Sidney Ford, who runs YANA (You Are Never Alone, a Southwest Baltimore
nonprofit that provides prostitutes with support), wrote this letter about Nicole Sesker's death to staff and supporters of the organization this weekend:

"Nicole very bravely, and very publicly, spoke about her struggle with addiction and prostitution, so that others could avoid the pain her difficult path brought her and those who loved her.  In the same generous way, her stepfather [former Baltimore police commissioner Leonard Hamm], who loved Nicole dearly, also spoke out, aware that since so many families face similar challenges, perhaps his family's story could help. 

"I saw Nicole from time to time over a period of years, and considered her a friend.  She was vivacious, intelligent, witty, and helped everybody who crossed her path, including me.  Nicole's memory will undoubtedly continue to help others, as we review what might have prevented this tragedy, and what can be done to stop future losses of someone's daughter, someone's mother, someone's sister, and someone's friend. We at YANA Place join former Commissioner Hamm, and all of Nicole's family and friends, in mourning her death, but also by remembering and celebrating the life of a remarkable and courageous young woman."