03/10/2026
30 years ago today, our entire world shifted. What started as a quiet, cold March morning turned into chaos and heartbreak, then ensued into a stillness of despair and heavy hearts. Everything became somber and numb. Not only did we mourn, but our community mourned with us.
A year later, our parents embarked on a new mission, “Blaze Orange Saves Lives.” We were only 11 & 14 at the time. I still struggle remembering all the amazing things my parents did for other families after theirs was broken in half.
Countless kids in the area attended Hunter safety course’s, even when they weren’t hunters themselves. Seeing adults from 30 years ago talk about that day, still holding onto their Ozzy hats is not only touching, it’s an inspiration for us to move forward with our non-profit and continue this journey to make sure every child has the knowledge and equipment needed to safely enter the woods.
Our mission isn’t just about raising money to provide blaze orange hats to kids, it’s to share our story, continue to drive change and sustain safety in the field.
Today is always a cold reminder to our family of what was…. But it’s also a day that inspiration was born and lives have been changed for the better. And for that, we are blessed.
🦅 Fly high little brother, and may your wings blanket us with your warmth, forever 💗