Message from Florida

I am very sorry for your loss. I wish to extend my condolences by sharing a positive bible message. It is very hard to lose a loved one, we fill up in sadness and never ask ourselves: Can the dead really live again ? It is relieving to know that the Bible in Acts 24:15 says: "There is going to be a resurrection." How can we be sure of this ? In Hebrew 6:18 it says that it is impossible for God to lie. If he says it, it will happen, and in a near future. For more information visit JW.ORG

Message from Annie

My deepest thoughts and sympathy goes out to kaitlyns very large family. I consider myself blessed to have known her since middle school. She made some of the most unbearable classes some of my favorite memories. Sometimes the only reason why I would go to advisory class all 4 years of high school was just to see Kaitlyn. Her love of life is definitely contagious and I will always remember that. Stay strong and know that Kaitlyn has touched all of our lives. Her suffering is finally over and a beautiful spirit like that deserves the eternal peace she has finally received.

Message from pete kaitlyns opa

thank you annie , you really knew her well

A candle was lit by A fellow warrior on January 7, 2017 7:47 AM

Message from "Coach" Bud Mikhitarian

On behalf of the Danbury Derbies, Kaitlyn’s former soccer team, her teammates, Coach Nick, and the parents and friends of our team members, I want to say how heartbroken we all are. We are so sorry for your loss. Many of us were there at Kaitlyn’s beautiful memorial service tonight offering our support, love and prayers to your family and remembering your beloved girl and our special teammate. We will never forget her.

As one of her coaches, I will always remember Kaitlyn and what she brought to our team and the game. She brought something we coaches would hope all young people bring to their sport, first and foremost—fun! It was clear from what I observed that she enjoyed soccer and maybe even loved it. Her big, full-throated laugh rose up above all others. She laughed at herself. She laughed at others. She laughed at the way we played the game from time to time. She even found something funny in that extra lap we made her take, or those extra ten push-ups. When I think of Kaitlyn, her laughter and joy on and off the field make me smile.

I smile at another thing I well remember about Kaitlyn. She had a unique way of approaching a ball as she was about to kick it. She would do a little hop, step and jump just before striking it. I tried to work with her, showing her how it would be better to firmly plant her non-striking foot alongside the ball as she kicked. But she couldn’t do that consistently. I subsequently learned that she was an Irish Step Dancer, so I decided she was probably bringing some of her Step-dancing techniques to the soccer field and creating her own little kicking eccentricity. That’s the way she enjoyed kicking; that’s the way I finally enjoyed watching her.

There is one more thing I shall never forget about Kaitlyn. And it is significant.

Kaitlyn is a hero.

I don’t say this lightly. And I don’t say it to try to assuage your pain, because nothing anyone can say can do that. But I do say it to help find some purpose and meaning in this tragedy. Kaitlyn is a hero, because her story has power. It has the power to save lives.

Kaitlyn’s story needs to be told. It needs to be shared. And we all need to listen.

In 2015 (the latest year for which we have valid statistics), 33,091 people died of opioid overdoses. Add to those all the deaths caused by substance use disorders, such as alcohol and other drugs, and you have numbers that exceed deaths caused by auto accidents, or heart disease, or breast cancer, or diabetes, or even gun violence. Yet what are we doing about this scourge in our society? Surely not enough.

I was involved in making a documentary film about addiction and recovery and then wrote a book about it. When I started my research, I, like millions of Americans, knew nothing about this problem. But I soon learned a remarkable truth: addiction is a disease. It is NOT a moral failing. It is NOT a choice that people make. Further, addiction is a disease that can be prevented. It can be treated. And you can recover from it.

But we, as a society, have failed to face this disease, solve it, and save lives. Why? One big reason: Stigma. Because of ignorance, misinformation, media exploitation and misguided laws, we are uncomfortable even talking about the subject. We fear it. We attach shame and guilt to it. We remain silent. Well, as history tells us: Silence equals Death.

This is why Kaitlyn’s story, if we share it, if we listen to it, has the power to open our minds and hearts. It has the power to educate, to inspire and to move people. It has the power to offer hope and healing to others who are suffering. It has the power to prevent even one person from going down the wrong path. It has the power to wake the rest of us up from our apathy and ignorance to work in support of resources and policies that will save lives.

