Sashes and Safety

Some of the strongest women I know are Judi and Michaela Cross. Out of the unthinkable tragedy of losing Tucker, they built a mission that has touched countless lives. Their determination to turn heartbreak into hope is the very heart of Tucker’s Promise Foundation. What could have ended in silence instead grew into a voice for change, a movement to protect children and educate families about water safety.

I have known Judi and Michaela nearly my entire life. They are like family to me, which makes walking beside them in this mission even more meaningful. When they created Tucker’s Promise, it was more than a foundation. It was a way to take their pain and pour it into something that could prevent another family from experiencing the same heartbreak.

Through the pageants I coordinate , I knew their mission had to be part of the work I was doing. It became natural to tie Tucker’s story and water safety education into the platforms of service I was already building. Later, when I stepped back into the role of contestant, I carried Tucker’s Promise with me onto the stage. It has been an honor to share their mission with audiences , giving their voices a wider reach and keeping Tucker’s memory alive in the process.

The growth of Tucker’s Promise has been inspiring to witness. From scholarships and safety programs to their newest outreach efforts, Judi and Michaela have poured every ounce of love and determination into making sure not one more child is lost to drowning. Their resilience has turned grief into action, and their mission continues to ripple outward, changing lives across communities.

I am proud to stand beside them on this journey. Their strength reminds me every day why advocacy matters. From great loss has come great change, and from one little boy’s story, countless lives are being saved.