I understand the painful tragedy of having loved ones taken by gun violence. My granddaughter Chanel’s life was taken on December 28, 2022.
“A woman who was found fatally shot on Wednesday night inside a car” was flashed on the news, and the phone call came next, telling me it was my grandchild. At that moment I was broken to the core of my soul; I was on my knees crying nonstop.
I search for a support group to help me with my healing journey. I moved to Washington, D.C. Now I am a volunteer with Moms Demand Action and the Everytown Survivor Network, which supports survivors of gun violence. I turned my pain into purpose and started a support group, “Grand’Ma Healing Swag.” I found myself again – not the same version of me, but a stronger version.
In dedication and memory of Chanel, who had planned to launch Grand’ma Healing Swag with me before her death.
Courage starts with showing up and letting ourselves be seen. I feel filled with hope, resilience, and self-care is self-love!
Antoinette Kreiselmeier
Grand’ma Healing Swag 2025