Memorials

Walk to Remember, Inc. was started to inspire hope and healing through remembrance for families experiencing the loss of a baby, to provide resources to area hospitals that support these families, and bring awareness to this community. The walk gives families who have experienced the loss of a child through miscarriage, stillbirth or shortly after birth, a chance to come together to remember and honor their child.

In memory of Delaney Bunn, Milo and Maverick Brown, Calvin Ryan Engelberth, Philip and Colette Felger, Brielle Marie Hollabaugh, Marlee Louann, Norah Lynn McKenzie, Emmett Joe Musser, Becket Rae Musser, Druett Lane Musser, and Baby Springer. 

Donald John Lippi was born on May 27, 2020 at 9:20 am to proud parents Donald and Jessica Lippi, weighing 5 pounds 12 ounces and 17.75 inches long. Donald was diagnosed with a fatal condition at 20 weeks of pregnancy, and it was unknown if he would pass in utero or if he would even survive birth. Donald’s mother and father cherished every moment of the pregnancy as they knew their time with him would be extremely limited, and they enjoyed singing songs, reciting nursery rhymes and reading to him every night. They cherished reading Wherever You Are: my love will find you by Nancy Tillman, and they refer to it as his book. He surprised his parents by growing strong and surviving birth at 35 weeks 5 days and was able to live for 1 hour on his own. His short life outside the womb was spent in his mother’s arms where he was lovingly adored by his mother and father. He had the blessing of being baptized and meeting his grandparents and uncle before passing. He now has three younger sisters—Liliana, Hadley and Holly. During Hadley and Holly’s NICU stay at birth, they received books from Kate’s Kart. It was only fitting to honor Donald’s third birthday by donating to Kate’s Kart who helped his sisters.

You are forever loved and missed, baby Donald! “You are our angel, our darling, our star and our love will find you wherever you are.”

Lucia is remembered as a loving daughter with an enormous heart and a selfless big sister. She loved God, her family, animals, school, reading, music and art. She was compassionate and loved to help others. She had a passion for reading that extended to her siblings.. she taught her brother to read and could always be seen with a book in her hand.

She loved spending time with family and friends and attended Life Community Church where she accepted Jesus on Good Friday in 2020. She loved to help lead worship during Bible Camp, participated in musicals/plays and helped in the nursery.

Her classmates and teachers at Huntertown Elementary remember her genuine smile, gentle demeanor and kind heart. She loved playing the piano and also the trombone. She loved her dogs Coco and Teddy and dreamed of becoming a veterinarian.

Memorial Donors

The Caustrita Family, Parkview EMS Staff, Joe & Norene Beavers, Kayla Brunner, Arlene Elliott, Angie Gutmann, Renee Lofland, Abigail Luginbill, Brian & Robin More, Kristine Pfeiffer, John & Susan Ringquist, Michael & Jennifer Roth, Doug Selig, Barbara & Edward Strubel, Parkview Huntington Staff, Sally Birkey, Joyce Armstrong-Brown & Dutch Brown, Colleen Cornwell, Brianna & Kelli Cumberland, First Missionary Church, Grace Church, Justin & Angela Johnson, Ann Kasper, Randy & Alison Pershing, Mark & Kristi Schlatter, Travis & Lauren Shiflett, Kelsey Swymeler, Carol Wells, Breanne Baughman

Amanda Marie (Murray) Whitesel, 37, of Greencastle, and formerly of Frankton, earned her heavenly reward on June 13, 2022, after battling a sudden infection. She was born on April 14, 1985, in Anderson.

Amanda was a wonderful photographer, graphic designer, organizer, and friend, but above all wanted to be a mother. Her dream came true on Valentine's Day 2020 when she and her husband, Zach, adopted their son Ezekiel (Zeke).

Zeke spent three weeks after birth in the NICU at Parkview Hospital in Fort Wayne. During their stay Kate’s Kart provided books to Amanda & Zach so they could begin reading to Zeke in the NICU. Zeke is now 2 years old and a rambunctious little boy. 

