Jami was a daughter, a sister, a mother, a wife, a granddaughter, a cousin, an aunt, a niece, a best friend, a dear friend, and a young woman with a loving heart as big as the sky!

God called her before any of us wanted him to on March 26, 2005, at age 28, after a negligent young woman slammed into the back of their car in Miami, FL.  

Soon after, a group of wonderful friends and family offered to do a memorial walk for her on Mother’s Day, 2005 around Lake Harriet, close to where Jami grew up and loved to walk around.

Many, MANY friends and family showed up to share their grief, share their memories, and share each other’s shoulders.  That first year was a very solemn and introspective walk.  We sent balloons and messages to Jami letting her know we loved her.

We did it again the following year, and then the next and the next.  Every year, there was a huge crowd.  As her mother, I was amazed, grateful and a bit humbled that so many people continued to come.  We were all healing and when the suggestion to pass on the walks was suggested, no one wanted to stop.  It became a ritual for beginning Mother’s Day, and they all felt grateful to take a couple of hours out of their lives to remember Jami year after year & forever!

I was so taken by the desire to continue the walks by so many that I needed to make it even more meaningful.  This was what Jami was about!  Joining all people together to talk, share, have fun, and make the world a better place.  It was clear to me that Jami and God wanted this to become more than walking & remembering.

In 2016, 11 years later, we started the Jami’s Angel Fund, to make her life, the walks, and remember so many other young loved ones who passed too soon.  We invited anyone who lost a loved one and wanted them to be honored along with Jami.  We walk to remember Jami and so many more.  In addition, we created this fund to support causes that were dear to Jami as well as having everyone be a part of creating a memorial bench in her honor.  

We find causes where we can help those less fortunate and hope that our walks (Mother’s Day in Minneapolis & November in Phoenix) can generate funds to continue our efforts.

See the Contribute page for causes we have already supported and look forward to many more opportunities to help others in need.