Dedicated to my sister Becky, whom I never met.
–Leanne Rebecca
Tag: CHD
Endless Remembering by Lori Ortbals
I know today’s guest poet well. She’s my mother and happens to be the most selfless person I’ve ever met. Let this poem be a reminder that love abounds in multiple forms: the love for yourself, the love for a partner, the love for a friend, the love for a parent, the love for a sibling, the love for a daughter, and the love for a memory glistened in tears of bittersweet heartache. Today as you eat your candy hearts, don’t forget to also love the one beating inside your chest.
My mom, Lori Ortbals, founded the Missouri Chapter of the Children’s Heart Foundation in 2010 in memory of daughter Rebecca Lyn. Becky died of a congenital heart defect at 16 months old. Lori started the chapter with the hope that no other parent would have to feel the loss of burying their child from a CHD. All funds raised go directly towards research to develop new technologies and techniques to save lives like Becky’s.
When she’s not volunteering at a fundraising event or running board meetings, my mom enjoys spending time with our family, cherishing every moment to its fullest potential. She’s an avid reader, moviegoer, and superhero.
Happy Valentine’s Day!
Can you tell?
For day 6 of Heart Week, on She’s in Prison, I’d like to touch on the importance of awareness. Tomorrow I’m walking in the St. Louis Congenital Heart Walk not just to raise money for research but to also to promote education about heart conditions. Congenital Heart Defects are the #1 birth related defect, meaning it’s likely that you’ve met more people impacted by CHDs than you realize. Join me in supporting them and their families by finding a walk in your area and/or donating to CHD research.
Go HERE for more information.
Hidden Inside
Day 5 of Heart Week is dedicated to my sister Becky, the light in my parent’s eyes that shined for 16 bright months, fighting for her life with a smile every step of the way. My family is walking this Sunday in the St. Louis Congenital Heart Walk not only in remembrance of my sister who died from a CHD, but for all those impacted by congenital heart defects. Join us in honoring them and their families by finding a walk in your area and/or donating to CHD research.
Go HERE for more information.
Pure Love
Day 4 of Heart Week is celebrating my mom, who buries her pain every day as the founding president of the Children’s Heart Foundation Missouri Chapter. Even though she went through the tragedy of losing her daughter, she found the strength and willpower to not only keep living but to give unconditionally to those around her. My family is walking this Sunday in the St. Louis Congenital Heart Walk not only in remembrance of my sister who died from a CHD, but in support of my mother, the most selfless person I know. Join us in honoring all those born with CHDs and their families by finding a walk in your area and/or donating to CHD research.
Go HERE for more information.
Legacy
Today is day 2 of Heart Week on She’s in Prison in celebration and remembrance of all those born with congenital heart defects. On August 25th, I am walking in the St. Louis Congenital Heart Walk in memory of my sister and in support of friends, with the hopes of raising awareness and funds for CHD research. Join me by donating and/or finding a walk in your city!
Go HERE for more information.
Wonder
On August 25th, I am walking in the St. Louis Congenital Heart Walk in memory of my sister and in honor of friends that were born with congenital heart defects. As such, this week on She’s in Prison will be Heart Week in celebration, remembrance, and support of all those that have died, those still fighting, and those that are thriving with CHDs today. Please help me support them and their families by donating and/or joining us at the walk!
Go HERE for more information and to find a walk in your city. Thank you!
Guilty
She's in Prison 