Gabby Gifford's story...not just her's.

 Our lives can change so quickly. Mine did 13 years ago today when I was holding a meeting with constituents at a local Safeway in Tucson and a shooter opened fire.

I was shot in the head, and then the shooter turned on my staff and constituents. Eighteen people were shot, and six innocent lives were lost in the attack:

Christina-Taylor Green.

Phyllis Schneck.

Gabe Zimmerman.

Dorwan Stoddard.

Dorothy Morris.

Judge John Roll.

I will carry their memories with me forever, and I will always hold a special place in my heart for the survivors whose lives changed so drastically—just like mine.

The anniversary of this shooting is a painful one, but it also serves as a reminder of the way that the Tucson community came together in the wake of tragedy. I learned how to walk, talk, and become a stronger Gabby—a healing journey that I continue on to this day.

Then, two years after I was shot, another life-altering shooting occurred—this time at Sandy Hook Elementary in Newtown, where 20 children and six adults were murdered.

I knew in that moment I had to do something, and so I founded GIFFORDS with the mission to end gun violence and create a safer future for our nation’s communities.

Over the past 11 years, we’ve reinvigorated the movement to save lives and take on the gun lobby. But there’s still a lot of work to be done. Just like my recovery, progress happens step by step. I know that together, we can continue to save lives and make a difference in the fight to end gun violence.

Thank you for continuing to stand by my side in this crucial fight.