Nicolette Bandera and Katherine McCleery are organizing this fundraiser for Katie’s family — her mother, Monica, and her sister, Jennifer — as they continue seeking answers about what happened to Katie. On July 30th, Katie was found unconscious in her yard with severe, unexplained injuries. She underwent multiple emergency surgeries and, heartbreakingly, never regained consciousness. After nearly a month of hoping and fighting alongside her, the family was forced to make the impossible decision to stop medical interventions and allow Katie the chance to pass peacefully. In the midst of overwhelming grief, they have also been left with painful and deeply troubling questions. A six-hour window from that night has never been explained, a forensic exam that should have been performed was never done, and the family has faced inconsistent information from investigators at nearly every turn.

This fund is completely separate from any medical fundraiser and has been created for one purpose: to help Monica and Jennifer cover the legal fees and investigative costs needed to keep pushing for a full, thorough investigation into Katie’s injuries. All funds raised will go directly to them to support the legal and investigative efforts they are pursuing on Katie’s behalf. Nicole is asking for support for Katie’s family so they can continue pursuing every available avenue, ask the unanswered questions, and seek the truth Katie deserves. Any contribution, no matter the size, and every share of this fundraiser will mean so much to Monica and Jennifer during this heartbreaking time.