Letters to the Editor
Calayca family grateful for help in search
By Karen Caguicla, Toronto
Friday, September 7, 2007

OUR family has been trying to process all that we have been through for the past few weeks; they have been the shortest and longest weeks of our lives.
During the days of the Rainbow Falls search for Christina Calayca, each night came quickly without resolution. Each day as we drove by the OPP control center at the park, we would look into the eyes of the searchers and the look of optimism and determination gave us hope that she would be found.
When the days turned into weeks our optimism wavered, but just as they had done so many times before, the surrounding communities rallied around us. Their generous support was overwhelming and their determination has helped us to stay positive.
We will never be able to express into words our gratitude to everyone who participated in the search; for searching for Christina as though she were their own daughter, sister, niece, or cousin. To those who, to date, are still searching, please do not give up hope.
The generosity that was shown to our family during this trying time will never be forgotten. We had not anticipated the overwhelming love and support that we received from the communities surrounding Rainbow Falls and from our friends from home.
During the Rainbow Falls search we shared tears with strangers who made us feel like family. We were brought food, clothing, supplies, and given homes to sleep in. Countless people gave us their time, officers delayed personal holidays, civilians searched using their own boats and aircraft, and numerous individuals drove for hours to help us in our search.
When we were down, someone was always there to help raise our spirits. Stories of lost loved ones that have been found act as inspiration to our family and serve as constant reminders to never give up hope that Christina will one day come home to us.
We would like to thank the following for all of their hard work and extraordinary efforts in searching for Christina:
Police including emergency response, canine, marine, underwater search and recovery, aviation, crime and forensic units; civilian air and ground search units; provincial officials; citizens; and the many Terrace Bay and Schreiber businesses that contributed supplies, food, lodging, and support.
Thank you to Father Raul Escarpe for leading our vigils at the park and for welcoming our family into your home. We also greatly appreciate the efforts of Ann and Meredith, citizens of Terrace Bay, whose endless generosity were a tremendous comfort during our lowest times.
Special thanks to Provincial Constable Keith Jones for your kind words and big heart. We sincerely thank Schreiber Coun. Pat Halonen for organizing the civilian search and allowing our family to participate.
For those we were not able list, please accept our sincere apologies. We are very grateful for your sacrifices, support, and prayers.
Christina has not been returned to us, but our search continues. Please keep your eyes open for Christina, share our story with everyone you know, and keep her in your prayers.
Our hearts ache and the tears will not stop flowing until she comes home to us.
If you have any information that could help us bring Christina home, please do not hesitate to contact Crime Stoppers (anonymous) at 1-800-222-8477 or OPP at 1-888-310-1122. Beneficial information provided to Crime Stoppers may lead to a reward of up to $2,000.
With sincere thanks and love,

Karen Caguicla
For The Family of Christina Calayca