“It’s important because a lot of times you feel alone, when your grieving, you’re missing your loved one. You don’t know where to turn,” said Valerie Mendoza.
SAN ANTONIO — It’s a day of hope for many local families whose loved ones remain missing, or their murders remain unsolved.
It’s also an opportunity to connect with other grieving families, showing they are not alone.
“Today, really means hope,” said Paula Diaz Martinez, Pauline Diaz’s Daughter.
Hope is something Diaz-Martinez has held onto for more than 14 years since her mother 63 year-old Pauline Diaz went missing. Diaz was last seen leaving her job at a southeast-side H-E-B, on Dec. 7, 2010.
Since then, Paula has joined Search & Support San Antonio, a non-profit that aides and supports families of the missing and victims of unsolved crimes.
“Today’s our second annual National Missing Persons event, where we all get together and remember those who are are missing or who have died. It’s a wonderful way to to celebrate their memories, and to continue to provide support for their families,” said Lori Wittmeyer, Intake Case Manager, Search & Support San Antonio.
The event also connects families with one another so they can support each other through their time of grief.
Like the family of Katelyn “Kate” Vara, who went missing nearly six months ago on the morning of Aug. 6. Vara was last seen leaving her west-side home on Maria Elena, near Culebra, to go to a medical appointment.
Katelyn’s mother Valerie Mendoza says she’s grateful for the support.
“It’s important because a lot of times you feel alone. You know when you’re grieving, you’re missing your loved one, you don’t know where to turn. You know, people get on with their lives. These people are literally here to help us, to be there, for us, to support us,” said Mendoza.
The event also connects families with resources and let’s them know they are not forgotten in their search for justice.
Like the family of 22-year-old Khadija Derry, who was shot and killed outside of her Converse home on Dec. 6, 2023. Derry’s case remains unsolved. Khadija’s mother Kuquanda Perkins says as they continue fighting and pushing for justice, they are thankful they are not alone.
“Being a mother, losing your child, I’ve experienced death from other family members. The death of a child, especially in the tragic way that Khadija was taken from us, the emotional support is wonderful,” said Perkins.
United in Khadija’s families fight for justice is Paula, who says Saturday’s event helps make families feel they are not alone and hope is not over, even after 14 long years.
“I got to keep going forward, and I will fight for my mother, and fight to find the truth,” said Diaz-Martinez.