Laci Denise Rocha Peterson

On December 30th, 2002, I remember hearing a story. A story of how this beautiful pregnant woman went missing out in Modesto, California. I vaguely recall hearing that the woman would be due to give birth in February, and that the heat was on to find her.

This was before the nation fell in love with Laci. Laci became more to me than just a headline. More than just a smile. More than just an expectant parent. She somehow, without ever meeting her became real. Became a part of my life. Became my friend.

Soon I found myself following the case very closely. And, I started to learn. I learned about forensics. I learned about search and rescue teams and what their purpose was. I learned about the Sund/Carrington Foundation. So, I started looking for search and rescue teams that handled adults here in Michigan. They're used to be a few children's organizations, but I never did find anything for Michigan that had anything to do with adults. I noted that the Amber Alert, while immensely helpful and acceptable doesn't cover adults who are endangered and missing. I couldn't fathom why there wasn't something in place for the families, for counseling, and for law enforcement assistance. I just couldn't imagine why someone else wasn't already involved in doing this here.

Then I started researching the others that were out there. They all do something wonderful. Every one of them do. However, I had some additional ideas on how things could be improved, how operations could move smoother, how every case deserved publicity and acknowledgment from the general public. I wanted to do something special, something worthwhile, something important with my life, and the idea of Missing You Foundation came to me.

Just like that.

Laci's case is tragic. Laci's life is missed. We shouldn't know the names of Laci and Conner Peterson, because she should still be living her life outside of the limelight, rocking her son to sleep, in his nursery, tucked away in her home, safe from the evils of the world. I can honestly say that I wish that I never, ever heard of Laci Denise Rocha Peterson. But, I did.

And, I'm a strong believer that everything happens for a reason. Laci's life was a horrible, unnecessary loss. But, I'm not going to let it go in vain. Laci is the reason I am here now, standing up for what I believe in, making a difference in this world. I am going to help all of the other "Laci's" of the world make it home to their families. And, I'm going to help those families get the help that they need to get through this terrible life altering event.

Sincerely,
Shannon Dingee, Founder

How has Laci touched YOUR life?

Adrienne Stephenson - What Laci meant to me!

Laci Peterson was a beautiful woman with twinkling eyes and a smile that was completely riveting. She was also 7-1/2 months pregnant with her first child. A child that was so wanted. When it was first reported that Laci was missing, I felt a twinge of sadness and prayed that she would turn up. As the days went by, no news. When I first visited Laci’s site looking for all of the information available, my heart just cried. I joined with another group of people who were experiencing similar feelings. I found a place where we could all share our feelings about Laci’s case.

I feel a profound sadness not just for Laci but for all of the cases of missing people in our country. Certainly, Laci has become a symbol to me of everything that is supposed to be good; however, her case is not alone. There are many more cases such as hers that are never brought to the public’s eye. Laci and others like her have touched a place very deep in my heart. When I first found out that Shannon was going to create the Missing You Foundation, I immediately voiced my willingness to help. I will be doing what I have yearned to do all along and that is to be fully involved and able to do my part to be able to bring our loved ones home. Remember, these people belong to someone. Remember, they are someone’s mother, father, husband, wife, sister, brother, son, or daughter. They deserve a 100% effort on the part of all communities to actively search for them.

Gayle Sobel -

I was busy with the usual holiday preparations, but something in the news caught my eye and my heart. A young, pregnant woman was missing in California, 3000 miles away from me and my life. But something made me take notice, something made me watch the news, check the Internet, read whatever I could about this young woman---Laci Rocha Peterson.

Laci and her unborn son, Conner, touched me in a way that I can only call extraordinary. It is obvious that Laci and Conner also touched the hearts of the country. So many of us have made Laci and Conner a part of our lives, and many of us have met, formed friendships, and thought of ways to honor the memory of this one young, pregnant woman.

I know that the lives of this one young, pregnant woman and her unborn son have touched me in a special way and changed the way that I view life. I hope and pray that there is justice for Laci and Conner and peace for Laci's family and friends. I pray that nothing like this ever happens again, that nobody's mother, father, sister, brother, spouse, lover, child, friend, or coworker ever goes missing again. But if it does happen again---and we know that people go missing everyday---I'm thankful that this tragedy brought together a group of people with a heart and a mission who created the Missing You Foundation.