Archive for the ‘Homewood Alabama’ Category

Let Us Remember

Saturday, April 3rd, 2010

Hello everyone,

I’d first like to make a correction to the Homewood (Alabama) Police Department information tipline number.  The number has been misnoted on this site.  The correct number is (205) 332-6262.

Tuesday I interviewed with Fox 6 in Birmingham, Alabama.  There I made a plea for information leading to the whereabouts of our daughter Nadia and here I make it again.  If you have any information leading to the location of Nadia please call the Homewood PD tipline at (205) 332-6262.  Someone called that number in December of last year and left what the police consider “credible” information about Nadia’s case.  However, that person did not leave a way for the PD to contact them about the information.  I ask that person to please call the PD again.  We need you to help us find Nadia.  Please call (205) 332-6262.

As we move forward in our efforts to find our daughter, professional searches continue based on leads phoned in to Homewood PD.  The latest search was last week and then approximately two weeks ago.  More professional searches are being planned for this month.  We continue to be amazed by the dedication and committment of the professional volunteers who have come forward to help us find Nadia. 

There is a lot of darkness surrounding Nadia’s case and her disappearance.  Since she went missing we’ve come to understand she encountered a number of people of questionable character in her life.  I believe these people are preventing us from finding her because they have not been forthcoming with information that could lead to her whereabouts.  I also believe these people took advantage of her good graces and exploited her in many ways.  I believe they continue to work on attempting to wipe out her identity, the fact she ever lived/worked/existed in Homewood, AL or that she even has a family.  I believe their activities may reach far beyond Homewood, AL, using distance to diminish or conceal their true motives.  I share this with you in hopes someone will take this to heart and feel compelled to call Homewood PD to help us find Nadia. 

Tomorrow is Easter and with it comes our gratefulness of knowing the Lord died for our selfishness and sins.  It’s a reminder of His sacrifice for us.  He paid with the ultimate price of a slow death on the cross.  How great He is!!

My family and I wish you all a wonderous Easter and we pray you will experience the grace and peace He has to offer.  

In His Love,

Nancy for all      

In support of our daughter Nadia Kersh

Thursday, March 18th, 2010

Dear Nadia, 

I’m writing you because there have been a number of people wondering and asking about your little boy (now two years old).  As you know, we love and miss him very much as we continue our efforts to provide a better future for him.  We’re doing all we can to help him and I especially want you to know your father and I have not given our consent or blessing for anyone to adopt him.   

We don’t know where you are, whether you’re alive or dead and we worry about you constantly.   The authorities tell us sightings of you have been reported and leads on your whereabouts continue to come in to the Homewood Police Department.  Given all, we want you to know we have not given our approval or consent to declare you deceased…when we see you we will know the truth.  In the meanwhile, we’ll continue to do all we can to support you as a mom, a daughter and a sister while you’re gone. 

With loving memories of you, 

Mom  

Request for Information

Wednesday, March 3rd, 2010

Hello everyone,

I’d first like to thank everyone who responded to our son, John’s letter last month.  For those of you who don’t know John is eight years old and misses his sister, Nadia very much.  He’s been doing all he knows how to do to help find her.  Last month he decided to write a letter to the public to let you all know how he feels.  Many letters in response came pouring in.  He was overwhelmed by the number of people who sent him emails and he took care to respond to each of them.    Thank you all for writing him. Your thoughtful gestures have warmed his heart.  

Our daughter, Nadia has been missing 16 months today.  It’s so hard to believe she has been away so long…so long away from us…so long away from her son now almost 2 and 1/2 years old (almost 1 and 1/2 years since he’s seen his mommy).   

Private, professional searches continue in Alabama for Nadia and we couldn’t be more thankful.

Homewood Alabama Police Department (PD) are following up on leads to Nadia’s whereabouts as they continue to come in.  We’re so grateful to the people who have made the call to the Homewood PD with information about Nadia.  

Someone called the Homewood PD hotline last December with significant credible information about Nadia’s case. However, the caller did not leave their contact information for the police to speak with them.  As a grieving family we call upon you once again to PLEASE call the Homewood PD again at (205)332-6363.  The police need to speak to you.  The lead detective in Nadia’s case is Doug Finch.  We all need your piece of the story to find Nadia and we need your information to bring her home…we miss her terribly and our grandson desperately needs his mommy.  PLEASE call (205) 332-6363.

