Catch A Falling Star Foundation™
About Us
Turning Interest Into Action
Dealing with the challenges of today requires problem-solvers who bring different perspectives and are willing to take risks. The Catch A Falling Star Foundation™ emerged out of a pursuit to inspire and support the community, and a desire for actions to speak louder than words. Established in 2008, we’re an organization driven by progressive ideas, bold actions, and a strong foundation of support. Contact us to learn more and get involved.
In her honor
Note from the Founder
"This is my sister, Kaytya. She was/is my whole world.
I remember begging God for a little sister, and when she finally came home from the hospital, I almost knocked my mother over trying to get to her.
Because my sister had hydrocephalus meningeal encephalocele, it caused her to have a g-tube, trach, and unable to live what many might call a "normal" life. Sure, I had to be a little more careful, but I can't really say I treated her any differently. I used to sneak her snacks even if that meant just letting her taste a little chocolate or strawberries. I used to play dress-up and karaoke with her. Even share a bed most of our lives together...that she always would kick me in all night; probably because I talk in my sleep. I told my secrets to her, and my joys. It about killed me the day I woke up to find that she'd passed in the night. I was still a very young child. It's one thing to see a dead body, but another to be the one to find your best friend.
It took years for me to heal from losing Kaytya, and in many ways, I am still healing. My sister was my best friend, and I don't think I've allowed anyone else to really fill that hole.
Today, she would have been 21. Many of you know that I had a sister and that I formed The Catch A Falling Star Foundation before I was even 13 years old, and in her honor. What you don't know is that on this day, she would have become the official co-president of the foundation, if she were still alive. My sister's death anniversary is in 7 days. She died 7 days after her 7th birthday in 2007.
Of course, there is a selfish part of me that wishes she was still here to see what the foundation has grown to be. You see, I grew up raising myself and my siblings. Though I didn't get to have a childhood, I never felt like she (nor they) were burdens. I always saw it as just something that was normal for my world. When I started taking care of some of the neighborhood kids, I knew that it was bigger than just us. The Catch A Falling Star Foundation was initially just a "daycare" for the neglected kids that were living in the same issues we were living through. Today, it is a global resource to help fight against domestic violence, trafficking, hunger, homelessness, and to help offer resources for those with additional needs.
As an adult, I know my sister was greatly suffering and that it's better for her to be at peace, but I miss her so much every day; today, this year is a bit harder because of what it was supposed to be. In her honor, there is now a sidewalk paver at Give Kids The World .
Nonetheless, it is in her continued honor that I push for our expansion in helping those that we can. She is why a huge percentage of profits from every business I own will always go back to fund the foundation and help our community.
My sister taught me strength, patience, perseverance, and compassion. She is my why."
