Support​

​

John was always ready to help and support others. Perhaps it was his grandmother’s influence as a child. He watched her make a difference in his life and others while being bound to a wheelchair, always caring and always encouraging. As John’s mother, when I was at my lowest, John came through with encouragement and a kick in the pants to get back out there. In 2015, I reentered the workforce at 53 years old, and a 23-year-old fired me. It was John who said enough is enough and got me going again. The firing was the best thing that could have happened because it opened the door to work for Marco Rubio in 2016. Thank you, John! 

 

John gave safe space and support to countless friends and acquaintances throughout his life. As Jade Womack stated in the Washington Post, “He never wrote off anyone. Everybody was included in a city that excludes a lot of people.” He was always ready to support and help.

 

To carry on his legacy, we will support and help the LGBT community, law enforcement, victims and their families of drug facilitated crimes, mothers who find themselves alone in pregnancy and his alma mater, Christ School.

 

A. Support the LGBT Community through existing organizations and sharing stories of love, acceptance, and changed lives.

B. Support for law enforcement. We will award an exemplary officer or detective for his/her commitment to excellence and correctly identifying a crime not just an overdose. This Umberger Rose Award includes a financial gift as well.

C. Support for victims and encourage reporting, especially when victims are blamed for "risky behavior" for trying to report a crime.

D. As stated in the Safety and Advocacy Pillar - Support for families who are seeking justice for their loved ones who were killed in a drug-facilitated.

E. Support organizations that are providing care, education, and financial support for women who find themselves in a crisis pregnancy.

F. Support for Christ School by awarding an outstanding faculty member making the most difference in students’ lives with a financial gift. We would like to acknowledge the role teachers play, just like Kristen Dotti did in John’s life.