Welcome to The 8th Day Foundation

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

The 8th Day Foundation

On August 8th, 2005, our precious daughter, Kimberly “Kimber” Ruth Wilson, decided to participate in an activity that had become popular with some of her friends. This activity involved taking a ligature device; attaching it to a stable object and using it to choke herself until she passed out. Unfortunately, she decided to do this alone in her bedroom. Because there was no one with her to revive her if something went wrong, she died that evening. She was 15 years old.

The coroner told us that she was “playing” something called the “choking game”. This caught us completely by surprise. We had no idea what the choking game was or why anyone would participate in the activity. Over the next few weeks we began to learn just how prominent and dangerous this activity truly was among pre-teens and young teenagers.
On May 3rd, 2006, The 8th Day Foundation was formed in honor of our daughter, Kimberly. The foundation has a two-fold purpose. One purpose is to raise awareness about the choking game and to inform parents, educators and youth leaders of the dangers of this so-called “game”.

Another purpose of the foundation is to honor Kimber and to allow her voice to be heard. One of the last things Kimber said is that she wanted to be a motivational speaker when she grew up. We, her parents, have chosen to take her message and speak it to as many who will listen. That message is “destiny”.

The number “8” is the number for “new beginnings”. Kimber died on the 8th day of the 8th month. She was also born in the 8th month. We want to allow families to experience a new beginning in their relationships with their pre-teens and teenagers.

We believe that every young person has within them a powerful positive destiny to influence the environment around them. We also believe that the family unit is the most effective instrument to enhance and encourage that destiny. The purpose of The 8th Day Foundation is to encourage the release of that destiny into the family.

Tim & Carol Wilson
Kimber’s Parents

Posted by admin at 13:42:00. Filed under: 8thday

Comments

I was woken to hear "Our guests today are from Riv of Life Church in Lawrence Ks" and my heart jumped and I thought whatever it is today, we are getting close to home. I haven't ever heard of the game. I kind of remember pretending to choke with kids when I was little (I'm 40 in July) but I don't remember it becoming a sensational thing. My kids are still sleeping...but I am anxious for my 11 and 12 (13 in 1 week) to wake. I also have an 8 year old. Thank you so much for your willingness to share your tragic story and save countless numbers of other children. Maybe I will meet you sometime. I live in Topeka. I will let you know what my kids say.

Jan Gauntt
Community Church

Posted by Jan Gauntt at Thursday, June 08, 2006 08:50:53

Thnak You so much for getting this information out to parents. I have never heard of this game. I have a 13 year old daughter and I am thankful to you. My prayers are with your family.

Posted by Jan Seimer at Thursday, June 08, 2006 10:08:13

I also heard you on the radio this morning. I have two young kids ages 5 and 2 and I am so grateful that you brought this to my attention. You are truly wonderful people. I thank God for giving you the strength to bare this tragedy and to go forward and minister to people. May He bless you and strengthen you every day.
In jesus' name.

Posted by Karen Hance at Thursday, June 08, 2006 13:46:32

Thank you for getting the word out. I plan to teach my small children that their bodies are not toys, not amusement parks. May God bless you as you spread the word and honor your daughter.

Posted by steven at Saturday, June 10, 2006 12:16:45

Hi, heard your story on Focus on the Family. I know your pain. We lost our 18 year old son, Kelly, to the deadly "choking game" on Jan.7, 2006.
Our story is posted on the website... http://www.deadlygameschild...
We are a Christian family. We have raised our children in a loving home, teaching the 2 of them to love Jesus with all their hearts. Two years ago, our son made a personal decision to be baptised. Making a public statement about his faith. He loved life and his most favourite time of the week was Friday Night Youth Group at our church. We will never know why he would try such a thing. I believe it was just curiosity. He thought that it was safe, there didn't appear to be any danger, as he wasn't putting anything foreign into his body. I has been a shock for our family. But, God has been our strength during these last 5 months.
This past week, I began doing the presentation by Officer Scott Methany and telling Kelly's Story. Kelly was not a risk taker. Perhaps that is the hardest to understand. I believe that God has a plan for Kelly's life and his death. Who am I to question what has happened. But, God does promise never to leave us nor forsake us. Especially when we need Him most, in our darkest hours. I testify of God no matter where I go, as I cannot not talk about God in all of this. It is our faith in God and thru his strength and support that any of us three can even function. It is nice to be able to talk to other Christians that have been through the same thing. I would like to be able to keep in touch. Thank you for listening.
Kelly's mom
Debbie LaRocque

Posted by Debbie LaRocque at Monday, June 19, 2006 21:57:36

Hiya I Am 14 and i have never heard about the chocking game until i read a magazine. I think it sounds like a really horrible game and after your site and the magazine alerting me i will have to tell my friends bout it so they know never to do it. I am also very sorry for your loss, your daugter sounds like a very nice girl.

