The Foundation
Many of Laura’s friends expressed interest in doing something to celebrate her life and recognize her legacy of caring and compassion. They knew that Laura would want something positive to come from her life experiences. There were many generous donations made in Laura’s memory, so it was logical that those donations be put toward a cause that Laura believed in. Thus the Laura Hart Burdick Foundation was established. The Board of Directors was formed and began to evaluate causes that would honor Laura through work that would be important to her. That work would have to reflect Laura’s concern for her fellow patients and their families who had to deal with life-threatening and chronic illnesses.
Laura was passionate about many things in her life, but she had particular concern and empathy for her fellow transplant patients whose families suffered geographical separation and financial hardship during surgery and rehabilitation. She recognized a need for various aspects of social support for the patient and for their families. She also saw the need for financial assistance to meet expenses incurred that would not be covered by medical insurance. Laura hoped to serve as an advocate for transplant patients, and her Foundation is now dedicated to fulfilling these aspirations for her. Laura’s Foundation also supports efforts to increase organ donation registrations, which can give the “gift of life” to patients like Laura. |
