Meet John Vogels of Martyred Angels Foundation

On April 9,2011 my wife was watching our 3 year old son (Bladyn) and our daughter (Raven) while I was at work. After playing all morning in the yard, my wife went to put our son down for a nap (It’s important to point out that my wife was suffering from pneumonia at this time). Bladyn did not want to take a nap so he began to run around our property (3 acres) in protest. After making a lap and 1/4, my wife noticed that he had gotten out of the yard because he vanished behind the barn. She attempted to cut him off, but with difficulties breathing and our daughter in tow, it was impossible to keep up. Once she was able to get to the property where there was a pond, and it was stated by a neighbor that seen him this is where he went, she searched for him but no luck. Our daughter spotted him at one point in time and shouted, “There he is momma”, but he managed to take off and hide again. After searching through bushes, as well as the pond and not having any success, another approach was taken.

At this time she made the decision to go back to the house and get her car so she can cover more ground quicker. My mother-in-law (who owns the house and where we currently live now) joined the search. My wife and daughter went in one car and my mother-in-law went in another. After a short period of time, my wife decided to go back to the house and see if Bladyn was there. Unfortunately he wasn’t, so she and Raven went back to the property with the pond to look again. After arriving, my wife noticed a little pile of blue clothing matching our son’s laying on the bank of this pond. She then noticed a little white butt and blonde flowing hair floating on the surface. Immediately she got in to attempt a rescue.

As she stepped onto the liner to this pond, her footing was lost due to the enormous amount of algae and scum present. She slid in uncontrollably, but was eventually able to get enough balance to grab our son. As this was happening, my mother-in-law pulled up and ran to help. She too slid uncontrollably into this pond, but was eventually able to get her balance and proceed to help. My mother-in-law was holding Bladyn as my wife was administering CPR. As all of this was going on, our daughter (who was 5 years old at the time) was watching. When a neighbor heard the screams for help, she ran down and took notice then went back to call 911. She then came back and took our daughter home with her so she didn’t have to watch anymore. Unfortunately the outcome was unsuccessful and Bladyn passed away approximately 1/2 hour after I arrived at Boulder Community Hospital. We spent some time with him in the ER on the bed to say our goodbyes. His condition at this time I would rather not express.

As Therapy for me, I’ve started the Martyred Angels Foundation

The road ahead after the loss of a child is extremely difficult and continues to be challenging. Living with PTSD and this loss is difficult and is not an experience any parent should have to go through. Without support from others that understand, it can lead to extreme depression, loneliness and serious consequences.

We are a 501(c)(3) Nonprofit and our mission is to provide community support to families after the tragic death of a child,

We offer services such as fundraising to help pay for cemetery plots next to the child and/or for the child, group support meetings, access to equestrian therapy, temporary group financial support, grief support group camps.

Our services are available to parents that have lost a child (Civilian/Military), children that have lost their parent, those with confirmed PTSD related to this loss

Our programs are specifically and uniquely designed to support families struggling after a tragedy such as those listed above. Unfortunately resources for these tragedies are either unavailable, unobtainable or completely absent. We are very unique and are here because we care and understand. We are hoping to continue to grow and branch out everywhere possible to provide these services to families across the country. For more information or details please visit our website and click on “The Reason” page for the story, “Current Campaigns” page for programs and support options, “Membership” page for other areas to get involved and then just cruise the site for more ways to help or connect! Show your support by getting involved at out website

Our success is defined by our results. Through understanding and compassion, along with our therapy staff, volunteer groups and finances, we make each and everyday a brighter possibility for families struggling after the loss of a child/child that loses a parent. Our goal is to spread throughout the country and make a difference in every family’s life currently battling with such a loss. In order for us to achieve these goals, it takes funding and financial support through tax-deductible donations, grant writing or other options that include finances, the help of volunteers and those that want to help us make a difference in the lives of families struggling during these difficult times. We have so much to offer and need your help to make it possible! Thank you from the Martyred Angels Foundation!