Who We Are
Our Story
A mother's love. A little girl's legacy. A mission that will never stop.
The Beginning
Athena Strand
The term "Athena's Army" was first used to describe the extraordinary community of individuals who came together to search for Athena Strand, law enforcement, first responders, and every single person who gathered to help look for Athena and support her family through a time no parent should ever have to face.
On November 30, 2022, Athena was taken from this world in a senseless act of violence. She was just seven years old, full of life, laughter, and love. She wore big red bows, chased horses, danced in tutus, and made everyone around her feel like the most important person in the world.
Her mother, Maitlyn Gandy, refused to let Athena's death be in vain. From the depths of unimaginable grief, she channeled her love into action, founding Athena Strand's Army, a nonprofit dedicated to honoring Athena's memory by doing the things she would have loved: helping people, supporting children's dreams, and protecting kids.
Maitlyn's Purpose
Two Ways Athena's Legacy Lives On
The Athena Alert
Maitlyn testified before the Texas Legislature to create a new child safety alert system, the Athena Alert. Signed into law in 2023, it fills the gap between AMBER Alert and other systems, helping find missing children in the critical early hours. It has already led to children being found.
Transparency & Trust
A Registered 501(c)(3) Nonprofit
Athena Strand's Army is a fully registered public charity with the IRS. All donations are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. Funds are used exclusively for three purposes: supporting families in times of tragic loss, supporting children in the pursuit of their dreams, and supporting efforts to help find missing children.
No funds go to Maitlyn Gandy personally or for the support of her family. All funds are used exclusively for the organization's charitable mission.