Amanda continued to tell anyone she met about Kate’s Kart and also selected Kate’s Kart as her Facebook charity on her birthdays. The family thought it fitting to ask for donations in her honor. 

For Amanda’s complete obituary please see the link below: 

https://www.loosefuneralhomes.com/m/obituaries/Amanda-Marie-Murray-Whitesel/Memories

Memorial Donors

Mr. & Mrs. William Daugherty, Your Friends from IWU, Ashley Dyer, Cathy & David Fuqua, Nancy Murray & Family, Patricia Murray Hall and Family, Mori James & Patricia Hersberger, Cindy Kadzik, Tricia Jones, Sarah Wallace, The Alexandria-Monroe Public Library, Alumni & Friends of the Frankton High School Class of 2003, Claire Runion, Matt & Amanda Helmholz, Bryan & Dave Granger, Mary Lou Stinson, Leslie & Bertha Hoover, Harry & Delores Long

Jesse Rowles, age 51, of Portland passed away Friday morning July 2, 2021 at his residence. He was born in Portland on October 28, 1969 the son of Steven and Dwanna (Moneysmith) Rowles-Axe. He was married October 2, 1993 to Sherry Hopkins who survives. Jesse worked at Tysons in the maintenance department. Jesse was a member and Past President of the Portland Evening Optimists, West Walnut Street Church of Christ, 1988 Jay County High School graduate and was an avid outdoorsman enjoying hunting and fishing.

Jesse fell in love with our mission and had a true passion for Kate’s Kart.  He and his wife, Sherry spent many years volunteering at the Kate’s Kart annual Ice Cream Social. He will be missed by all those who loved him dearly.

Memorial Donors

Jerry & Linda Hopkins, Sons of Ridgeville American Legion, Clyde & Janice Bray, Darcy Rowles, Brice & Donna Hudson, Ron Hopkins, Don & Chris Whitenack, Barry & Sharon Davis, Brenda Esepp & Family, Carolyn Bush, Doris Jean Wallingford, Randy & Karla Hopkins, Rick Brinkerhoff, Ruth Brinkerhoff, Derk & Kaelee Mills & Kids, Wayde & Kim Mills, Mark & Kim Heine, Ned & Jean Stucky, James & Marjorie Loyd, Geraline & Allen Morrical, Kelly & Jamie Smeltzer, Virginia Schenck, Nancy Nixon, Patricia Gibson, Patsy Goble & Family, Cathy & Ted Habegger, Kristie Batt, Philip & Nan Rowles, Helen & Paul Martin, Mike & Judy Rockwell, James & Patricia Myers, Beth Auker, IU Health Jay House Supervisors, Misty Runyon, Gretchen Miller,

Our sons, Emmett and Beckett, were born on Aug 14, 2020 at 22 weeks 2 days at Parkview North in Fort Wayne, Indiana. When we found out that our twins were having health issues and that my cervix was shorting so soon, we prayed. We prayed daily that our twin sons would survive so that they could enjoy life with their parents. However, on Aug 13, 2020 at 12:35am my water broke for Emmett. I knew, right then and there, that all of our dreams of being parents was destroyed. We went to the hospital, to make sure the twins were okay. When I got to the hospital, I kept thinking of all the things that we are going to miss out on doing with our sons, if they don’t survive. One thing that I always looked forward to doing with our boys, was the nightly routine of reading bedtime stories and rocking them to sleep.  Unfortunately, Emmett was born at 3:03pm and weighed 1lb 0.6 oz and was 10 3/4 inches long. Emmett was stillborn. Minutes later, my water broke for Beckett. I knew then, that my boys were inseparable. Beckett was born at 3:33pm and weighed 1lb and 2.3oz and was 11 ½ inches long. Beckett was born alive. However, he passed at 4:25pm that same day.