After a number of failed attempts over the years we finally located Nadia’s Russian sister, Svetlana in Russia.  Nadia always spoke fondly of her and felt closest to her of all her Russian siblings.  Svetlana is aware Nadia is missing and has a son.  Sadly, we had hoped our contact with her would’ve carried happier news.

The “person of interest” in Nadia’s case continues to be the main focus of the Homewood PD.  It is our belief that others may have contributed to her disappearance as well by exploiting her naivety, good nature and trustworthiness. 

Given all, we call upon you once again to help us find Nadia.  If you have any information please either call the Homewood PD at (205) 332-6363 or contact us through this website.  We desperately need your help.

Thank you everyone as we continue our search for Nadia and press for a better future for our grandson.

In His love,

Nancy Kersh

Remembrance for Nadia

Monday, November 16th, 2009

Hello everyone,

The one year remembrance for Nadia on the 3rd of this month was just wonderful!  We were very touched by the dedicated people who came out to remember her and so thankful for the team who was responsible for orchestrating the event. We’d like to thank Nadia’s friends from school who provided inspirational support to us with their kind words of remembrance.  Special thanks to the Homewood Police Department, Walker County Search and Rescue and Mayor McBrayer.  It was good to meet someone new from her work as well…we were so glad you came. 

Each time Nadia’s story is captured by the media (See ABC Video) new leads are generated and this event was no different.  We’re so grateful for those who called in to the Homewood Police Department tip line (205) 332-6262.  One individual called with very credible information but did not leave a way for the PD to contact them.  Please, if you would, call Homewood PD again!  They very much want to talk to you!!

I feel compelled to mention that sadly there’s been a group of people who have tried to compromise our events for Nadia.  This group has attempted to derail our efforts to find our daughter and our efforts to provide a better future for our grandson.  To those of you who are involved in this group, please know you are welcome to attend events for Nadia and participate in efforts to find her, but if you are truly Nadia’s friends and love her as we do you would not taint her memory by casting a dark shadow over it.  

To the people who have taken Nadia’s belongings we’d like you to know we harbor no ill feelings.  Eventhough some of those things were gifts from us and her little brother, we have all we need.  Please feel free to keep her items since they have importance to you. 

To all the lovely people who have supported us along the way, thank you so much.  Joey, I’ve received your email and know you and the good people of Australia are thinking of us as we continue to move forward in our attempts to find Nadia.  To family and friends in Europe, we know you have been with us from the start. To our friends in Guam, Figi, China, Korea, Azores and Thailand, thank you for your continued support.  To all family and friends in CONUS (stateside) we appreciate your friendship and thoughtfulness.  To the people of Faith Chapel Christian Center, thank you for inviting us to worship with you and to be part of your family.  To Nadia’s good friends from school, thank you for holding her close and not forgetting her.  To Angie, thank you for setting up a Facebook site for Nadia.  To those I have not mentioned, thank you for staying by our side as we continue our search.  What a great tribute you all are to Nadia!

If you have ANY information about ANY aspect of Nadia’s life or her disappearance, please do not hesitate to contact the Homewood PD at (205) 332-6262.  You can also contact us in confidence at this website.  Please do so and let us know your story.  Your story could provide the piece that leads us to find her. 

All the Lord’s blessings to you,

Nancy Kersh 

One year remembrance for Nadia on Tuesday, 3 November 2009

Sunday, November 1st, 2009

Hello everyone,

I’m heading down to Alabama soon to be closer to Nadia and to join in a remembrance for her on the one year anniversary of her disappearance (3 November 2008).  I’m hoping some of Nadi’s friends from Alabama will be there and will help us in our efforts to search for her.  I understand the event will have a candlelight ceremony, music, warm beverages for a chilly night, etc.  There will also be a variety of speakers.  I’m looking forward to talking about Nadi and sharing pictures with those who come.  I’m grateful for the folks who volunteered their time to make this event happen.  We are extremely appreciative for their efforts.  The location of Nadia’s remembrance is Soho Plaza directly outside Homewood City Hall.  Activites begin at 6pm with a candlelight ceremony at 7pm.  Please come as you are able.

