Jordan, far left, with Wyatt and his parents, outside the Holtz Children’s Hospital in Miami
Earlier this year, I had the opportunity to present one of our Transplant Assistance Grants to the Patterson family at Miami Holtz Children’s Hospital. I met Wyatt, a 6-month old suffering from gastroschisis, a rare birth defect.
Courtney and Wendell moved 700 miles from Georgia to Florida as Wyatt awaited a rare, five-organ transplant. Due to Covid-19, they hadn’t seen family and friends for months. Receiving this grant helped to offset some of the expenses insurance doesn’t cover, like relocation costs and food.
Courtney told me Richie’s Spirit Foundation helped Wyatt feel seen and supported. During a year when we are all yearning for that sense of connection, I was honored to be able to meet and comfort the Patterson family.
Fourteen years after Richie’s death, Wyatt reminded me the importance of our mission and work. The report that follows shares the impact of Richie’s Spirit Foundation’s scholarships, grants, and programs. As we look forward to the year to come and safely planning in-person events in a city near you, I want to thank you for your continued support. From my family and the RSF team, we wish you a happy and healthy holiday season.
Passing the spirit,
Jordan Herskowitz
Executive Director