Community comes through for Katie Fournier, family

As many of you are aware, our world changed drastically on Oct. 17, 2003, when our daughter Kate Fournier was hit by a speeding driver in Seattle crosswalk. We spent many hours by Kate's bedside just encouraging her to continue breathing and living. We were not alone, for every prayer we sent out hundreds were sent out by this wonderful community. We never felt that we were walking this path alone. You were there with us each and every step of the way.

From the very first day, Taylor Parker Motors stepped in to help Shorty and Karen while they made an extended trip to Seattle to be by Kate's side. Laurel and Greg lent countless hours making sure we had what we needed. They helped create many different ways for you to help out with the initial needs we had after Kate's accident. They never missed an opportunity to find out what they could do to help.

As Kate has continued to improve, you have continued to support and love her. Hearts for Kate kicked off by Dara and Mike at Mr. Sub encouraged all of you to reach into your pockets when you found out that Kate had no insurance and the driver who hit her also was uninsured. You helped to ensure that her Dad and her sisters would be able to be by her side. You still prayed, loved and supported us. Many business stepped in to help, Arby's, Jalepenos, Latte Chalet, Horizon Bank, Gas and Go, All Smiles, and many others. We thought you were amazing and that the support and love could not get any better. We were wrong.

In stepped the next angels in our world. Tom and Bonnie Runa began the campaign to raffle off the Honda Motorcyle that was Tom's personal toy. Their generosity was multiplied by all the help they received from the Angels Over Sandpoint. Bonnie, Tom and the Angels worked tirelessly and wouldn',t you know that the wonderful people who won the motorcycle donated it right back! At this point we were speechless.

Certainly, this was as good as it gets!

How wrong we were once again. More angels came to love, and support us and shower us with care. Julie Halliday and Robin Fournier-Pitts worked incredible magic to bring more than 300 people together for a fairy tale evening. They, and countless others, made Kate feel like a princess. All of the wonderful donations of merchandise and gift certificates were auctioned off with great joy and abandon. Wonderful food prepared by the Hoot Owl was shared by many and, in the end, we danced. Faces were smiling, children were playing and everyone was there for one reason, to show support and love for Kate. Shorty and I both feel, that no matter where this journey takes Kate, you were responsible for giving her the most fabulous night of her life. You made her feel loved and cherished. There were many of you there I had never met, and I guess Kate said it all when she stood up and said, "I don't remember all of your names, but I will remember your faces."

There will never be enough words for us to say thank you and feel as though we have done it well. All I know is that when I close my eyes at night, I don,t see a broken girl any more, I see a wonderful young woman with a wonderful life ahead, made all that much more special by all the angels who prayed, loved, gave, cried and were with us every step of the way. If by chance I have left anyone out of this letter, please know that it isn,t because you aren,t appreciated, its just so overwhelming to have had so much support.

We love you.

Kate Fournier

Lorraine, Shorty,

Karen, Jona

Lorraine Fournier

Seattle