As always, you can reach us through this website with your comments.

Warm blessings to you all,

Nancy Kersh

Billboard and Facebook page for you, Nadi

Sunday, October 18th, 2009

Billboard

Hello Nadi,

Lamar advertising has graciously donated a number of billboards in the Birmingham, Alabama area for the sole purpose of sharing your missing person information.  The picture is of one spotted several days ago.  I thought I’d share it with anyone who isn’t from that area.

I’d also like to tell you that you have a new facebook page.  It’s been established by a lady named Angie who although did not know you has been dedicated to finding you.  We couldn’t be more thankful.  The site is open to the public, so people can feel free to take a look:  http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=146464708068

Love you, Nadi.  May the Lord hold you close wherever you are.

Mom

Nadia Missing 11 Months Today

Saturday, October 3rd, 2009

Nadia Running at Rio Grande

Hello Everyone,

It’s so very hard to believe it has been 11 months now since Nadia has disappeared.  Each day we wake up and are reminded that she is not here.  We all miss her so much! 

I will tell you that amidst the pain of not being able to see her, to touch her and tell her that we love her, it warms my heart to know searches for her continue yet again this month.  We’re extremely grateful to those who dedicate their time to search and the Homewood Police Department for their diligent support in these efforts.  We will find you Nadia, in time we will!  It is the greatest gift we can give your little man…that is to find his Mommy.

The Homewood Police Department have followed up on leads…each adding another piece to the overall puzzle of what happened to Nadi.  They are still waiting for lab results to arrive from the FBI lab in Quantico, VA.  I was once told, “Homewood does not give up (on a case) no matter how long it takes.” and I can see that to be true.   

In August we took part in a great event to acknowledge missing persons. It was a spiritual experience just to take in and realize the number of people (close to 100) in the Birmingham, Alabama area alone who have been reported missing, unidentified or missing/victims of crime. The images of the vast number of posters set up in Oak Mountain Park on 19 August representing each affected individual still haunts me.  Each day as we lift up our prayers to the Lord we hold those loved ones close in our hearts.  

Next month is the one year anniversary of Nadia’s disappearance and we’ve been invited to take part in a remembrance for her.  It is tentatively scheduled for 3 November at 6pm in Soho Plaza outside City Hall in Homewood, Alabama.  It’s difficult for us to think so much time has already gone by and there is still no sign of Nadia.  Our greatest hope is that we will find her before then. 

Nadi,  We’re trying to find Svetlana to let her know what has happened to you.  It’s time and I know you would want her to know.

Thank you all for staying with us as we continue to search for our daughter.  Our healing will never be complete without seeing her or knowing where she is. 

The Lord’s blessings to all of you.

Kevin, Nancy, Ryan, John and Charlize Kersh  

Nadia Missing 10 Months Today

Thursday, September 3rd, 2009

On the Road to Remember

Hello everyone,

We had a special event this past month honoring all missing persons, those yet unidentified and missing/victims of crime.  The Community for United Effort for Missing Persons stopped by Oak Mountain Park in Pelham, Alabama on 19 August on their On the Road to Remember Tour.  All missing persons from the local area were recognized, each victim having their picture displayed with a synopsis of the circumstances surrounding their disapperance.  The missing are from every race and every walk of life.  We were all stunned by the shear number of poster pictures of those missing, unidentified and missing/victims of crime.  There were approximately 100 posters from the Birmingham, Alabama area alone.  It was a very sobering experience just to be there.  A number of people spoke from Birmingham and the surrounding areas including representatives from the Birmingham PD, Homewood PD, search and rescue teams and others.

Nadia was one of the featured cases.  It gave us an opportunity to share her story and some pictures of her growing up. Several people commented that they knew she’s a mother but it hadn’t occurred to them that she is also a cousin, a granddaughter, a (soon to be) sister in-law and a sister.  We shared words from her grandma, her grandpas, her brothers and Kevin and I.  It was good to see dear friends who had made the drive to Pelham, AL to support all of us.  We’re extremely grateful for all who were able to take a moment out of their day to join us.  