                At this very moment, I knew all of our dreams were not coming true. We would not be able to read them bedtime stories every night, which was devastating to us. The next that that happened was unexpected. One of our nurses came into our room and gave us some books from Kate’s Kart. We received one book for each of our boys. I immediately knew what I wanted to do with these books. That night, we could read our boys at least one good bedtime story while they are with us. When my family came to meet our precious angels, they wanted to read them a story together, as a family.  We knew that this was going to be one special memory that we will cherish for a lifetime. After our family left the hospital and said their final goodbyes, we decided that we wanted to read them a bedtime story with just mommy and daddy. Daddy read the story while mommy rocked them. This is exactly what we imagined doing with them every night.

                If it wasn’t for Kate’s Kart, we would have never been able to make this small dream of ours come true. No matter how small the dream was, Kate’s Kart made it happen.  When someone we know has a baby, we give them a book. We have chosen "Good Night Moon" by Margaret Wise Brown. This is because it is associated with a very special memory for us. This is the book that we read to our sons in the hospital. When we thought about what we wanted to do for their first birthday, we decided that we wanted to do a book drive in memory of Emmett and Beckett. We wanted to be able to make several families dreams come true during a difficult time. We simply want to thank Kate’s Kart for being such an incredible charity and for putting smiles on kid's faces during hard time in the hospital. Also, thank you for making simple dreams come true for parents facing hard times due to infant loss.

JOHN S. HUTMACHER, 70, of Fort Wayne, Ind., passed peacefully on Friday, Oct. 23, 2020, at 10:17 a.m. at Visiting Nurse Hospice Home. Born in Angola, Ind., on July 11, 1950, he was a son of the late Barbara (Sanders) and Robert E. Hutmacher, and is survived by stepmother, Jacqueline Hutmacher of Fort Wayne. John married Karen M. Behrns on Jan. 29, 1977. John graduated from Elmhurst High School and worked in sales throughout his life. "John will be remembered as a kind and gentle man who always had time and patience for those he met! He was an avid sci-fi reader, enjoyed I.U. basketball, playing cards and fishing." John is survived by Karen, and his in-laws, Kathy (Dave) Hilliker of Peoria, Ariz., Tom (Jenny) Behrns, Linda (Earl) Irwin, Susan Sherman, and Greg Idzi of Naples, Fla.; and several nieces and nephews. John is also survived by stepbrothers, Dr. Al, Tom and Bill Wermuth. John was preceded in death by brother, Michael R. Hutmacher and his wife, Jewell (Haarer); and sister-in-law, Mary K. (Behrns) Idzi.

Memorial Donors

Catherine Barva, Jerry & Bonnie Gunckel, Andy & Krista Layman, Stephen & Cindy Rust, Mike & Bev Saalfrank, Karen & Ron Sanders, rose Ann Scranton, Audrey Stepler, Ann Tucker, Carole Ann Venderley, Steven & Joann Welch

We are honored that Alice's family chose Kate's Kart as one of her memorials.

One of Alice's many gifts was making hand crocheted blankets for newborns.  Our Kate received 2 of her special blanket gifts.  Her soft pink blankets often accompanied her to the hospital and were a constant reminder of home and those who loved and prayed for Kate during her many hospital stays.

Memorial Donors

Rex & Carol Knepp, Julie Frost, Jerry & Diana Ream, Sue Andis, Andy & Krista Layman, Gloria DeCook, Tom & Barbara Krick, Shirlie Schmidt, Rick & Jana Jay, Ted & Judy King, Carl & Jaci Reuter, Pierce & Betty Martin, Ron & Patti Murzyn, Eric & Debbie Smith, Dave & Nancy Gongwer, Roger & Sharon Gorsuch, Betty Douglas, Charolet Moss and United Methodist Church of the Covenant

Delaney was born still on December 30th at 39 weeks. This came as a complete and utter blindside to her family, as she was beautiful and healthy throughout the entire pregnancy. It seems as though the placenta failed in the final days, and tangled up her umbilical cord. 

Delaney's parents and sister, Josephina, wanted to throw a special 1 year heavenly birthday celebration in honor of Delaney, and invited family, friends, and loved ones to donate books to Kate's Kart. 

Our family absolutely loves to read, and Josephina has received several "Kate's Kart" books herself over the past 2 years. We know that Delaney enjoyed listening to the nightly stories we read while she was in the womb. 

