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Children's legacies live on through work of parents

Families of those who lost loved ones a year ago are marking today in different ways.  The parents and siblings of the children and educators killed one year ago have become involved in a number of causes related to what happened at Sandy Hook Elementary.  Some are working toward school safety initiatives.  They've also set up foundations supporting things their loved ones were passionate about. 

 

In previous interviews with WLAD, Jenny Hubbard spoke of her daughter Catherine's love of animals.  They are now working with the Animal Center of Newtown.  Robbie Parker spoke of his daughter Emilie's love of art and an exhibit coming up in Danbury in her honor.  Lynn McDonnell is among those working with the group Mayors Against Illegal Guns in response to the death of her daughter Grace

 

Mark Barden is undeterred in his quest to change the culture of this country, saying that's not something that can be done in a couple of months or even a couple of years.  He says it is his obligation to his son Daniel.  Having lost her 6-year-old son Dylan, Nicole Hockley insists she won’t lose the fight to reduce gun violence.  She is among a group of so-called accidental activist parents.  Hockley says no matter how much tragedy affects you, you have to find a way forward, you have to invest in life.

 

Krista Rekos, whose daughter Jessica was killed at Sandy Hook Elementary, says they want their loved ones remembered for the lives they lived and how they touched their families hearts.  JoAnn Bacon, mother of Charlotte, says each family is unique in the experiences following the tragedy, each has their own voice and perspective.  The families of Noah Pozner and Madeline Hsu are remembering their children lovingly.  The parents and siblings have created a website mysandyhookfamily.org.

 

Avielle Richman's parents are scientists who are now researching brain function to find potential causes for what happened.  Josephine Gay's family has established a partnership with the Doug Floutie Foundation.  Ana Grace Marquez Greene's father Jimmy, is a Western Connecticut State University Professor.  The university has established a scholarship in the girl's name.  Scarlett Lewis has written a book based on a message written by her son Jesse which she found after the shooting.

 

Benjamin Wheeler's family is remembering him for a love of lighthouses.  Caroline Previdi's family has created a scholarship fund in her name to help children connect with their favorite activities.  Chase Kowalski's family has created Race4Chase.  Jack Pinto also had a love of sports.  Olivia Engel's family is working with Newtown Park & Bark.  Allison Wyatt's family created a memorial fund in her name.  James Mattioli's family also created a memorial fund in his name.

 

Many families are involved in the advocacy organization Sandy Hook Promise, formed in the wake of the shootings.

 

The families of the educators, who were called heroes in the immediate aftermath of the tragedy, have also done work to remember their loved ones.  Funds were set up in honor of school principal Dawn Hochsprung and school psychologist Mary Sherlach.  Dylan died in the arms of his aide, Anne Marie Murphy.  A fund was established by Rachel Davino's family to continue her legacy of helping autistic children.  A scholarship was created in Lauren Rousseau's name by The University of Bridgeport.  Victoria Soto's family has created a number of events in her name.

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