By SR. CAROL KEEHAN, DC 
CHA president and chief executive officer 

In early June, nearly 800 members and friends of CHA met in Orlando, Fla., for our annual assembly. The people of Orlando were incredibly gracious and supportive of our event and it is so easy to see what a welcoming city Orlando is. We could see and feel that it is a city that specializes in giving people a good time and creating memorable vacations. 

Then, less than a week later, we learned of the horror of the attack that killed so many wonderful people in Orlando. This horrible act of violence with assault weapons in a targeted attack filled with hate towards individuals has shaken our nation and certainly those of us who just left the warm, wonderful hospitality of this great city. 

Our hearts and prayers go out to all the victims and their families. We thank and honor the many heroes, those inside the club who did so many heroic things to protect themselves and others from the shooter, the law enforcement and first responders who clearly did a magnificent job in the most challenging mass shooting our country has ever known. We in a special way feel a kinship with the health care community there that has performed so admirably and continues to fight to save the lives of those injured and to help their families as well. 

We promise our prayers for them in the quest for healing both the seen and hidden wounds and in the search for the truth behind this horrible crime. 

To our brothers and sisters in the LGBT community, we extend a special promise of prayer and support. You deserve the same respect and safety each American deserves. 

May God help us to use this tragedy to recommit ourselves in our quest for a more just and peaceful United States.