Doreen DeFelice Porter's Page

Doreen,
I am Casey’s mother. I read your message posted to the Network admin and apologize for not responding earlier. I have thought about Juila and your family daily since reading your message. I was in CO, where my son goes to college and without internet service and then have had a bit of a down period emotionally since returning home.

I heard about Julia’s accident and death within a day of when it happened through one of Casey’s friends. The similarities were striking, Julia’s age, another college student, a pedestrian and almost one year to the day of Casey’s accident (July 17, 2009).

Thanks you so much for reaching out to us and offering your sympathy. Likewise, you have my deepest sympathy and condolences, as does the rest of your family, particularly Julia’s parents and siblings (if any). We have started another website where anyone can post a memorial to a loved one lost in a motor vehicle accident – www.pinkremembrancetree.com. Perhaps Julia’s family would like to post a tribute to her there when they are ready.

We will be proud to move forward with you and Julia’s family to help prevent any further tragedies.

Warmest regards,
Dianne

Doreen, although I recently welcomed you to Casey's web site, I just became aware of your family's tragedy. Please accept my personal, heartfelt sympathies on the loss of your beautiful niece. The similarities between your niece's accident and Casey's are remarkable. Believe me, I know very well what you and your family are experiencing as a result of losing such a beautiful part of your life. I know about the sleepless nights, the seemingly endless tears, the darkness that seems everywhere and your profound sorrow. For me, the tears have not stopped, but they are not as frequent. The darkness is lifting and I am able to smile and once again see the beauty in life. The sorrow----well I believe that is part of life now as I miss my niece so very, very much. There is a palpable void in my life that simply cannot be filled as no one or anything can possibly replace what Casey put there. For me, there is comfort in knowing that no one can ever take away the love and the wonderful memories that I carry in your heart for my niece. I hope you can find comfort in this sentiment as well. My sister Dianne and my brother-in-law Joel might be a great source of support to your and your family. I hope you stay in toch with them. They are very kind and generous people who genuinely feel the agony of your loss.
Please accept my sincere sympathies. I pray for your peace and comfort.
janice gallagher

As Casey's Aunt, I would like to welcome to her website. It is a beautiful site set up in memory of my sweet niece. As you browse through the pages, you will find that many people have been so genuinely inspired by Casey that they in-turn are doing things to make this world a better place.
Welcome and enjoy the website.
janice gallagher