Sarena Moore UCC shooting Victim

October 1st began as any other day. Sarena Moore and her service dog, "Bullet" left for classes at Umpqua Community College as they would have any other day. She had prepared for her day the night before as she always had. Sarena wheeled herself out to the bus in her wheelchair, with Bullet by her side. Her family had no idea it would be the last time they would see Sarena or that it would be 6 days before Bullet would come home.

They still have no idea why she was taken from them or, how they will manage to go on without her. She was a daughter, a sister, a fiancée, a friend to many, and the proud mother of three grown sons. So many of her Facebook postings were dedicated to, or, in honor of her children. She was a good Christian woman who put her faith the in the power of prayer and devoted her heart to God. She was compassionate and devoted to a life of helping others anyway she could. This was often demonstrated in Church where she offered, and asked, for countless prayers for those in her life and community.

She was in her thrid semester at UCC studying business in the hopes of someday opening an animal rescue facility. Beyond helping animals she also hoped to create a place where she could provide therapeutic horse programs for people with disabilities. Her son Walter would like you to know of her, "She never said one curse word to anybody. She cared about everyone very very much." Her fiancé Travis has had health issues for some time and she provided loving care and support to him. He refers to her as, "the love of his life".

So many lives have been shattered by her passing. She never had much to give in the way of monetary possessions but, she had a golden heart which carried her family through some extremely difficult times. I was asked by her son Walter and have consulted with Travis to create this page. I ask on behalf of her family that you don't forget her life. I ask that you keep her and her family in your prayers and if you are able to help them financially, please know how much it means to them. No one can give back to this world all which was lost when Sarena was violently taken. This family is hurting, knowing she won't be forgotten means a great deal.

I do not know this family very well at all. When I heard about the tragic events that occurred in the town where I myself have distant relatives, I checked in on Walters Facebook page. The posts that I saw were heart wrenching. Here was this kid who wasn't even sure if his mother was amongst the deceased, he had to go to the Morgue to see if his mother was there or not. He was not receiving but two or three comments to his postings.

As a mother my heart ached. I couldn't fathom if I were taken from my son in such horrible manner and to see this kid going through this with such little outpouring and support just pulled me. I reached out to him. I have never in my life felt such an urge to reach out to someone as I did Walter that day. We have been in contact on a regular basis.

He was really not doing well yesterday and I asked him if there was anything at all I could do to help him. He asked me to speak to Travis about setting up this GoFundMe. I have worked with the GoFundMe staff throughout this process to ensure that I was setting this up in the appropriate manner and that I would have NO control over ANY of the funds. They helped me to arrange that.

I am honored to write this tribute and tell their story. I have taken on the responsibilities of creating, distributing, and updating this page. The family appreciates all that you do and will see all the support and comments you are giving them. I will be the one to pass along their gratitude. Trust me it is tremendous.