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.

History

Mary Kathryn “Katy” Church is the daughter of Troy and Robyn Church and sister to Madelyn and Olyvia of Western Fort Pierce. On September 21, 2006, tragedy struck the family as they were preparing to go out for a family walk in their neighborhood.

Somehow, the two youngest, Olyvia (4) and Katy (15mos) got out of the front door without being seen and made their way to the nearby retention pond. Within a matter of 1 ½ to 2 minutes the girls had gone from being in their bedroom to being at the pond. Katy had fallen in the pond, as the parents were searching for her and Olyvia. When the girls were not found inside, Robyn went out the front door and immediately saw Olyvia who told her Katy had fallen in.

Katy was immediately found and CPR was begun. She was flown by the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office Air Rescue to Lawnwood Regional Medical Center, where the extraordinary and capable staff helped to regain her heartbeat. Katy was then flown by Air Rescue to St. Mary’s Nicklaus Children’s Hospital where she received the best of care.

The next day, due to many complications following the intake of the pond water, Katy flew home to be with the Lord. Present was her family and many close friends. God provided the family with abundant blessings as a result from this horrible tragedy. Support was amazing, as was evident in Katy’s Celebration of Life Service at Westside Baptist Church. We as a family have pledged to continue these blessings to others, in Katy’s name.

The Mary Kathryn Church Memorial Foundation or Katy Foundation hopes to prevent childhood injuries, especially drowning, be an advocate in similar situations, and do all we can to ease the pain and suffering for others experiencing child death.

Directors