Mom on a mission after daughter's death

Little Ellie Grace shares a striking resemblance to big sister Madison.

Same bubbly personality, same ready smile.

It's her mom, that's a bit different.

"Really for the rest of my life, we're going to be sharing this story," said Carri Funk.

It has been a year since older sister Madison died. Funk will never forget how paramedics wouldn't let her ride in the ambulance with her injured daughter.

"I said, You need to tell me how bad it is. He said, 'Ma'am, it is bad, it is very bad. And we have got to go. You've got to let us help her.'"

2-year-old Madison's dresser fell on top of her, and her mother believes it killed her instantly.

"We can only assume she was trying to get her cup that was on top of her dresser," said Funk. 
"They're smart. Kids are smart. They open the drawer, they climb up. That's what she did. Climbed up, over it came."

After Maddie's death in 2007, the Funk family went through their home and strapped every piece of furniture they own to the wall. They tested a bunch of furniture brackets and really liked one particular brand.  A set of two that cost just over one dollar.

Funk gave a tour of her home.

"No one knows it's there unless you're looking for it," she said.

Strapping furniture wasn't a past concern. It was never an issue, even as the mother of two older boys.

"You think about all the things you're told routinely, never heard about furniture strapping."

But it's a message she now tirelessly shares with parents, about a lesson she learned in the most painful way possible.

This holiday season, as she readies her home for the holidays, celebrating the addition of one child, she won't let the loss of another be forgotten.

"Get on your knees and walk around and see, is this something that could hurt your children?"

The first ornament on the Christmas tree this year is in honor of Madison.

Funk said, "It just says, 'All the bells of heaven chime to welcome home Maddie.'  It's in loving memory of her."

"If you believe in heaven, like I do, then you believe she's fine."

"We hold onto that. That's what gets us through, frankly," Funk said.

And, they share her story, out of respect for her, an angel they know is watching from above.

And Madison will live on.  As an organ donor, her heart valves have helped two other children in Texas and Alabama.

Carri Funk has created a website where you can find information on the furniture straps she now uses in her home.  Just go to www.maddiesmessage.com .