You will be forever loved and missed, sweet girl. 

"She may be quiet, but she's a warrior and her prayers can move mountains." 

Love, Mom, Dad, and Phina

Memorial Donors

Zach and Kelli Bunn and Phina, Kaye Kleinschmidt, Janell and Chris Kierski, Susie and Steve Nickels, Hannah and Mike Dowling, Penny Bunn and Pat Miller, Herman and Nancy Riecke, Emily Nickels, Darlene Cyr, Bertha Cyr, Jan Gillie, Christine and Aaron Bentley and Family, Karen and Jeff Kelsheimer and Family, Kyle and Tanya Cyr, Cori and Tim McKenzie and Family, Jackie Finnigan, Caroline and Hadley Crow, John and Terry Tescula, Dave and Kris Tinsley and Lexie, Tom and Kim Kratt, Travis and Sierra Kratt, Allison Overlander and Gavin Lehmann, Tyler Bunn and Amanda Pedro, Kent and Mary Cyr and Sophie, Barbara Grusak, Dana Wyant, Sarah Ann Hidy, Mary Tagtmeyer, Sabrina Fink and Aiden White, Jeff and Beth Krudop, Michelle and Jason Richardson and Carol, Liz and Mike Flaherty and Family, Sally and Ned Edington, Patrick and Kristen Riecke and Family, Patsy and Ken Snyder, Sandy Bunn, Ashlee Adams, Emily Gerke, Lori and Andy Gemmer and Evan, Blake and Chelsey Frecker and Family, Dan and Chris Arnold, Cassie and Zach Goldsberry and Family, Chelsea and Austin Barton and Family, Eileen and Myron Brodmerkel, Staci Miller and Family, Karl Davis, Caitlin and Griffin Fuller, Terri Habig, Annette and Tom Hrywna, Josh and Sara Snyder, Mallory and Mark Wagner, Deirdre and Brian Goshert and Family, Megan and Ryan Engelberth and Family, Pamela and Kevin Jones and Family, Sarah and Peter Schillace, Kim and Mike Colagioia, Julia Guerin and Danny DiRocco, Rachel and Nick Merz and Family, Amanda Vass, Peter and Lisa Riecke.

Elliot Davis Rumschlag passed away after just a few days on Earth. Although his time here was short, Elliot’s life will forever impact the lives of his family and their friends, as well as others blessed by the donation of his organs.

Elliot’s parents, Brian & Kristin, along with brothers Evan & Harrison, have chosen for Elliot’s memorial money to be used to purchase a new kart for an emergency room, as well as to purchase new quality books for hospitalized children.

Memorial Donors

Don Aiken, Richard & Bonnie Bentz, Robert & Laura Bowers, Joe & Bobbie Buroff, Rick & Deb Byanski & Family, Jim & Carolyn Campbell, Mark & Andrea Clemons, Mark & Judy Clemons, Larry & Deborah Cline, Ronald King & Tina Colwell, Jon & Elaine Cooper, Kathleen Coy, Lee & Drenda Dick, DMA Accounting Department, Michelle Eaton, Loren & Patricia Eck, Steve & Ellen Everson, Steve & Jane Goedde, Becky Gonzlez, Ann & Jeff Hammes, David & Gloria Hammes, Gary & Carol Hammes, Gary & Deborah Hanauer, Jim & Kim Harris, Parkview Health, Roger & Gloria Hoevel, Marcus & Carrie Hoffman, Marlene Huffman, Nick & Laura Jakos, Brad & Bridget Johnson, Jason & Amy Jordan, Laura, Madisen & Cameron King, Christa (Korte) Koeneman, Anne Korte, Larry & Regina McClure, Jon Miller & Shannon Foster, Walter & Carol Miller, Jim & Katie Nucci, Ronald & Nancy Orman, Lisa Peppler, Danny Potter, Scott & Megan Potter, Dorothy Robinson, Randy Roemke, Herman & Agnes Rumschlag, Marta Rumschlag, Nancy Rumschlag, Robert & Nancy Schantz, Bob & Diane Schapper, Debra Stam, Gerald & Paula Surprenant, Lenny & Connie Surprenant, Kevin & Pam Taft, Mike & Jenny Vehlein, Denny & Carol Zech, Scott & Laura Zellner

Most of Ebony’s short life was spent battling neuroblastoma, a form of childhood cancer that affects the nervous system. She spent countless days in the hospital as she underwent treatment and testing. Most of Ebony’s 1st grade year was spent in the hospital, and because of weekly visits from Kate’s Kart, she learned to read and soon became an avid reader, with her reading level well exceeding her age.

