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Yesterday, June 10, was also the birthday of Joshua Higbee. A loving dad & family man, he was known for doting on his young son. Taken from a 4-year-old son & fiancée who he treated like a Queen, Josh worked long hours as a welder at the Excel Industries plant. 
When he wasn’t working or spending time w/family, Josh enjoyed fishing. Adopted at 6 after a difficult early childhood, Josh grew up to become a loving, caring & hardworking man. Known for putting his handyman skills to work throughout the community, Josh was labeled Mr. Fix-It.
The shooter was served with a protective order while at work. 90 minutes later, he killed his first victim. He ultimately killed 3 people—random co-workers, senselessly killed because a dangerous, violent man was allowed to possess a gun despite an imminent threat.
Today, June 9, is the birthday of Kirsten Elizabeth Hinckley. She would be 32 but died at 15 in the 2007 Salt Lake City attack. A sophomore in high school, Kirsten was passionate, trustworthy, talented, had a zest for life, and above all, was loving.
Kirsten could be shy, but could also make others laugh, and could always brighten a situation with her positivity. She believed in “chocolate therapy” as a cure for any situation.
Kirsten planned to attend Bartlett College in England, and would have accomplished her goals in life. She was tenderhearted and kind, but set high standards for herself and was driven to succeed. She was taken from her parents and 3 older siblings.
Today, June 2, is also the birthday of Hadiya Pendleton. She would be 26 but died in the 2013 Harsh Park Chicago shooting, less than a mile from President Obama’s Chicago residence and just one week after performing in his inaugural events.
Hadiya was a good student who loved books, enjoyed taking silly selfies with friends, played volleyball, and performed with her high school band. Hadiya was the only fatality in a mistaken identity gang-related shooting which injured 2 others.
The Wear Orange Gun Violence Awareness Program is an outgrowth of the reaction to her death. Because orange symbolizes safety for hunters, Hadiya’s friends & family wore orange to commemorate what should have been her 18th b-day. The movement has grown exponentially since then.
The final birthday for June 1 is Christopher “Drew” Leinonen. He would be 39 but died in 2016 at Pulse Orlando. Recognized w/the Anne Frank Award at 17 for defense of LGBT students & est the 1st Gay Straight Alliance, Drew was caring, considerate, & focused on unity & inclusion.
After obtaining a bachelor’s and master’s degree in clinical psychology at UCF, Drew found his niche as a mental health counselor in the Orlando Hospital ER. His mom called him “the epitome of the social butterfly” who loved to meet new people and enjoyed helping others.
Honoring his legacy, Drew’s friends est thedruproject.org – an advocacy group spreading love, supporting GSAs, & providing scholarships. As his friends said, Drew “felt like we all have a responsibility to not only treat people well, but to make the world a better place.”
