I'm reflecting on Jim Brady and his legacy today

{NAME}, 42 years ago today, the piercing sound of gunshots ripped through a bustle of reporters outside a hotel in Washington, DC. Someone just shot the president. [Jim Brady and Ronald Reagan in the Oval Office]( The gunman fired six shots in just 1.7 seconds. The president survived, but Jim Brady was caught in the crossfire, the bullet tore through his brain and left him paralyzed. This was the moment that brought the man who would give his name to our organization to this movement. He resolved to dedicate the rest of his life fighting for gun violence reform. Unfortunately, this story of survival turned into advocacy isn’t unique to Jim — it’s the same story that brought me to Brady. When my mom was shot and killed in the doorway of our home, I searched for a way to do something with my grief and I found Brady. Jim’s legacy of fierce commitment to the gun violence prevention movement permeates our organization still. And after the tragedy in Nashville this week that stole the lives of three children, after 131 mass shootings just this year, it has never been more important to fight as hard as we ever have to end this epidemic. [Donate today to help us end gun violence.]( Jim and his wife, Sarah, fought tirelessly against the NRA for nearly a decade, ultimately passing the Brady Background Checks bill and creating the system we use to this day — the very one Brady is fighting to expand now. We’re still up against the NRA’s reign of terror and the gun lobby’s bought-off politicians, but as Jim’s legacy has taught us, we can win. Jim never stopped fighting and neither will I. And I know you won’t either, {NAME}. You’re one of the dedicated gun violence prevention activists whose support is essential to finally changing this country. That’s why I’m personally reaching out to you today: That's why we've set a $25,000 goal to honor Jim Brady and recommit to his life's work on this crucial anniversary — and I'm counting on your donation to reach it. [Will you give $5 or more before midnight tonight to honor Jim's legacy and help Brady pass common-sense gun violence reform, like an assault weapons ban?]( [Give $5]( [Give $25]( [Give $50]( [Give another amount]( Sometimes, the fight for change is long. But Jim showed us what dedication can do — how many lives we can save if we keep working every day. Thank you for embodying that spirit with your support today. Liz Dunning Gun Violence Survivor Vice President of Development {NAME}, thank you for supporting Brady. ['Brady is committed to defeating the NRA, electing gun safety champions and passing common-sense bipartisan legislation – but we need your help.'](#) If you're in this fight to create a better, safer country for future generations, join Brady today by making a gift. [DONATE]( [DONATE MONTHLY]( Brady 840 First Street, NE Suite 400 Washington, DC 20002 United States This message was sent to your email address. Contributions to the Brady Campaign are not tax-deductible and are not restricted for use for any particular project or in any state. The first $25 of your contribution activates your annual membership status with the Brady Campaign. If you would like to make a tax deductible donation today, please consider making a gift to the Brady Center. [Click here to donate.]( Emails are crucial for communicating with top members of the Brady Campaign team. To put an end to the gun violence epidemic, we need you on board every step of the way. However, if you would prefer to receive fewer emails, [click here to update your contact preferences.]( If you received this email by mistake or would like to stop receiving email communications from us, [unsubscribe](. Paid for by the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence (www.bradyunited.org), not authorized by any candidate or candidate’s committee.