08/12/2026
“This week is The BackStoppers Giving Week, supporting a fund that has made a very real difference in the lives of our family: the BackStoppers Education Fund.
As the sons of a catastrophically injured first responder, Aidan, Ciaran, Quinn and Cullen have received educational assistance from The BackStoppers that has helped them have opportunities to learn, grow, challenge themselves and pursue their potential.
When people donate to The BackStoppers Education Fund, they aren’t simply helping pay a bill. They’re investing in children whose families have already experienced a life-changing sacrifice in service to their community.
The Education Fund helps with everything from tuition, textbooks and technology to tutoring, school supplies, extracurricular activities, sports, clubs, and even college housing. For families like ours, that support means knowing that what happened to their dad does not have to limit what is possible for their future.
I look at Aidan, Ciaran, Quinn and Cullen and the young men they are becoming, and I am incredibly grateful for every person who has donated, attended an event, volunteered, shared a post, or otherwise supported The BackStoppers.
You may never meet the children whose lives your generosity touches, but I can tell you firsthand: it matters.
Giving Week runs August 10–17, and I hope you’ll consider supporting the Education Fund so The BackStoppers can continue providing these opportunities to the children and families of fallen and catastrophically injured heroes.
Our family knows what that generosity looks like on the receiving end.
And we will never forget it. “- Barbara O’Connor, spouse of Officer Ryan O’Connor
Donate today at BackStoppers.org/GivingWeek
