National Missing Children's Day is a day to remember children like Christian Ferguson. He disappeared June 11, 2003. Almost 13 years later, Christian's mother is using what she's learned during that time to help others.
June 11, 2003 is a day etched in Theda Wilson's mind.
"Yesterday, because it seems like it was just yesterday," says Wilson. "But then yesterday I saw a bench that used to have his picture on there, sitting with an angel you know, but I saw Gebar Byrd who's been missing for a very long time.'
"Even though I'm happy that someone else is getting that attention, at the same time I was like, but my son was there," says Wilson.
Theda's son is Christian Ferguson. His father called police that night from a payphone to say someone had driven off in his SUV and the 9-year old with severe disabilities was inside. The car was found a couple of hours later, the only thing missing was Christian.
In the years since, Theda has not only advocated for her son, but for the families of other missing children. She set up a non-profit organization called "Looking for an Angel, Inc." in 2006.
"To me Looking for an Angel should be part of everybody's life," says Wilson. "Because you never know when a person is going to come up missing."
She hands out fliers, coloring books and id kits, anything to keep children safe.
"It gives me a lot of peace, because I'm doing something for these families that no one could do for me," says Wilson.
And always on her mind is Christian.
"I constantly remind myself to stay positive," says Wilson.
While Theda doesn't believe Christian could survive this long with out medicine to keep him alive, she's sure of one thing.
"In my heart I feel like justice is just a guarantee," says Wilson. "I don't know when and I like to think that god is just moving things into position for that."
St. Louis police say Christian's disappearance remains an open investigation. While investigators have exhausted all leads, they encourage anyone with information to call Crimestoppers at 866-371-TIPS. Theda Wilson will hold the annual "Ride for an Angel" on June 26th.
