Dear Editor,
When a tragedy occurs, there are many reactions that are considered “common and normal” for those left behind to cope. Shock and disbelief, confusion, anger, numbness and fear, guilt and blame are just a few of these responses.
Since Maggie and Amos Meyer were killed on Oct. 16, 2016, these feelings and more have been experienced by their many loved ones who remain hopeful that their questions of what happened that night will one day be answered and justice will be served.
While they wait, these individuals continue to strive to ensure that the legacy of Maggie and Amos be more than one of tragic ending, and instead speak to the life of kindness, service to others, and gratitude that they both lived.

On April 27, the third annual Infinity Run and Family Event, held in memory of Maggie and Amos, served this purpose. Despite a brutal late-April snowstorm, hundreds of participants still showed up and shared in celebrating the lives of Maggie and Amos.
Runners and walkers fought through snow, sleet, and ice to compete in the 5K and 1 mile run/walk events. Children lined up in the Kid’s Zone for free games of Plinko, Bozo Buckets, and Fishing for Prizes.
The Silent Auction featured table after table of local donations and offerings for attendees to bid on. The unexpected cold weather may have caused some last minute adjustments, but hearts were warm as the community joined together to support the event that in total grossed over $7,500.
These proceeds will all be shared back out in the name of Maggie and Amos to fund local educational programming to enrich learning experiences for our area children.
The Maggie & Amos Foundation would like to thank everyone who attended and supported the 2019 Infinity Run and Family Event, specifically the following:  Martin & Company, Rt 64 Vintage, Plum Electric, Father & Sons of Oregon, River Country, Sandy Strohecker and 31 Designs, the Rockford Rivets, Designs by Kim, the Rockford Icehogs, the Chicago Field Museum, the Discovery Center, the Chicago Bears, the Chicago Museum of Science & Industry, White Pines Ranch, Alpine Clinic, Rockford Park District, Carol Devine, My Play Village, Casey’s of Oregon, Hazel’s Cafe, Snyder’s of Oregon & Byron, Graphic Arts Express, the Chicago White Sox, AMC Movie Theaters, the Oregon Soap Shoppe, Merlin’s Greenhouse, M&K Crafts, Oregon Park District, Subway of Oregon, Stephanie White & Norwex, Dairy Queen of Oregon, Silver Ridge Golf Course, Tate’s Trenching, Steven Benesh & Sons, Byron Park District, Blackhawk Nurtrition, Hopper’s Poppers, Alfano’s of Oregon, SuperValu, Jonas Martin Well Drilling, Northern Illinois Univeristy, Felker Foods, Susan Johnson & Real Time Pain Relief, Edwards Orchard, Lisa Eden, Chicago Wolves, the Flower Patch, Village Bakery, ADM Studio, the Chili Pepper, Franklin Street Pub/Father & Son/Weezy’s/2nd Chance Tavern, Jay’s Drive-In, Costa’s Restaurant, Red Stone Salon, Mighty Tough Anchors, Lucky Grooming, Athletico, Just Imagine Photography, Mt. Morris Moose, Michelle Rogers, Prographics, Chana Tap, Game Day Apparel, OCEC OT/PT, Crystal Cork, B You Salon, Jason’s Deli, Distinctive Gardens, Rock River Culligan, Fischer’s Inc., Bittersweet & Burlap, OCEC Vision Teachers, Jean Delhotal, Gary & Laura Davidson, Prairie View Golf Course, Hairy Cow Brewing Company, Smoq’n Barrels, Polished Hair & Nails, Plum Hollow, Linda Niemeyer, Chris Pearce, Brian & Michel Williams, Bob & Tammy Fizol, Stephanie Carr, Mike & Gayle Noble, Lindy Eckert, Dennis & Mary Cheatwood, Larry & Joyce Groenhagen, Frank Swingel, Byron Bank, Sterling Federal Bank, and all of our volunteers for their time and efforts to ensure that this event was a success.
This year an Irish Toast was featured on the event shirts. “When times are hard, may hardness never turn your heart to stone.  May you always remember when the shadows fall, you do not walk alone.”  This saying speaks to the purpose of The Maggie & Amos Foundation and was experienced by those who attended the Infinity Run event.
It is truly inspiring to see a community gathered together in unity with the intention of channeling sadness and grief into hope and positivity.  
With gratitude,
Lynn Kalnins and members of The Maggie & Amos Foundation