New Year’s is about new beginnings. This year would have been Kaitlin Kazanjian's 29th.
"First thing I asked, is she alive, and she wouldn't answer me.
This New Year’s Day Kaitlin's father, John reflects on the day his daughter died. She was riding with a classmate in 2003, skipping out of class to go grab breakfast. The driver, Carlos Pozo was traveling at speeds as fast as 100 miles per hour.
"It was raining out, he lost control of the car around the corner, he spun out and the car struck a tree." Kazanjian said.
Pozo walked away with minor injuries and later served 5 and half years for vehicular homicide, Kaitlin died.
"We gotta keep her memory alive,” Kazanjian said.
On Friday dozens showed up to the Abacoa Town Center to support the Kazanjian family and to honor Kaitlin's memory. An angel run helped to raise money for a scholarship fund in her name.
"We all get together and we all help out for the idea of the safety. We love the family and all have children so it’s all heart felt,” Peter Tartaglione said.
Since Kaitlin’s death more than $2 million have been raised for the scholarship fund. Recipients of the award say they had to be here to show their support.