Ebony’s eyes lit up as she picked books from the karts, especially learn-to-draw books, Weird But True, and various chapter books. It didn’t take long for the Kate’s Kart volunteers to love her and look forward to her sparkling smile and beautiful curls.

Not only did Ebony love the books she received, she also gave back to Kate’s Kart by donating books and working in the office stickering books. She was one of our very special “Kate’s Kart Kids.”

Money donated in memory of Ebony will be used to purchase books, particularly the type of book she loved to read. Her legacy will live on as other children in the hospital will be encouraged and given a reason to smile.

Memorial Donors

Jane Drummer; Keith, Robin, Rachel & Hope Gerber; Steve & Laura Christner & Family; Lucas & Elisha Everett; Eric & Jessica Sharp; Greg & Teresa Kitson; The Albright Family; The Hebble Family; Craig & Michelle Hoffman; Ian & Myrna Zimmerman & Family; William & Melissa Dedic; David & Tracy Ray; Mike & Roxy Casper; Kevin, Becky & Crystal Cochran; Kris & Jennifer Coffey & Family; Alan & Abbey Martin; Kevin & Sandy Adams; Sheldon & Judy Christener; Dean & Cindy Wass; Brent Hodle; Sheldon, Cindy & Shelby Meyer; Kent & Melanie Kerschner; The Witte Family; Regina Cheatwood; Ruth Bixler; Mr. & Mrs. Alvin Bradtmueller; Lori Marbach; Candace & Melody Railing; Chelsea Bergman.

"Braxton was the center of our world; our long awaited first born son. He arrived on February 13, 2013 at Dupont Hospital and was taken to the NICU almost immediately after birth. After having a trouble free pregnancy, we soon found out that Braxton was born with the congenital disorder: Esophageal Atresia with Tracheoesophageal Fistula (EA/TEF). Braxton’s esophagus was not fully formed, and part of his esophagus connected to his trachea. This defect forms at about week 3 of gestation, but likely goes undetected until the first feeding after birth. We knew, at this point that we had a special baby and his infant life would be unlike other newborn babies.

Braxton’s short life was full of new medical findings, which surprised not only us as parents, but the doctors as well. Braxton underwent 5 surgeries and passed away on April 16, 2013 at Riley Hospital at 11:26am. He was a mere 8.5 weeks old yet brought so much joy to many lives. Braxton lived the majority of his life in hospitals which is how we were introduced to Kate’s Kart. Spending most of our days, as parents, in a mundane hospital room by Braxton’s side always wondering what the next step would be was a rollercoaster of emotions to say the least. But when Kate’s Kart arrived at the door, our spirits were instantly lifted. What a great organization. Even though Braxton couldn’t read the books himself, we read all of the books we received to him.

We appreciate, more than you will ever know, what you did for us in those hospital rooms. You made us smile when you came to our door and smile as we read the books to Braxton. We are forever grateful. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts."

Erin & Chad Price (Mommy and Daddy)

Memorial Donors

Chad and Erin Price; The Settlers; Cheryl and William Tucker; Lea Woodrum; Timothy & Irene Wagley; Louise Larsen; Margit Codispoti; Luann Reichhart; Melissa McKeman; Kathyrn Bloom; Linda Huge; Fort Wayne Pediatrics; Margaret Moeder.

