Five Generations of Philanthropy

Little did Ruth Burton Pidgeon know when she served as President of Le Bonheur Club in 1945 that her great-greatgrandson, Henry Grimes, would receive life-saving care at Le Bonheur more than 68 years later.

Henry was born in March 2013 and at just 2 days old, Henry’s pediatrician discovered a heart murmur and sent him for an echocardiogram. Doctors diagnosed Henry with a complex congenital heart defect called Tetralogy of Fallot.

Henry’s parents, Laura and Josh, were shocked and devastated to find out that their newborn son had a congenital heart defect. When Henry was 3 months old, he underwent open-heart surgery at Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital. 

“From the moment that we met Henry’s surgeon, Dr. Christopher KnottCraig, we knew that Henry would be in great hands,” Laura
said. “Le Bonheur is a family, and the doctors and nurses took care of Henry like he was their own son. We are so
fortunate to have this resource here in Memphis.”

Henry’s surgery was a success and while many children born with Tetralogy of Fallot require a valve replacement surgery later in life, his parents are optimistic that Henry will not require any further surgical interventions.

In 2019, Laura wanted to continue her family’s legacy of giving back to the hospital and became a member of Le Bonheur Club. Another of Laura’s great-grandmothers, Kate Person Land Pritchard, served as Le Bonheur Club President from 1937-1938, so her family’s connection to the Club runs deep. 

“I love stocking Bunny Lane because it’s another special way to give back to the hospital that has done so much for our family,” Laura said. “I know how much comfort toys from Bunny Lane give each child after their surgery.”

The Grimes family also gives back to Le Bonheur through their Lovies for Bravehearts project. Henry spent his time in the hospital being comforted by his Angel Dear lovie, which Laura held and cuddled while he was in surgery so that it had her familiar scent. Henry was comforted and soothed by his lovie when he was in the hospital and Laura brought it to all of his doctor’s appointments. 

Laura and Josh wanted to be able to provide this same comfort for other babies and families who are going through their own medical journeys.

“All heart babies and babies in intensive care units are Bravehearts, and their resiliency and courage to be brave and strong throughout their medical journeys is inspiring,” Laura said. “We donate Angel Dear lion lovies to the mothers in the fetal cardiology clinic and patients in Le Bonheur intensive care units, and to Bravehearts in hospitals across the country. The lion is a symbol for every patient to be brave and courageous throughout their medical journey, and the lovie is a way to provide physical comfort for the child.”

Since beginning the initiative in 2014, more than 2,000 Braveheart Angel Dear lion lovies have been donated.

Today, Henry golfs, plays basketball, and loves to draw. Henry also participates in his family’s fundraising efforts for Lovies for Bravehearts by hosting a lemonade stand. In 2022, Henry’s lemonade stand was able to raise more than $3,000 to purchase and donate a red wagon to the Le Bonheur Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit (CVICU) and fill it with even more lovies.

Five generations later, Ruth’s dedication to Le Bonheur lives on through her family.

“If my great-grandmother, Ruth, could see me today, I think she would be proud that our family has continued the tradition of giving back to Le Bonheur,” Laura said. “I am honored to carry on her philanthropic legacy and instill it in my own children."