My name is Melanie Adams and I am the Gold Star Mother of SSG. Justin K. Adams 2/18/81-07/21/12. I met Toni Gross shortly after I lost my son where she came to my home and spent hours with me. She listened to my story, cried with me, hugged me and shared with me what a Gold Star Mother/Family was all about because I had NO clue. I attended Wreaths Across American with Toni and her husband Craig in December 2012 and was with Toni when she approached some ROTC recruits and asked them if they knew what the lapel pin she was wearing meant and they had NO clue so she took the time and shared the information with them. I was amazed how these young people didn't know because no one shared the information with them. Toni and I have become vast friends and she and her husband Craig have helped me in so many ways. First and foremost I still have not gotten over my son's death even 5 1/2 years later. She took it upon herself to find counselors for me which I struggled with and still do. I took up running as a means to try to free my mind of the loss of Justin and Toni has supported me in this by allowing me to host fundraising events for Homes For Our Troops and Wear Blue Run 2 Remember which are 2 organizations I run for still today. She has even donated money and gifts to give out to those who donate. My Psychiatrist recommended me getting a service dog which I purchased. I spent and still do many hours in training him and she also found a lady that paid for KC to attend obedience training. She and Craig have opened up their restaurant for me to help KC with his training and by allowing me to share KC and his love with other veterans and Gold Star Families. KC is so full of love and he knows how to share his love to those in need. I just finished my second full marathon and will be starting triathlon training in the next couple of months and that would not have been possible either if it had not been for Toni and this organization finding organizations that purchased my bike (they are very expensive and I'm on fixed income) along with some gear that I needed. My goal is to help Toni and this organization to bring awareness to what Gold Star Awareness Inc is all about. Even though when I run, bike or swim I am always doing for our fallen hero's including our sons. Toni has also taken time out of her busy schedule to take me to surgery appointments and just to come visit and check on me which is more than others have done. She really cares about Gold Star Families. If you don't know what or who Gold Star Families are please consider reaching out to Toni and this organization. Also please consider donating so that she can continue spreading the word of who we Gold Star Families are all about. God Bless you Toni and Craig for all you have done and continue doing for KC and I and other Gold Star Families. Without you I would not be where I am today.