"Planting Seeds of Kindness"

Why did we start LJ’s Impact Foundation?

On December 28, 2001, Leonard John “LJ” Miles IV, brightened this world with his birth at Martin Memorial Medical Center in Stuart, FL. LJ came into this world with a torrid of desperate medical needs due to his being born with Spina Bifida and Arnold Chiari Malformation Disorder. He was quickly transferred to Nicklaus Children’s Hospital in Miami, FL, where he received care for the first year of his life which included multiple brain decompression surgeries. LJ was then transferred to Boston Children’s Hospital. It was here that he underwent more intensive surgeries for several months, concluding with the placement of a permanent trachea and a G tube which doctors determined would be best to help prolong LJ’s life moving forward.

While living in Florida, LJ also received medical care at the UF Health Shands Hospital in Gainesville, FL. In 2008, seeking advanced care and a pediatric neurosurgeon specialist, LJ moved to Austin, TX and was given treatment at the Dell Children’s Medical Center of Central Texas.

As LJ’s stepmom, he and I met in April of 2010. Although our time together was short, it was sincerely meaningful. This was not unusual though, as LJ’s shining presence left a significant impression on all those who knew him. As LJ quickly realized how important I was to his father, Leonard John “Lenny” Miles III, he engaged me almost immediately, creating a special connection and building one of the most impactful relationships I have ever experienced.

After many years of growing through our grief and coming to terms with the loss of LJ, we found that we were still left with this void in our heart from the loss of this special child. While seeking out ways to fill this void, we reflected on the extraordinary kindness of the special programs that supported us through those extremely trying times. These programs included Ronald McDonald Charity House of Central Texas located in Austin where we were made to feel welcome and comfortable during hospital stays as long as 3 months, our experience at Give Kids the World, and the trip of a lifetime made possible by the Make-a-Wish Foundation which gave us unforgettable family time with LJ.

It was with these meaningful reflections that we were inspired to honor LJ’s memory by helping other families who are struggling through similar circumstances.