John,

As soon as I learned there was a shooting at my sweet little Daniel's school on Dec. 14, 2012, I immediately rushed to Sandy Hook Elementary. All I knew was that parents would be reunited with their children at the firehouse nearby. My husband Mark got there before I did, so I texted and called him again and again to find out if Daniel was safe.

"Do you have him?" "DO YOU HAVE HIM YET?"

I desperately hoped for a message back confirming he was okay, but Mark didn't have Daniel. We would never get our affectionate, smiling, compassionate baby boy back.

This Dec. 14 will mark eight years since Daniel was taken from us. A part of my heart and soul were taken that day, too. As a mother, you spend every second of every day thinking about the well-being of your child. Your happiness depends on their happiness. No mother should have to experience the pain I carry every day – the agony of knowing your child is gone forever.

That's why I'll do whatever it takes to prevent other families from losing a child to gun violence. But our ability to do that work relies on meeting our critical $650,000 Giving Tuesday match goal, and right now, we're still falling very short. So please, will you donate now to help me honor Daniel and have every dollar doubled to protect more children from gun violence?

Please give $10, or as much as you can, to Sandy Hook Promise right now to have every dollar of your tax-deductible gift doubled. Reaching this goal is how we'll be able to save more lives and prevent another tragedy like Sandy Hook.

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Like all mothers, I hoped to have the privilege of raising all of my children – to watch them grow, to guide them, to love them and to see them experience and enjoy life. Daniel was just learning to sing and play the drums. He was looking forward to celebrating another Christmas with his brother and sister. His life was just beginning.

No matter how much time goes by, the wrenching heartache of losing Daniel hasn't become any easier to bear. But the love and joy he brought to my life in the short time he was with me have made the pain worth carrying.

I'm so grateful for your help in honoring Daniel by protecting other children from gun violence. Thank you for all you do to help us save lives.

Jackie Barden (Daniel's mom)



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

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