Memorial Donors

Joe & Bobbie Buroff; Rebecca Rupright; Thomas & Helen Langmeyer; Theresa Martin; Kent Raber; Dawn & Leroy Kinzer; Mike & Kathy Nahrwold; Patrick & Noreen Humerickhouse; Ossian Elementary Office Staff: Susanne Tiemann, Ann McNabb, Sonja Burniston.

"Alexander Dale Measley (or Alex as he liked to be called) was born on December 30, 1998, in Fort Wayne. He grew up quickly and taught his Mom courage, patience and what was really important. Alex's early childhood was without incident until December of 2008 when he was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL).

Many of us would collapse under the weight of this challenge, but Alex was so much more than his fragile body conveyed. Alex accepted his challenge of cancer in the same way he accepted everything: with remarkable strength, tremendous courage and with an indomitable spirit. His smile was like the sun coming out from behind a cloud, warming all that it touched. Alex conveyed more joy, contentment and hope than anything we could have imagined possible.

Alex's ALL treatment was almost complete and we were marking the months. Through the course of his almost three years of treatment at Lutheran Hospital, Alex received many books from Kate's Kart. When he received a book, it made his treatment day less stressful and he read each book. In October he became very ill and on November 2, God called him home.

Alex was always up for the next travel adventure his Mom would suggest: cruises, water parks, Disney, attending Camp Jeep, Camp Watcha-Wanna-Do. His destination of choice for 12 years was Silver Lake. Alex loved playing in the sand at Silver Lake and especially enjoyed digging holes in front of his Mom’s tires. He loved big farm equipment, walking through a farm implement dealer or watching the farmers in the fields around the community. Alex had an old go-cart that he and his grandfather tinkered at to stay running. Flying around the yard and spinning gravel in the driveway put a smile on his face as did attending four-wheel drive truck shows and tractor pulls. Alex enjoyed fishing and after drowning a few worms discovered hot dogs made the best bait. He enjoyed MY FROG activities with our church. Many hours were spent watching trains at the New Haven train yard. Alex enjoyed watching movies about trains and finding opportunities to ride on old steam engines. At home he had a train that he would work on in the garage. Alex liked playing his drums and guitar, finding rocks at Silver Lake and trading marbles with his Grandmother. He loved to draw trucks and trailers and even won a ribbon for his Fire Awareness poster. From a young age his family discovered that Alex loved to build. Starting with Mega Blocks, moving to Lincoln Logs and discovering his true passion Lego’s. He would always carefully build the set according to the instructions and play with them until one of his dogs would step on or chew one of the pieces. Then the pieces would go into his Lego tub and he would build his own creation.

Alex came to this earth to teach each of us different lessons. Learn from him, strive to be like him. Do not let his legacy end. Talk about how his life was short, but touched many. Alex displayed a love of life, a source of untold joy, wonderment a dream fulfillment, God’s miracle boy."

Shelia Hauk-Measley
Grandma and Grandpa Hauk

Memorial Donors

Shelia & Larry Schaeffer; Tom & Lisa; Jenny Miller; Dennis & Jennifer Foley; Diane & John Anklam; Norm Felger; Steven & Rosy Blessing; Jon & Tina Kurtz; Paul & Charlene Meyers; Kent & James Buesching; Sam & Amy VanEvery; Brad & Brandy Anderson; Sue Hopkins; Justin Percy; Stephanie Felger; Amy Caudill; Kristina Herber; Mary Payne; Kay Putt; Tina Saylor; David & Diane Springer; Charles & Erin Cappetta; Barbara Klaehn; Arlene & Michael Shively; Amy Robison; Carl & Lisa Van Allen; Jerry & Deedee Felger; Bill & Marsha Heffen; Mr. & Mrs. Melvin Kuphnest; Darren Dafforn & Family; Kenneth & Marlene Kurtz; Gregory & Melissa Sommerville; Steve & Kay Snipes; Penny Geishert; Lutheran Nurses; Thursday Afternoon Lutheran Volunteers; St. John's Lutheran Church; Kids Club & Sunday School; Mary Gynn; Peak Parent Support Group; Northwest Allen County School Administrative Office

