Cortlyn “CoCo” Bridges, a Pasadena native, is an Author, Founder, and Advocate. Despite the heartbreak of losing her daughter Ky in December 2020, Cortlyn founded the Ky Alicia Thomas Foundation, dedicated to supporting families affected by gun violence. With an unwavering commitment to ending gun violence in black and brown communities, she remains a strong advocate. Cortlyn draws strength from her faith, family, and friends, finding solace in their support during her healing journey. Her life revolves around the role of being a mother to Ky Thomas and Kamryn Saltus, as well as a Nana to Kylee and King—cherished grandchildren of her late daughter Ky. Cortlyn has drawn strength from her unwavering faith, close-knit family, and supportive friends, finding solace in the power of forgiveness.

"I guess Kai knew tomorrow wasn't promised, and um, she knew it was her relationship with God. And I really want to honestly say that she was she was preparing all of us. You know, it was something that you know God had been instilling in her for a long, long time. And you know they say you know not the hour nor the day we don't, but it was little things that God was, you know, allowing her to prepare us for. And that's why I think that Kai a lot of the things she did with our family as far as trying to make sure we all stay connected and did everything together and and tried to keep us all together is because she wanted us to love each other and know that you got to stay together no matter what." Cortlyn Bridges

www.kyaliciathomasfoundation.org

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