Run Over by the Bus: Annaliese Backner Memorial

***UPDATE***
Thank you all so much for your generous support over these past few weeks. The donations, prayers, kind gestures, and endearing comments have been a bittersweet reminder of the impact our Annaliese has had during her short time with us. Because of everyone's sharing of Anna's tragic story, meaningful and lasting changes are also underway. A Colorado bill fighting for school bus safety is to be named "Anna's Law," and it will provide real-time bus tracking so parents can anticipate the location of their child's school bus and school districts can oversee bus driver activity. Anna's parents are pushing hard after their tragedy so no other parent has to go through what they are going through.

Thank you all again for your support, generosity, and kindness. Anna wanted to make a meaningful impact with her life; now her parents fight on Anna's behalf to find significance in her death. Please continue to share Anna's story so no other family has to go through this.


For more information on Anna's impact on the bill:
https://denver.cbslocal.com/2022/03/26/annaliese-backner-parachute-school-bus-state-capitol/ 

For a brief synopsis of Anna's Law (Colorado Safe Student Protection Program: SB22-085):
https://vimeo.com/685348601

For an in-depth look at the bill: https://vimeo.com/681065965

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Eleven-year-old Annaliese Backner was tragically killed after being run over by a school bus on the morning of March 3. No one should ever have to face such a devastating loss, so during this time Annaliese’s “Anna’s” family and extended family are asking for your support and generosity on behalf of Annaliese’s parents. They are not asking for help; we are doing it on their behalf. All funds raised will go directly to Annaliese’s family to assist them with funeral costs and other expenses brought on by this dreadful loss.

 

Anna was an exceptionally charismatic and intelligent young girl. She lived fearlessly in ways that most of us only aspire to. Her outgoing personality meant that everyone was a friend, and her exuberant spirit earned her the nickname of “the diva” from her parents. Her abundance of love and energy was focused on her little brother, Leo. She took it upon herself to be “the best big sister” and showered 3-year-old Leo with love and attention.

 

At age 7, when most kids want to be a teacher or a firefighter, Anna decided she was going to become an astrophysicist. What kind of kid wants to become an astrophysicist, let alone knows what that is? The exploration and boundless possibilities of space astounded her. On the Christmas she received her first telescope, she jumped and shrieked with excitement, and then eagerly waited for nightfall. Anna also looked up to Neil deGrasse Tyson, a prominent African American astrophysicist, and hoped one day she could impact planetary science in a similarly profound way. Now when we look up to the night sky, we can find some solace knowing she’s with the stars she loved so much.

 

As family, friends, and a community we are all mourning the loss of Annaliese Backner. Though it’s impossible to find the right words to say, many of you have asked how you can help the Backner family. Though we cannot take away the unimaginable pain brought on by this unfortunate loss, we are seeking support for their family during this unfathomable time. Any and all donations are greatly appreciated, and we thank you for your kindness from the bottom of our hearts.

 

 

More ways to donate:

 

Special thanks to the community of Parachute, Colorado for their overwhelming support. The Backner family is grateful for all the prayers, well wishes, condolences, meals and donations on behalf of Annaliese. Our family would appreciate you sharing Annaliese’s story so that this never happens to another child.

 

For more information on the incident: https://www.postindependent.com/news/parachute-child-fatally-struck-by-school-bus-identified/?fbclid=IwAR2OAJ_-MOUjal9o-qS12YZDhGmEF364xOxjrQ9H0_jDUsS5E69hJPiQmew

 

 

Anna on her most recent birthday. She loved anime, Pokemon, My Hero Academia, and Harry Potter.

 

Anna and her younger brother, Leo, spending time together on the couch.

 

Even at an early age, Annaliese was a diva who stole the show.