JEFFERSON COUNTY, Mo. — Seated at a bench in Arnold Park, Tonya Musskopf gathered materials and packaged grief bags Tuesday morning.
The table was filled with items including a journal, cross and stuffed cardinal.
Musskopf grabbed a purple bow and said, "It was her favorite color. I try to incorporate Kaitlyn in everything that I do."
That's the foundation of her organization.
"I love sending these out, every one we send out is good for my heart," she said.. "Letting mothers know they are not alone, our foundation is here for them."
This is all for the organization she created to help others. It's called Kaits Love for Jaxx.
Her 25-year-old daughter Kaitlyn Anderson died on the job in 2021. She was one of two MoDOT workers killed in south St. Louis County when a driver hit them. Kaitlyn was pregnant with her unborn child named Jaxx.
"I just knew I had to do something for grieving families, I felt alone," Musskopf said.
The organization offers multiple items such as:
- Pregnancy medical alert bracelets to any expectant.
- “You are Not Alone” love sack with all types of donated items to bring comfort.
- Free grief coach.
- Scholarship for high school seniors who lost a parent.
- Support for MoDOT workers if they've been hurt.
Musskopf said they've donated 7,000 grief sacks. They've shipped the bags all over the United States and even sent one to Australia.
They've sent over 5,000 medical alert bracelets.
She talked about the importance of those bracelets. She said she felt like it could've helped Kaitlyn.
"The paramedics may arrive to the scene and not know your pregnant, if you have a medical grade bracelet on that says you’re pregnant, at least then the first responders know that you are carrying a child and they can do whatever to save your baby for you," Musskopf said.
To continue raising awareness, Musskopf is hosting its third annual "Slow Down and Move Over" walk at Arnold Park on June 8.
"We just want to get the message out, to move over and slow down in work zones," she said.
More walkers and funds are needed for the walk.
"We’re a very small foundation, donations are needed," She said. "The medical bracelets are medical-grade and aren’t cheap for us. The grief sacks cost us $60 each to mail out."
Musskopf said she believed their organization could help save lives. It's an act Kaitlyn would have waned.
"Everyone that knew Kaitlyn, knew how strong she was and how much she enjoyed helping others and I couldn't let her memory go. I know Kaitlyn is extremely proud of us," Musskopf said.
To sign up for the walk or donate, click here.