A Lehigh Acres mother whose son drowned while at a day care is planning a balloon release on Aug. 2, which would have been her son’s third birthday.
Christa Lemonakis, in an email, stated she would like others know about the balloon release in honor of her son, Christian Byrd, who died June 24. Lemonakis said those who attend the 6 p.m. event at Memorial Gardens on Colonial Boulevard will release green balloons, each with a note to or about Christian. Green was his favorite color.
“We want everyone who is interested to participate,” Lemonakis said. “We will be at Memorial Gardens, but anyone can participate from anywhere.”
Melissa Smith, owned Smith Family Day Care when Christian drowned in a kiddie pool in the home’s backyard. She has been charged with aggravated manslaughter and three counts of child neglect because Lee County sheriff’s deputies say she left other children unattended that same day.