For the last month, more than 7,000 people have shown their support for Cassidy Stay by donating to a fund set up to help her. Stay is the 15-year-old survivor of a shooting that killed both her parents and all four of her siblings. The family is now asking other potential donors to help others who may be in need, according to the Houston Chronicle.
The fund that was set up to help Stay has received a total of $400,090, and the family is saying they are humbled by the amount:
We have reached an amazing milestone on a fundraising site and wish to close it as we acknowledge our infinite appreciation to all who have contributed. The generosity of the local, state, national and even global community has humbled us beyond our ability to convey. At this time we hope everyone will continue to reach out to those in our various communities with the same care and love that has been shown to us.
[quote_box_right] “You have proven that even the worst acts of one individual are swallowed up by the endless good that has been poured out by the many.”[/quote_box_right]
In addition to the donations, Stay has also received personalized condolences from J.K. Rowling, author of the Harry Potter books, and President Thomas S. Monson, prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints—the church Stay is a member of. Rowling’s condolences were in response to a facebook group requesting that she meet Stay following the teenager quoting Dumbledore, a Harry Potter character, at her family’s memorial service. The condolences included a personalized letter, autographed copy of the third book, and an acceptance letter to Hogwarts. President Monson’s letter of condolences was read at the funeral for the Stay family. In the letter, he marveled at the teenager’s testimony and courage, promising her that she would find continued strength as she follows and relies on the Savior, Jesus Christ.
The statement released by the family expressed gratitude to all who have offered their love and support saying that, “together, you have proven that even the worst acts of one individual are swallowed up by the endless good that has been poured out by the many. It is time for us as a family to develop a new routine, keeping our lost loved ones in our heart as we make a new path.”