That’s why Kaitlyn is a hero. Clearly put, Kaitlyn’s story has the power to save lives. I will never forget her for that reason. All of us, we can never forget Kaitlyn. We must not ever forget Kaitlyn. God bless you.

“Coach” Bud Mikhitarian

Message from Brett

❤❤❤

Message from opa pete

bud that was the most beautiful tribute i have ever read . your words are so true. god bless you and thank you . opa

A candle was lit by Diane and Frank Baur on January 5, 2017 7:43 PM

A candle was lit by Jonelle Rochester on January 5, 2017 5:15 PM

A candle was lit by Patricia and James Dotson on January 5, 2017 2:36 PM

A candle was lit by Remington Ewald on January 5, 2017 2:29 PM

A candle was lit by Opa on January 5, 2017 12:52 PM

A candle was lit by Monica McCaffrey on January 5, 2017 12:42 PM

A candle was lit by Stephen, Julian and Melody Lewis on January 5, 2017 6:11 AM

A candle was lit by Margaret S. on January 4, 2017 8:33 PM

Message from Margaret Schweitzer

Brett,
No parent should have to write their child's obituary, the strength you have shown in being able to write the story of your beautiful daughter and her struggle to overcome this disease shows how strong of a person you are. I pray that your strength in the days/weeks to come will carry you through this most difficult time of your life. With sincere sympathy, wishing you peace and comfort......Margaret

Message from Brett

❤

A candle was lit by Sharon Boyle on January 4, 2017 8:23 PM

A candle was lit by Lori Britton on January 4, 2017 3:32 PM

Message from Jackie Bellemare Banks

I am deeply sorry for the loss of your beautiful daughter Kaitlyn. Her obituary was sent to me by a friend, as she knew I could appreciate your pain, as I lost my son Jordan 6-27-15 in the same way. You have become a member of a club of parents that have lost their children to a dreaded disease, a club we never wanted to be in. It is hard for us to comprehend how a drug could just wipe our children off the face of the earth, yet it happens to many of us every day. Please accept my sincere condolences, and feel free to contact me for any support. May Kaitlyn fly high with all our angels, and await your arrival to our maker someday. This is my only solace, to know someday I will be with my son. God be with you at this time of sorrow.
Jackie

A candle was lit by Jasmine DoCouto on January 4, 2017 2:14 PM

Message from Valerie Howe

Brett, Pete, Anita - My girls and I are absolutely devastated and send you much love and will always remember how fun and crazy all the girls were back in the day!! Always remember, never forget - what an incredible, beautiful and caring person Kaitlyn was, but mostly how much she loved life ! We love you guys!

Message from opa pete

yes val we must remember all the fun and crazy stuff. all those girls we have a special bond forever. they were some of the best years of my life too. this disease is taking our youth at a horrifing rate.we thank you all for your kind words

A candle was lit by Brooke Torres on June 2, 2018 7:40 PM

---

I am so sorry to be reading this. My brother passed in the same manor June 2016. It is a constant struggle for me. Such young beautiful children being lost to this horrible disease. I am a completely different person now that my brother isn't here with us anymore. The pain that it causes families is the most horrific pain and I don't wish it on my worst enemy. God bless you all. If you know of anything that helps you cope, please reach out. Thank you for listening.

A candle was lit by Valerie, Elizabeth and Devyn Howe on January 4, 2017 1:04 PM

Message from Gramma Diane

Kaityn, I wish we could have seen each other more, you were on my mind a lot. I loved you very much,enjoyed our thanksgiving together,my heart is broken but you are now at peace. Love you , gramma Diane

Message from Nick Mancini

I'm sick about this. Her laughter and goofiness will stay with me forever. I'm so sorry - this epidemic is a scourge on our beautiful young sons and daughters and hopefully we can make some good from her wonderful memory. Please take care Pete, Anita, Brett...

