https://www.baltimoresun.com/maryland/howard/columbia/bs-md-pol-michele-threefoot-20200919-20200920-xkja6wsubbb55fylihktnnue4i-story.html

Nearly 4 years after going viral for dressing like Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Columbia girl fondly recalls her personal connection with the Justice

By Sameer Rao, Baltimore Sun, September 20, 2020

Many people have looked up to Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg as a role model. Fewer have gotten a note from the trailblazing jurist after going viral for dressing like her.

That’s what happened to Michele Threefoot of Columbia in 2017. The then-8-year-old was inspired by reading Debbie Levy’s biographical picture book, “I Dissent: Ruth Bader Ginsburg Makes Her Mark," that she and her mother, Krista Threefoot, created a costume for her school’s Superhero Day. Photos of Michele went far and wide online, and Ginsburg ultimately reached out to her through an assistant.

“Dear Michele, You look just like me! May you continue to thrive on reading and learning. Every good wish, Ruth Bader Ginsburg," the note from the justice read.

Michele Threefoot, now 12, still admires Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg after making a special connection with her four years ago. (Krista Threefoot/Courtesy of Krista Threefoot)

Almost four years later, with many mourning Ginsburg’s death from complications of metastatic pancreatic cancer on Friday, Michele Threefoot has not forgotten the gesture.

“She was there for me in my life for almost half of my life, and you can’t take that away,” the now-12-year-old said on Saturday. “She’s important to me and my family, and she’s the only hero I have that isn’t, like, my family.”

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Michele and Krista Threefoot both said they were shocked and saddened by the news of Ginsburg’s passing.

“It’s really sad, actually, because I didn’t really know she was sick until I heard that she had died,” Michele said. “It was kind of a big surprise for me, I did not expect her to die. I thought she was going to live to 90, I thought for sure.”

“We’re all mourning the loss of an icon, but I think a lot of people are really inspired by everything she fought for,” Krista added. “So, a sad moment, but also an invigorating moment.”