September 21, 2008

Exactly two years from the day MaryKathryn “KatyBug” Church drowned in a retention pond next to her home in western St. Lucie County, another Katy, five-year-old Kaitlyn Bacile, was found after she fell into a neighborhood canal in Wellington.  At a candlelight vigil on Friday night September 26th, Kaitlin’s father, John, says she was “pure love.”  John Bacile explains, “If there was a face, a person that could be put on this earth representing pure love, it would be Kaitlin.”  He explains the peace they find despite their pain, “We always called Kaitlin our angel and now she is an angel.” Kaitlin wandered from the family’s home on Farmington Avenue in Wellington while the family was packing to move out of state.
Neighbors and the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office searched throughout the night. Kaitlin was found by a family friend the next mourning in the nearby canal.

John Bacile told NewsChannel 5, “We deeply want everyone in the community to know how grateful we are of everything they have done and continue to do.” He says although he doesn’t believe Kaitlin’s death could have been prevented, he hopes her death teaches a lesson to others.

The Katy Foundation and the Church Family lift Kaitlin and her entire family and all their friends up in prayer and extend our heartfelt sorrow and any support that we are able to give.

September 22, 2008

Well, it has been two whole years since Katy went home to be with the Father.  It is difficult to imagine it has been that long and at times it seems ten times that.  A lot has happened in that time and a lot of people have come forward to help us in many, many different ways.  There has been a lot of prayer, friendship, and love.  We have had two Bug Bashes, given out scholarships, done community talks and displays and had a good time with a lot of great people.  We’ve even added a little brother to the family!  Watch over us Bug as we continue to try to do what is right and good and serve this community in what ever capacity we are able.  Thank you God for all you have done for us and the blessings we have received.  We will continue to follow the path You have set out for us.  For those angels on Earth who are part of this entire progression that our family and foundation have seen, you are thought of and appreciated.  We hope you will forgive us as we continue to get things in order.  With all that has been going on, proper “Thank yous” and follow-ups have not been timely.  We appreciate your understanding and promise to improve.  Thanks, again, to all who have held us up to this point.

Sincerely,

The Church Family (Troy, Robyn, Maddie, Olyvia, Katy and Adam)

Child Safety

Where your child’s safety is concerned, there is no substitute for constant adult supervision. Unfortunately, constant supervision simply is not possible, especially in situations where there is more than one child to watch. All too often a moment’s inattention costs a child his or her life. We know this and now must live with the result. We hope that through this website, you may find tips and resources that will reduce the risk to a level that affords you the greatest level of safety, while allowing you and your child to enjoy the world God has given us.

Upcoming Events

Vision

The vision of the Katy Foundation is that every child lives a safe and wonder-filled life, growing in the world and experiencing all God has to offer, being provided all the protection and guidance humanly possible, while allowing them to be children, with the freedom to explore.

Mission

The Mission of the Mary Kathryn Church Memorial Foundation is to reduce the risk of childhood injury, specifically drowning, and to promote the areas of early childhood education and pediatric healthcare with a Christ-centered approach to all decisions and activities.

Please continue to check back and watch for updates and special events.

Thank you for visiting!