Three month old Xander Powers of Ossian, passed away at 10:47 a.m. Friday, July 29, 2011, at Lutheran Hospital from complications due to Spinal Muscular Atrophy, which is a neo-muscular genetic disorder. He was born on April 14, 2011 to Zachary T. and Meghann T. (Kenline) Powers; they survive and reside in Ossian. Xander is also survived by grandparents, Sheryl A. Powers of Zanesville, Kim and Janice Kenline of Ossian, John F. Powers of Fort Wayne; Great-grandparents, James and Delenia Peeper of Bluffton, Rev. Bruce W. Kenline of Bluffton, Margaret Powers of Fort Wayne, Thomas and Helen Langmeyer of Fort Wayne; aunts and uncles, Abbey and Ryan Mooney of Westfield, Indiana, Kathryn Kenline of Studio City, California, Ryan Powers of Zanesville, Indiana, and by several great aunts and uncles. Xander was preceded in death by an uncle, Evan Powers on September 22, 2005 and by a Great-grandmother, Jeannette A. Kenline on May 29, 2011. Preferred memorials are to Families of Spinal Muscular Atrophy or Kate’s Kart.

"Our precious Xander was born April 14, 2011 without a mark on him. He was very alert and ready to see the world with his big, blue eyes. Our first month with him was bliss. He woke only two times a night and did not cry at all.

At his first month checkup is when the doctor noticed something was not right with Xander. He was not moving his limbs as much as he should have been, and he was very “floppy” they said. After extensive tests and many specialists Xander was diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA). This is a genetic neuromuscular disorder that would eventually not allow Xander to move or breathe on his own.

For the next couple of months Xander was admitted to Lutheran’s PICU three different times before he passed away on July 29th, 2011. While there Xander was given the best care possible. Kate’s Kart came every other weekday and we would be so excited to have another book to read to our son that day. Those books were not only a gift to Xander, but a gift to us as well. Reading to Xander was one of our favorite times with him. The room was free of visitors and we could spend some quiet time as a family.

We can’t thank you enough for those lasting memories that we have reading to Xander. Your organization is doing something very special to lift the spirits of distraught families. We are also humbled by your offering to have a cart in our community to honor Xander. Giving back to a community that has supported us in so many ways is something we never dreamed of being able to do."

Thank you so much,
Zach and Meghann Powers

Memorial Donors

Kay & Garry White; Jack Johnson; Travis & Sarah Medina; Nathan & Pam Sliger; Sadie Mann; Ted & Shannon Kaufman; Ossian Elementary Office Staff (Suzanne Tieman, Ann McNabb, Sonja Burniston, Deb Kimbel); Jennifer & Harmon Hensley; K&K Tool Design (Jim Blake, Ted Oakes); Fred & Sue Sliger; Jay & Lisa Gearhart; Thomas & Helen Langmeyer; Charles & Christine Jones; Matt & Shelley Krinn; Kerry & Linda Crow; Thomas & Helen Langmeyer; Theresa Martin; Kent Raber; Dawn & Leroy Kinzer; Mike & Kathy Nahrwold; Patrick & Noreen Humerickhouse; Joe & Bobbie Buroff; Rebecca Rupright.

Carter was a great friend to Kate's Kart. As the "sound guy" at our annual ice cream social, Carter was always quick with a helping hand and a smile.

"We were always proud of Carter's willingness to work for causes he believed in," said his parents, Bryan and Mary Ann Flueckiger. "We are now among those parents who know the pain of losing a child. Seeing how you have been able to continue through the sadness is an inspiration to us."

"It was a blessing to know him..." - Krista & Andy Layman

In honor and memory of Carter, students and staff at Canterbury High School in Fort Wayne raised over $2,900 and 500 books for Kate's Kart at their annual book drive.

Marilyn Ann Minch passed away Wednesday, October 21, 2009 at Reid Hospital in Richmond, Indiana.

Marilyn was born in Portland, Indiana, and was a certified pharmacy technician for CVS Drugs in Portland for many years. She was a member of the West Walnut Street Church of Christ in Portland. She was the proud mother of Jeffrey A. Minch and Julie A. Steigerwalt (Minch), and granddaughters Brittany, Elizabeth and Chloe, and the honorable wife of Michael J. Minch.

