On July 4th, 2025, our twenty-seven daughters died in the Texas floods while at Camp Mystic. While each of our daughters was uniquely amazing, we’ve learned that there are several things that every single one of them had in common. They were each deeply loving, incredibly generous, and particularly gifted at welcoming and including others with a depth of empathy beyond their years. 

The little ones shared toys with siblings, encouraged their friends, gave hugs and made drawings for their teachers, or emptied their piggy banks for the stranger with the “Hungry. Please help” sign. The two counselors, both rising college freshman, were known for uplifting their friends and dedicating countless volunteer hours – and their hearts – to special needs children and other vulnerable people. They committed their last summer before college to encouraging and nurturing their campers in both faith and in fun!

Our daughters also were highly attuned to others’ feelings. If they were with us today, they’d probably want to give you a big hug, wipe away your tears, and maybe do something silly or hilarious to make you laugh.

To honor our girls’ generous spirits, each family has either established a fund or designated specific non-profit channels for donations – to support organizations that reflect the values, dreams, and passions of each girl. Our families are forever bonded in love and grief and also in our commitment to helping each others’ daughters’ lights shine for decades to come. 

In that spirit, we’ve created a combined donor- advised fund, the Heaven’s 27 Fund. This fund will receive any collectively-raised funds and also serve as an easy landing place for those wanting to donate to every family without having to search and contribute to each individual fund. Periodically, funds from the Heaven’s 27 Fund will be distributed equally to each girl’s fund. The individual families will then use their portion for things such as providing scholarships, funding youth programs, supporting vulnerable groups, and other outlets to spread joy and hope in our girls’ names. 

Though our causes are varied, we remain united in our purpose: to keep our daughters’ memories alive by continuing what they started—loving people well and making the world better. We can’t hug our girls today, so instead, we choose to celebrate their lives and legacies—believing that together, we can carry their lights farther. 

We invite you to make a gift to Heaven’s 27 to help ensure their names are remembered and their impact continues to shine.

With gratitude,  

The Parents and Siblings of Heaven’s 27