Local Woman Shares Bond With Jaycee Dugard

By: Elyse Miller News Channel 3 Reporter emiller@kesq.com

Missing for 18 years and finally a happy ending. The remarkable discovery of Jaycee Dugard stunned the country and baffled law enforcement, but for one valley resident, the safe return hit home.

“I didn’t even have to hear her last name, I just heard Jaycee,” says Mary Johnson. ” I had goose bumps.”

Indio resident, Mary Johnson lived in South Lake Tahoe when Jaycee went missing.

She recalls the fear and worry she felt when the young girl was kidnapped on June 10, 1991.

“It was scary, they were checking everyone’s cars,” says Johnson. ” The idea of something like this happening so close to you, it really hit home.”

Johnson joined her community as they rallied together, hoping to find the missing girl. She bought a little pink wooden pin which said ‘ Jaycee’s Hope’ to support the family and the search efforts. Nearly two decades later, hope is found.

“It went on for a long time and I’m glad it came to an end,” says Johnson. ” I thank God she was found alive.”

Johnson says, throughout the years she never forgot about Jaycee. She held on to the pin and faith.

“I’ve carried it with me for 18 years and I have moved from Tahoe to the desert,” says Johnson. “I never gave up hope, that’s why I still have to pin.”

For years this pink bow reminded Johnson of the little missing girl; now she wants to pass on the symbol of hope and support to the young woman who is finally safe at home.

“I want to mail it to her to let her know I was behind her for 18 years,” says Johnson.