Leaving a legacy.

KC was a North Texas native.

She was a kind little girl who wanted to become a history teacher.

Unfortunately, due to deteriorating conditions in her home, she found herself on the streets when she was only eleven years old. It wasn’t long before unsafe people approached her, and she believed their lies that she could be transformed into a pop star. Instead, because she depended on these strangers for her survival, she was sold for sex. Traffick911 met her when she was recovered by law enforcement four years later. The Traffick911 team met her when she was recovered by law enforcement at the age of fifteen. But, like most survivors’ stories, freedom does not happen at the exact moment a victim is physically separated from their trafficker. The following two years of KC’s life were turbulent as we built a relationship with her - helping her find her own voice, mentoring her, and finding resources to help her recover from her trauma.

This young girl had one of the most innocent and childlike demeanors of any victim we have ever encountered. Despite her challenges, while navigating her recovery, she bravely decided to testify against her trafficker. “I have overcome all that you did to me,” she wrote. Traffick911 was there when her words were read aloud in the courtroom, and the strength shown through her vulnerability was an encouragement to everyone present.

KC died in January 2020 when she was seventeen. She was dearly loved by her Traffick911 family and is remembered with hope. 

Survivors like KC are especially vulnerable to unsafe situations. In the past fifteen months, three more kids Traffick911 served have passed away. 

Every story we encounter is different, and our advocates commit to building a trust-based relationship with each and every youth. We fight for them in the legal system, find safe housing and trauma therapy options for them, and we are there for every hard battle fought and every precious victory won.

KC is the inspiration for Traffick911’s major giving circle, and Calyan Wax Co.’s limited edition Legacy Candle offered in 2021. We honor her legacy and bravery every day that we walk in deep relationship with the survivors we serve.