His daughter was kidnapped, raped and murdered on her way to school earlier this year. Now, Damon DeFreeze wants to make sure that no other family ever feels the pain his family feels.
"It hurts. Every day is a struggle," said DeFreeze.
Alianna DeFreeze got off of a bus at East 93 and Kinsman. She was supposed to catch another one to take her to school, but she never made it. The 14-year-old was kidnapped, raped and murdered. Her body was found days later in an abandoned building.
"We feel that no other child or parent should have to go through this. It's hard. This is how we grieve. We grieve by helping others," said DeFreeze.
DeFreeze and his wife have started a non-profit organization called "The Alianna DeFreeze Let's Make A Change Foundation." The goal is to provide safe transportation for children who need it and focus on knocking down abandoned buildings that some children pass each and every day in the short term. Long term goals include help for domestic violence and for the homeless.
The couple just started the non-profit organization and just got office space. Now, they are looking for funding and donations.
"We're new at this, we're going to bump our heads. But, we've surrounded ourselves with good board members who can help us along the way," he said.
DeFreeze said he is in need of vehicles, computers, office supplies and more. If you would like to help you can visit their website: The Alianna DeFreeze Foundation.