Message from opa pete

thank you nick, i will always remember those derby years as some of the best of my life. and yes kaitlyn was the court jester of the team. she fought this disease every day, we truly lost a shining star. thank you nick

Message from Megin Meyer

Dear sweet Kaitlyn will be missed. I remember you as a child, you and Emery. Best buds forever. You are done fighting, may you truly find the peace you deserve. Sending prayers and heart-felt love to your family.

Message from pete

megan, thank you for your kind words. kaitlyn and sydney are still best friends. as we went thru photos this week we found many from her days at hudson, it seemes like it was just yesterday. thank you.

A candle was lit by Megin ~ Hudson Country Montessori School on January 4, 2017 9:06 AM

A candle was lit by Diane Capone on January 3, 2017 9:30 PM

A candle was lit by Tony Tomaino on January 3, 2017 8:44 PM

A candle was lit by Gina on January 3, 2017 8:28 PM

Message from Theresa Keeler

I am so sorry for your loss. Kaitlyn was a bright and beautiful young woman taken too soon. I remember play dates with Aaliyah in grade school and birthday parties. She was so full of life and will always be remembered as such. My thoughts, prayers and love.

A candle was lit by Theresa Keeler and Aaliyah Chiarito on January 3, 2017 9:46 AM

Message from John and Nancy Keane

Our deepest condolences. We remember her as a little girl in Opa's antique car at parades and car cruises. May God's Light shine on her.

Message from opa

nancy john, thank you so much, we are numb. this always happens to someone else. thi is killing our best and brightest at a mindboggleing rate! we love you both pete&anita

A candle was lit by John and Nancy Keane. May God's Light shine upon her. on January 3, 2017 8:45 AM

Message from Loraine Seder

Love Lives on ~
Those we love are never really lost to us--
we feel them in so many special ways--
through friends they always cared about
and dreams they left behind,
in beauty that they added to our days...
in words of wisdom we still carry with us
and memories that never will be gone...
Those we love are never really lost to us--
for everywhere their special love lives on.
Author: Amanda Bradley

A candle was lit by Loraine Seder on January 3, 2017 7:25 AM

A candle was lit by Bonnie Weed on January 3, 2017 6:32 AM

Message from Deanna L Miller Decker

I am so very sorry for the loss of your beautiful daughter. I too lost a child to heroin on 02/09/2016. My youngest son Brandon King was 26 years old.He also had the biggest laugh you could imagine. I miss that! My heart breaks for your family. I wish that this epidemic would come to an end. So many beautiful young lives lost. I pray that God gives you comfort and peace. My heart goes out to your family at this very difficult time.

Message from pete lucsky

dear deanna, thank you so much. this epidemic must be stopped. we are trying to get the message out that this crosses all people and all regions. we were contacted by a group called HERO project in bethel. they are a small gruop but are making the message heard. they are having a gathering open to all at molton jave in bethel on sunday jan 8 we will be there. its fron 4pm to 7 ;45 pete lucsky

A candle was lit by Deanna L Decker the Mom of an angel lost to heroin on January 3, 2017 5:04 AM

A candle was lit by Susan Sokol of DeBary, FL on January 3, 2017 12:41 AM

A candle was lit by Bridget Secor on January 2, 2017 11:38 PM

A candle was lit by Leslie Shankman on January 2, 2017 10:39 PM

A candle was lit by Adriana Jarvis and family on January 2, 2017 10:26 PM

A candle was lit by Sue Pendziwater on January 2, 2017 9:27 PM

Message from Roy A.Hunt

My deepest condolences to all of Kaitlyn's family and friends. Kaitlyn was a young woman that I met during her recovery. She was always outgoing with an infectious laugh and while I did not know her for a very long time she was someone who left there footprints on my heart. Your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.

A candle was lit by Roy A. Hunt on January 2, 2017 9:20 PM

A candle was lit by Sharon Servidio ( Lucsky ) on January 2, 2017 8:31 PM

Message from Dave and Cookie Bigham

Sorry to hear about your loss . We are thinking of you and your family at this time .

