It is not my intent to set out on a crusade to disband the sport of paintball.  Nor is it my intent to regulate this sport to such a degree that it takes away from its expected enjoyment.  I am driven by the compelling compassion for human life to make sure that anyone who chooses to participate in this sport has the opportunity to be informed of the risks and dangers associated not only with the game, but with paintball equipment.  If this is done through legislative changes, better product warnings, web sites, safer field standards, the media and increased public awareness, then my efforts to save just one life will help to heal my family’s wounds.      When my son asked for a paintball party for his tenth birthday, my wife and I searched the internet to find out if there were any risks or dangers that we should be concerned about.  We found nothing.  Had we known about Brandon Johnson’s death and the causes of it some 13 months before Colette’s death, she would be with us today.      I pray each day that people can learn from our experience and empower themselves with the knowledge so that they can make the best informed decision about participating in paintball.  People have a right to know everything that the manufacturers know about hidden dangers and the risks associated with their products.  If a dangerous product is identified, then I believe that the manufacturer has a duty to inform the public and recall the product.  As a father and a husband I would never have put my family in harm’s way had I known of the true risks.  As a Professional Social Worker by trade, I am driven to take this message to the public any way that I can. For me, it’s the only way I can give meaning to Colette’s death. Mark Contois