John,

Seven years ago, I was on edge, holding my breath, feeling hope like a hot ember in my hand, painful to hold but too precious to drop. 

Seven years ago, the jury reached a verdict in my Mom's murder, nearly 12 years after she was shot and killed. I held my brother's hand and wept silently in a courtroom full of people, amidst strangers and press. The burden that I had been carrying for so long was unyielding and heavy... And then it happened.

Justice came for my Mom. For my Dad. For my family. That was when the seed to fight for change was planted and it's grown to be my purpose since – bringing my life's experiences, my voice, and my knowledge to work at Brady, to help take this epidemic of gun violence apart, brick by brick. To be my whole self, wherever I am, always.

This day is a birthday, of sorts, for me. It was the day when I got to drop a burden that I didn’t even realize I was carrying. It has made a different kind of life, of lightness, possible. 

So, if you're able today, make a donation to Brady. I can tell you that we use your funds wisely: to fight suicide in the veteran community, to reform the 5% of gun dealers who are responsible for 95% of illegal guns in this country, to educate families about the importance of safe gun storage. To ensure that our kids, yours and mine, can inherit a better and more peaceful world.

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?

I’m grateful to recognize this anniversary with Brady and with you, John. Thank you.

Liz Dunning
Gun Violence Survivor

Vice President of Development, Brady