Hope for the Holidays: Because Every Family Deserves to Be Together

For many families, the holidays are a time to gather and give thanks. For parents of missing children, it can also be a season of longing, wishing they could hold their child again.

In 2023, John Rex’s wish came true when his daughters, Hanna Lee and Skye Rex, were safely recovered and his family reunited. This holiday season, John offers a message of hope to families still waiting:

“During the three long years my daughters were kidnapped, I didn’t celebrate the holidays,” John told NCMEC. “I spent them putting up missing child posters because I couldn’t bear to sit down and eat while wondering if my daughters were safe.”

Hanna and Skye were just 7 and 5 when they were abducted by their noncustodial mother in March 2020.

“This year will be the third Thanksgiving that we get to celebrate as a family, and every day is a blessing knowing that Hanna and Skye are safe, healthy and doing great,” said John. “To every family still searching, please don’t give up! I know it’s a long, hard road, but hold on to hope. We are living proof that even after that hard road, families can be together again.”

The Rex family’s story is a powerful reminder of why NCMEC never gives up. While some families are together this holiday season, countless others are still searching. Here are a few more cases where you could help reunite a family:

Andrew was allegedly abducted from Rio Rancho, New Mexico, by his noncustodial mother, Miriam Felix, on June 25, 2023. A felony warrant for custodial interference was issued for Miriam in August 2023. Today, Andrew is 13 years old. 

Julia was last seen in Seattle, Washington, on Nov. 6, 2014. She was allegedly abducted by her noncustodial father, Jason Potter. A felony warrant for Jason was issued in November 2014. Today, Julia is 17 years old. 

Emmanuel was allegedly abducted by his noncustodial father, Christian Edgley, on June 6, 2023, from Fulshear, Texas. A felony warrant for custodial interference was issued for Christian in June 2023. Today, Emmanuel is 12 years old. 

Evelyn was last seen in Little Rock, Arkansas, on Oct. 23, 2022. She may be in the company of her noncustodial mother, Tania Trejo-Nava. A warrant for custodial interference was issued for Tania in March 2023. Today, Evelyn is 8 years old.

With extra travel this holiday season, it is important to stay alert for missing children. One tip can be the difference in reuniting a family. As for NCMEC, we remain committed to helping bring every missing child back to their families, because every child deserves to be home for the holidays.

To view and share missing posters this holiday season, visit our website here: https://www.missingkids.org/search.