We’ve been missing Nadi for 10 months now.  So many families have been missing their loved ones so much longer than that.  I can’t begin to imagine carrying such a heavy heart for so long.  Our love goes out to you.

Nadia’s criminal case continues to move forward as more leads come in and the authorities move closer to completing the picture of what happened to her and if she may still, after all this time, be alive.  For this we hold out hope.  Thank you all for your thoughtfulness and your continued support as we move forward ever closer to finding you, Nadia.

The Lord’s blessings to you all,

Kevin, Nancy, Ryan, John and Charlize

For more On the Road to Remember Tour  stop in Alabama, Click Here

Nadia Missing Nine Months Today

Tuesday, August 4th, 2009

Hello everyone,

Today Nadia has been missing nine months.  The announcement of an increase in the reward monies last month for information leading to her whereabouts has brought about more leads in her case for which we are extremely grateful.  The authorities are following up on those leads as more continue to come in.  The FBI lab in Quantico, Virginia is working very hard on the massive amount of evidence sent to them over time…each piece adding to the overall puzzle of her disappearance.

As a family we continue to wait as pieces fall into place in the case.  This should not discourage those of you who are sitting on the fence holding a piece of information to Nadia’s disappearance to come forward.  You could hold that piece that brings all other pieces together helping the authorities find her and bringing closure for us.  If you believe you have any information relating to Nadia’s case no matter how insignificant, please come forward and contact the Homewood Police Department in Homewood, Alabama at (205) 332-6262.

On 19 August, the Community of United Effort for Missing Persons will take their Road to Remember Tour to Oak Mountain Park in Pelham, AL beginning at 12:00 noon.  Nadia’s case will be one of several missing persons’ cases remembered that day.  In the past the Road to Remember Tour has spawned new investigations which found numerous missing persons and in one case solved a 30-year old cold case.  If you have any interest in helping to find any of the missing persons, I urge you to come and attend this special event.  More information is at www.ncmissingpersons.org.

Thank you all for being so patient and giving us your unconditional support as we piece together Nadia’s case.  Words alone cannot thank you enough for all your help.  May the Lord bless you all.

In His Joy,

Kevin, Nancy, Ryan, John and Charlize

Happy 24th Birthday Nadi!!!

Saturday, July 18th, 2009

 Mother & Daughter

Hello Nadi,

Happy 24th birthday wherever you are!  We want you to know you have been on our minds constantly since you disappeared last November.  Mom and Pop are doing all we can to find you and many people have come forward to help us in our search.  We want you to know there are a lot of people looking for you, hoping and praying we will find you soon.  Folks from all over the world have sent their well wishes, hope and support. 

I’ve come across many people who tell me about how happy you were working at the market and how you were always so positive and willing to help others.  It’s warms my heart to hear those things about you and makes me miss you even more.  No one could be more proud of you than your father and I.

I want you to know the family has come up with $10,000 to put toward the reward monies to help find you.  The Homewood Police Department announced it yesterday.  We’re hoping someone will step forward and fill in the few remaining pieces of the puzzle we need to find you.  The police said they feel pretty certain they know who was behind your disappearance and they have a lot of evidence to support their theory.  I’m not sure how you came to be involved with folks that would want to do something wrong to you.  After all these months it’s still hard for me to imagine anything has happened to you.  I keep thinking it’s all a dream and that you’ll appear and everything will be fine. 

Mom and Pop didn’t realize how urgent your situation was when you told us you wanted to come home and start over.  We thought we had plenty of time to plan a move.  We were wrong and for that I’m so sorry.  We didn’t know you needed to leave Alabama right away. 

We’d love to be able to talk to you about your little man but given the sensitivity of the circumstances we can’t do that yet.  Just know we are doing all we can to give him a brighter future.

Nadi, we want you to remember the Lord will take care of things here for you while you are away.  It will all be okay.  Do you remember the words to the song your cousin David sang?   It went like this: Good Night, Sweetheart, sleep tight wherever you are.  God hold you in His arms when we’re apart.  Though you’re far away your love will stay tucked away here in my (our) heart.  Good Night, Sweetheart.  Sleep tight wherever you are.

Happy Birthday Nadi!!!

Love you,

Mom, Pop, Ryan, John and Charlize