make tangible change in our country and finally end the gun violence epidemic?

I know that we don’t have to live like this, and I don’t want anyone else to have to carry the pain and loss that I do. That’s why I keep digging deep, keep fighting every day of my life to end gun violence. I know my mom would be proud to see so many people fighting to make sure families don’t suffer the pain and loss of a loved one. Thanks for fighting by my side to make a difference, John.

Liz Dunning
Vice President of Development