Our Story

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Riley was our angel from heaven—our rainbow baby. We had Charlee first and weren’t sure we would have another child, but Charlee was determined to have a baby sister. After very little trying, Riley was born, and from the moment she arrived, our family felt complete. Charlee was overjoyed to be a big sister, and the bond they shared was instant and extraordinary. They were each other’s favorite people.

Riley loved life in the purest way. She was joyful, spunky, and endlessly curious. She loved meeting new people, adored animals of every kind—even bugs—and had a way of helping us see beauty in the simplest moments. Most of all, she loved her family deeply. She would tell me often that I was the best mommy in the whole wide world, and we would compare how much we loved each other—to the moon, the sun, the earth, and beyond. I held her whenever I could, knowing she was my last baby, never imagining how short our time would be.

On a beautiful October day, we spent hours riding bikes as a family, stopping for pizza and cupcakes while looking at Halloween decorations. She loved anything spooky and Halloween was her favorite holiday. She fell asleep on the ride home, and after her nap, she curled up with me on the couch before happily making sister bracelets with Charlee. It was a perfect family day—until it wasn’t.

While playing near an open bedroom window with a screen in place, Riley fell from our fourth-floor home in a matter of seconds. The screen was not designed for fall prevention and was damaged, allowing it to pop out. Riley never woke up from the fall. After two days in the ICU, she passed away at just three and a half years old. Her death was entirely preventable if a proper window safety device had been installed.

In the midst of our unimaginable loss, we chose to honor Riley’s beautiful spirit through organ donation. Through her heart, liver, and kidneys, she saved at least three lives. She also gifted the miracle of sight to two others through the donation of her corneas. Even in her passing, Riley continues to give life, light, and hope—just as she did every day she was with us.

We created the Riley Jean Foundation to honor Riley and to protect other children. Through education, awareness, and advocacy, we work to prevent window-fall tragedies and support families who have lost their world, as we have. We are committed to raising awareness about this hidden danger and to passing life-saving window-safety legislation—starting in Florida and expanding nationwide.

 If we can save even one child, one family, one life, then Riley’s story has made a difference. That is how we move forward—by choosing purpose, awareness, and action in her name.