Donations from the Marilyn A. Minch memorial fund were used to purchase a new Kart for Jay County Hospital.

Memorial Donors

Allen & Geraldine Morrical; North American Mechanical, Inc.; Clyde & Janice Bray; Jesse & Beth Hunley; Ray & Karen Bishop; Ivan & Jamie Smeltzer; Don & Alice Alexander; Julie Ward; Jeff Minch; Michael Minch; Sherry Carros.

“I am writing on behalf of my daughter, Abigail Kaye Parker, who went to be with our Lord on May 31st, 2009. I wanted to tell you her story, as she was a special little girl.

Abi was born on Dec. 1, 2008, at Lutheran Hospital, and upon delivery, we knew things were not as they should be. Seven days after she was born, we spoke with a geneticist, who told us Abi had a rare syndrome, 4-p deletion syndrome, or Wolff-Hirschhorn syndrome. This syndrome would impair Abi mentally and physically, potentially severely.

Abi came home from the NICU at Lutheran on Dec. 31st. Her 6 month life was marked with 3, one month long hospital stays, a feeding tube, a trach, a heart cath, and open heart surgery. Abi was in room 8 at Peyton Manning children's hospital, just as your Kate was.

Our little girl could not overcome the health problems she faced and would face for the rest of her life. On May 31, 2009, she passed from our arms into those of our heavenly father (to use your eloquent words from the bookmark).

Our Abi received around 16 books during her hospital stays at Lutheran. Although she never directly benefited from them, her brother, Karl who is 5, loved looking at them when we would visit Abi in the hospital. The Kate's Kart books were such a blessing to us during Abi's hospital stays. I taught Kindergarten prior to having Karl, and have a love for books and reading, and know the importance of books in a child's life.

I want to thank you so very much for the organization you have developed in honor of your Kate. That speaks volumes of your love for her, and the time she spent with you on this earth. We take great comfort in the fact that Abi's memory can be kept alive through the generous donations of loved ones, and your incredible organization. We want to thank you for your hard work and dedication to your Kate.”
- Ashlee, Jason and Karl Parker

The Parker family selected Kate's Kart as one of their preferred memorials for Abi. With the donations received, Kate's Kart purchased a new Kart and many, many books in Abi's name.

Memorial Donors

Abigail Kaye Parker Memorial Donors:John & Lorraine Anglin; Rob & Diana Askins; William & Vicky Bailey; John & Carolyn Bollinger; Jeff & Janet Bosler; Rachel Burkholder; Julie Eckert & Staff at Pediatric Healthcare; Monty & Beverly Ganshorn; Edd & Cheryl Habegger; Kevin Hohman; Jennings Insurance Agency; Dave & Jann Johnson Family; Ron & Pat Jones; John & Kristi Kretzmeier; George & Nancy Krom; Krystyna Martin; Mike & Pam McFarland; Margaret & Robert Miller; Steve & Sandy Miner; Ralph Montel Family; John Nichols; Chris & Amy Parker; Nancy & James Reiff; S.B.D. Enterprises; Mr. & Mrs. Bill Stump, Jr.; Jerry & Sandra Tinkey Family; Bill & Kim Wojcik Family; Hildreth Wolfe; Julie Wuthrich.

Richard "Dick" Mollica, 78, passed away Sunday, January 11, 2009 at his home in Fort Wayne. Born in Altoona, PA, he was a Supervising Engineer with I&M with 40 years of service and was a U.S. Navy Korean War veteran. He was a member of United Methodist Church of the Covenant, lifetime member of American Legion Post #47, former member of Masonic Lodge #359 and Scottish Rite. He was a volunteer for Kate's Kart and Cancer Services of Northeast Indiana. The Mollica family named Kate's Kart as one of their preferred memorials in honor of Dick's love for Kate and the mission of the organization. With the donations that were made in his name, we were able to purchase three new Karts and have placed a plaque on each memorializing Dick.