Posted by Rachel at Monday, July 10, 2006 15:31:27

I appreciate so much that you have shared your story. I am a strong Christian and a praying mother. I have learned this past weekend that my 17 year old son has tried the deadly act several times. I have a gripping fear that something will happen and he will lose his life. I never want to face the tragedy that you have faced. I want to be able to know that I am doing what I can to help prevent it but not sure "how" to go about it. Thank you for The Spirit of Truth that comes from you.

Posted by Allison at Monday, September 11, 2006 10:03:15

Thank You so much for going out there and talking to familys, it is much apprecitated.The after school bible club is really thankful for you travling and sharing the news of jesus and this game. Many people were there and heard how dangerouse this can turn out to be.
thank you,
god bless

Posted by the KIlzer family at Thursday, October 12, 2006 17:36:17

Hi my names Susie Blake* i am 13 years old
i read about this awful incident in a magazine i read recently.
I have never played the choking game but i was very curious to try it out but after reading this it has made me think twice about playing it. Afterall whats your life compared to a silly little game?
my thoughts are with Kimber and i hope she R.I.P
yours Susie Blake*

Posted by Susie Blake* at Saturday, March 31, 2007 10:31:06

i apricate very much what time and effort you have put into making this site so both adults and children can see what concerquences you get from playing the chocking game! thankyou
kaylie .. 14 ... xxxxx

Posted by kaylie at Tuesday, April 24, 2007 03:31:36

hello my name is cian and i am 8 .in march 23 2008 i am 9.it makes me cry at the end of the eighth day because he dies . but i don`t know if he dies i jusst what to see him xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.

Posted by cian schmeyz at Friday, July 06, 2007 04:56:14

hi,
I have tried many a 'dangerous' game before including this one but I had never heard of anyone die before now it makes me feel silly and stupid because I could have been one of the unlucky ones I was born on the 8th of August and see this as a sign. I am very sorry about wat you had to go through and that somebody had to die in order to bring awareness to this silly and potentilly deadly game. I have much respect for you and hope that you continue to make a difference and save the lives of the niave. I am 19

Posted by Clare-Marie at Thursday, January 31, 2008 15:51:49

Hi,
I tried this "game" once at a slumber party when I was 12 or 13 years old. I am over 40 now and I still remember.We'd take a towel,wrap it around our necks and someone would pull the ends of the towel tight until we blacked out. I did it once and I knew by the feeling it is not a "fun" game.
There wasn't any good feelings at all. I remember coming to and I had a horrible headache,and I hated the feeling of not knowing what I was doing. Being out of control was the worst feeling. I felt nothing fun or any high in this "game". It shouldn't even be called a game.
I have sat here and cried for the families that have been touched by this game of death.My prayers are with all of you!

Posted by Karen at Monday, February 04, 2008 00:56:43

Hi Tim and Carol,
This is Beth, I recently went to a counseling convention up in Stevens Point, WI and the first session that I went to was about the Choking Game. It was being presented by a group called GASP (Games Adolescents should'nt Play) and I sat and cried at the many children that have lost their lives. At one point they did a slideshow of pictures and I wasn't expecting to see Kimber. I really lost it, when I saw her it all hit home once again. Her life will go on. I had the opportunity to share this message with a mother who had lost her son who was presenting at the session. We held each other and cried and remembered Kimber and her son. She knew who Kimber was through her picture. I let her know that her son will also be remembered through her.

I was very impressed by GASP's message and am glad that you have gotten in contact with them. Counselors need to hear this message, people need to know. I miss you and your family and not so much Kansas but the people who live there. I miss Kimber.

Love you all,
Beth and Ty

Posted by Beth Daniels at Wednesday, February 27, 2008 10:38:24