John, I wanted to follow up on Liz's message from yesterday.

Liz and I share the exact experience Brady works to prevent: We've both had a loved one killed by gun violence. Both our mothers were murdered by strangers with deadly weapons.

Also like Liz, I struggle with milestones like holidays. These next few weeks will be especially painful — a pain I can't fathom allowing anyone else to feel, knowing I could have done more to save them from it. That's why I'm asking for your help now: This is a time for keeping loved ones close, and every dollar we fail to raise could be another person who has to mourn a preventable death. I can't accept that — not during the holidays, not ever. So please: Can we count on you to step up and donate right now to help Brady keep fighting to end gun violence for good?

Thank you,

Christian Heyne
Gun Violence Survivor & Vice President of Policy, Brady

------------- Forwarded message -------------
From: Liz Dunning
Date: Fri, Dec 17, 2021
Subject: The holidays are never easy

John — my name is Liz Dunning. I’m the head of the development team at Brady, and 18 years ago, my mom was killed by a senseless act of 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 time of year is so difficult — and why that makes your support so much more impactful.

My mom was my best friend. As milestones like birthdays or holidays approach, the loss is more painful. I have more moments where I feel bereft, thinking of all the holidays she's missed since she opened her front door and was shot by a complete stranger. 

This is a time for family and togetherness — and I know my mom would be so thrilled to see the family I've built and the work I've done with Brady to prevent senseless murders like hers. I can't help but think about what I'd get her this holiday season — a new sweater, or traveler mug for her always important coffee. Maybe, like me, she’d value drawings made by my kids most of all.

But since I can't, I'll be donating to Brady in her honor instead — and I'm asking you to join me.

Brady is led by gun violence survivors, and we need you in this fight to make sure that no other family ever suffers the pain and loss that families like mine have. For the first time in a long time, we have a real opportunity to pass legislation — like expanded background checks and an assault weapons ban — that will save lives. But we can't do it alone; we need grassroots supporters like YOU on our side. So please, this holiday season, will you make a gift to Brady in honor of all the families who can't celebrate with their loved ones — and help us prevent any more families from having to leave an empty chair or stocking next year?

Imagine an important milestone in your life — a wedding, a birth, an anniversary, these winter holidays — without your loved ones there to share it. Every day, more than 100 families in this country experience the loss of a loved one to gun violence 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.

That's why I share my story and make this request. 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. Brady is doing what it takes to make that holiday wish a reality, and you are essential to powering that work.  

So please, John, will you give $5 or more now — as families across the country hold space for a missing loved one, and others hold their families tight in fear — to help Brady make tangible change in our country and finally end the gun violence epidemic?

Thank you so much.

Liz Dunning
Gun Violence Survivor & VP of Development, Brady