SAN ANTONIO — Thousands of lives have been stolen in Bexar County. Leaders in the faith community say the gun violence has to stop.

“This event marks one of the most important things that we’ll ever do because this is just a start,” said San Antonio mother Terrie Dixon.

Dixon wants better for her hometown of San Antonio. A march for gun violence prevention was among the first steps to propel change.

What You Need To Know

  • San Antonio mother Terrie Dixon is advocating for change after losing three loved ones to gun violence

  • Her son D'Anthony was just 27 when he died. “He was just getting his life back on track,” Dixon said

  • In the last five years, more than 2,700 people in Bexar County have been shot and killed

  • Outside the Alamodome, more than 900 guns were collected during the city’s first voluntary weapons exchange

“We talk about homicide and guns,” Dixon said, “but the reason why that’s happening has to be addressed.”

She knows the impact of gun violence all too well. Her brother, boyfriend and child were all shot and killed.

“This is him and this is actually his ashes in this cross here,” Dixon said, pointing at her necklace.

Dixon's son D’Anthony was just 27 when he died.

“He was just getting his life back on track,” shge said. “He had a trucking company. Inspiring to do so much more.”

That’s why Dixon joined the recent march. "Vidas Robadas" honors stolen lives by placing their names on shirts and displaying them for everyone to see.

“I didn’t know how emotional I would feel with just the shirts,” Dixon said. “It’s a lot of shirts. My son is one person of like thousands of people.”

In the last five years, more than 2,700 people in Bexar County have been shot and killed. Rev. Rob Mueller with COPS Metro and Texas Impact says they will continue advocating for gun reforms at the Capitol.

“When gun owners fail to take seriously the responsibility that accompanies that right, people die,” said Mueller.

Outside the Alamodome, more than 900 guns were collected during the city’s first voluntary weapons exchange.

“This is an effort to make people’s homes safer,” said San Antonio District 9 City Councilman John Courage.

H-E-B gift cards worth a total of $175,000 combined were given to folks who gave up their weapons. It's an effort to reduce the likelihood the they would be used to harm anyone in the future.

“Hardest thing I’ve ever dealt with, but the greatest I’ve been because of God,” Dixon said.

Although the healing process isn’t easy, Dixon says this outpouring of community support is keeping her off the sidelines and motivated to fight for change.

“I haven’t gotten justice for my son, but this is the justice,” Dixon said. “This gives me more hope than anything.”