Carla Reyes bravely shares her story once again.
On Sunday, January 12, Carla Reyes shared at 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. Masses at Christ the King RC Church in Haddonfield, NJ how her life was forever changed when the life of her 19-year-old son Kevin was taken in a senseless act of gun violence in 2012.
Carla displayed the portrait of Kevin, titled A Brilliant Life Cut Short, that was created by artist Eoin Kinnarney through Souls Shot Portrait Project, which pairs fine artists with those impacted by gun violence. Prints from the exhibition were displayed in the church hall, where many were moved by the beautiful images and heartbreaking stories that accompany them.
“I was struck by the way that Carla's deep faith sustains her and inspires her to share Kevin's story and to provide guidance and strength to others in their own struggles and, for young people, as they plan their own journeys,” commented CTK parishioner Sarah Henrickson. “I found Carla's willingness to share her family's tragic story incredibly meaningful—and her ability and commitment to reach out to teach and share her insights, inspirational.”
Carla, Sarah, and Sarah’s son Ryan are all volunteers with Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, a movement that supports the 2nd Amendment, but also supports safe firearm storage, gun violence prevention efforts, survivor support initiatives, and sensible legislation such as universal background checks.
There are a number of ways YOU can take action to help prevent gun violence.
Firearms are now the leading cause of death among children in the United States. To help keep your family safe and prevent tragedies, it’s crucial to secure your firearm. Learn more at www.BeSmartForKids.org
We lose an average of 120 people a day to gun violence in the US – and about 2/3 of them are by suicide. If someone you love shows warning signs that they might try to harm themselves or someone else you can request an extreme risk protection order to temporarily remove guns from the situation and help keep your loved one safe. Learn more at www.OneThingYouCanDo.org
Visit www.MomsDemandAction.org to find out about local meetings and events or text READY TO 644-33.
Visit www.SoulsShotPortraitProject.org Souls Shot Portrait Project to learn where to view an exhibition, participate as an artist, or submit the name of a loved one to be memorialized.
From left to right, Members of Students Demand Action with Carla and her son Kevin’s portrait, by artist Eoin Kinnarney, along with Judy MacKenzie, coordinator of the New Jersey Chapter of Souls Shot portrait Project.