Note From Our Founder
The story of my beloved sister, Kaytya, is a profound journey that deeply educated me and ignited the spark for The Catch A Falling Star Foundation™. Caring for her, I learned the true essence of compassion and resilience. Today, our foundation stands as a sanctuary for all, offering a supportive hand to those in crisis or anyone simply seeking a compassionate listener.
** Trigger Warning**
As an adult, I've come to understand the extent of my sister's suffering, and though it brings solace to know she's at peace, her absence is profoundly felt every single day. December is always challenging because of what it was meant to be. In honor of Kaytya, a symbolic sidewalk paver has been laid at Give Kids The World; the place where I first told her that we, together, would start a charity and we would always volunteer at Give Kids The World. The pain knowing that she never will be able to is almost unbearable.
Nevertheless, her legacy remains a driving force. It's in her memory that we strive to expand our efforts to assist those who need it most. She is the reason why a substantial portion of the profits from every business I own will perpetually support the foundation and uplift our community. My sister instilled in me the values of strength, patience, perseverance, and compassion, and she is the very core of "why" we continue to make a difference.
She is my why.
Meet my sister, Kaytya, who has forever held a special place in my heart.
I vividly recall those early days, filled with anticipation and joy when I longed for a little sister. The moment she arrived home from the hospital, I couldn't contain my excitement, nearly knocking my mother over in my rush to meet her.
Kaytya's journey, marked by the challenges of hydrocephalus meningeal encephalocele, set her on a unique path. It led her to rely on a g-tube and trach, which rendered her unable to experience what many might consider a "normal" life. While I knew I needed to be a bit more cautious, I can't honestly say that I treated her differently. I used to sneak her treats, whether it was a small taste of chocolate or a juicy strawberry. We enjoyed playing dress-up, indulging in karaoke sessions, and often shared a bed—though she had a habit of kicking me throughout the night, likely because I was known to talk in my sleep. I entrusted my secrets and shared my joys with her. Kaytya was my best friend. I cannot begin to truly explain how badly my soul shattered that fateful day when I awoke to discover that she had passed away in the night. I was still a child, and I can attest to the stark difference between merely seeing a lifeless body and being the one to find your best friend, your patner in "crime", your sister.
The years that followed were marked by the slow process of healing from the profound loss of Kaytya. In many ways, the process continues to this day. My sister was not just my sibling; she was my confidant, my playmate, and my guiding light. I've often felt that no one else has truly filled the void her absence left behind.
As years pass, Kaytya would have celebrated her 21st birthday; a bitter sweet thought for me. While many are aware that I had a sister and that I established The Catch A Falling Star Foundation before I even turned 13, some may not know that, had she lived, she would have become the official co-president of the foundation on her 21st birthday. Her tragic passing occurred just seven days after her 7th birthday in 2007.
There's a part of me that yearns for her presence, a wish that she could have witnessed the incredible growth of the foundation. You see, I grew up shouldering the responsibilities of raising not only myself but also my siblings. Despite the absence of a conventional childhood, I never viewed caring for her, and my other siblings, as burdens. It was simply the reality of my world. When I started looking after neighborhood children facing similar challenges, I realized that our mission extended far beyond our family. The Catch A Falling Star Foundation initially began as a haven for neglected children experiencing circumstances similar to our own. Today, it has transformed into a global resource, dedicated to combatting domestic violence, human trafficking, hunger, homelessness, and providing essential resources for those with unique needs.
