There's a vigil Tuesday evening to remember Trudy Appleby the Moline girl who disappeared 16 years ago, today.
Family and friends say they're not giving up hope especially after police looked into a new lead just two weeks ago.
Investigators searched an island on the Rock River near Colona, IL in the beginning of August. Officers say the search was productive and they're now pursuing additional leads.
It's hope that keeps the Trudy Appleby vigils going strong year after year. Every year on the anniversary of Trudy's disappearance family and friends gather for a prayer vigil at the First Baptist Church in East Moline.
In previous years the family had considered not holding the vigil anymore, but they tell us now after the new lead they will continue to pray for answers.
"We've talked the last couple years about not holding the vigil anymore because it brings up memories for the family every year but because of our hope and the families hope we will not stop," said Pastor Brian Fischer.
Trudy's grandma tells TV6 she was glad to hear that police were still working her granddaughter's case after more then a decade. The new lead brought hope that the family may learn a definitive answer to the question so many have asked for 16 years - what happened to Trudy Appleby?
"It makes you think and not give up and makes you think about what happened if they did find something," said Ann Eddleman, Trudy's grandmother.
Although the lead did not give them that answer family members say this search brings them a little bit closer to knowing.
"It means hope, it means we're not giving up," said Ann Eddleman.
She tells us Tuesday's vigil will also be in support of finding answers for all missing children, especially the missing cousins from Evansdale, Iowa. The vigil will begin at 7:00 p.m., with singing and praying. All are welcome to attend.