Message from peter lucsky

thank you so much. this heroin scurge is destroying a generation. she fought it every day but it won. thanks for your prayers pete& anita

Message from Lucille Lalla

Brett, I am so sorry for your loss. I remember when we were working on a team & seeing your daughter come to the company periodically. Just a beautiful young lady. My heart aches for the sorrow you are going through. My thoughts & prayers go out to you and your family.
Sincerely,
Lucille Lalla
4 Beachieve St. Unit 4. I
Bethel, Ct. 06801

Message from Ashliegh Hladek

Fly high sweetie, you will forever be in our hearts and on our minds. I miss you.

A candle was lit by Ashliegh Hladek on January 2, 2017 7:54 PM

A candle was lit by Douglas Harrison on January 2, 2017 7:21 PM

Message from Amy Manka

Brett,
I am so sorry for your loss. I will always remember Kaitlyns smile and spirit. Please know your family is in my thoughts and prayers!

Message from opa

thank you amy, this heroin epidemic is worse than aids was at its peak. it crosses all walks of life, it is sinister she fought and fought but it had control. love you opa pete

A candle was lit by Frank Johnston on January 2, 2017 3:08 PM

A candle was lit by Stephen Nejman on January 2, 2017 1:57 PM

A candle was lit by Barbie on January 2, 2017 1:50 PM

Message from Barbie, Ethan and Gregory Mable

What spirit you gave to Kaitlyn in her obituary! Those who knew her surely felt that spirit in your loving words. I could see her nodding in agreement and with approval and saying, "great job, mom."
We will miss her yet are comforted in knowing her struggle has ceased.

A candle was lit by Christopher Pellino on January 2, 2017 1:32 PM

Message from Eileen Sapan

My Deepest condolences to you Brett and your family. Sending prayers of strength & peace for you all.

A candle was lit by Eileen Sapan & family on January 2, 2017 1:15 PM

A candle was lit by Patrick, Ryan and Conner Minvielle on January 2, 2017 1:08 PM

Message from Claudia Smith

Brett,
What an amazing tribute to your daughter. Thank you for sharing her story and touching others who are battling this demon. Your strength in this most heartbreaking time in your life is an amazing thing. God Bless you all.
Claudia

A candle was lit by John and Claudia Smith on January 2, 2017 12:55 PM

A candle was lit by Andre Hernandez on January 2, 2017 12:39 PM

A candle was lit by Stacey ,Ralph,Ralph,Sarah Caprilozzi on January 2, 2017 12:35 PM

A candle was lit by Holly and Ed Burns RIP Kaitlyn on January 1, 2017 11:33 PM

A candle was lit by Patti Donohue on January 1, 2017 1:33 PM

A candle was lit by Sweetie, from your "Auntie" Frankie. on January 1, 2017 10:22 AM

A candle was lit by Tara McKenzie on December 31, 2016 7:29 PM

Message from Gram marie

Kaitlyn I was happy to see you on Monday you were always special to our family Love you forever may you rest in peace

A candle was lit by Lynn & Carol Lee Mallery on December 31, 2016 3:16 PM

Message from Uncle Sean

I love you. I'm so sorry I'll get the news this week. I really don't know exactly what to say here. Rest in peace my angel. I'm very grateful that I've had you in this life. Got that I got to enjoy your smile and your laughter.

A candle was lit by Uncle Sean on December 31, 2016 2:48 PM

A candle was lit by Lee Mari,Anne,Jesse,Laura,Erin and spouses on December 31, 2016 9:57 AM

A candle was lit by Julie and Gene Thompson on December 31, 2016 9:35 AM

A candle was lit by Timothy Irin Marks on December 31, 2016 9:31 AM

Message from Erica Brilhante

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to
The HERO Project
c/o Peter Herger, Esq.
5 Lake Avenue
Danbury, CT 06810
in her memory

A candle was lit by By your favorite Auntie Erica. Love you to the moon and back on December 31, 2016 8:00 AM

A candle was lit by Daniel Meyer on December 30, 2016 5:40 PM

A candle was lit by Richard and Linda Meyer on December 30, 2016 5:38 PM

A candle was lit by Ant Sue,Corey and Holly Pumroy on December 30, 2016 4:37 PM