Heart of Gold Award
2022
Bridget Porter-Metz
Meet Bridget Porter Metz, 2022 Loeys-Dietz Syndrome Heart of Gold Award winner. She became part of the LDS Community after the tragic loss of her 13 year old son, Connor. But this mom is a FORCE, especially when it comes to education about Loeys-Dietz syndrome and aortic disease. She will talk to anyone who will listen, although her special interest is impacting change and awareness in hospitals. She is a community leader in Northern CA and, this year, helped the Northern California Walk for Victory raise the most in its history. Congratulations to Bridget--our 2022 Loeys Dietz Heart of Gold Award.
2021
Fulpius Family
Prior to the world going into quarantine, this family was raising funds and collecting items to be given to all the kids who would attend the 2020 LDS Conference. Once it was determined that the Conference could not happen, they pivoted effortlessly and instead sent care packages to LDS kids, along with over $10,000 in donations to LDSF. Thank you for your amazing commitment and the incredible things you do!
2019
Ken and Tonya Castleman
Behind the scenes, the Castlemans have been incredible supporters of the LDSF. Country music fans, they come to us through Joey and Rory’s story, and have from afar, fallen in love with our mission, and especially our kiddos. We are so grateful for them.
2018
The Kasper Family
Through their generous donation, Johns Hopkins University and the NIH are joining forces to advance the learning on the current LDS population by establishing a registry and honing in on specific mutations as well as other connected characteristics. The Kaspers’ grant will do wonders for the advancement of research for the Loeys-Dietz Syndrome community.
2016
Joey and Rory Feek
The relationship between the Feek family and McCauley family inspires us. We are so grateful for Rory Feek’s support of LDSF, not only through his generosity of donation, but through taking time to connect with our LDSF families at conference and spreading a wonderful message of unity and acceptance.
2014
Jurgens family
Whether it be taking photographs at conference, planning on our BOD, running Links for LDSF golf event, or waxing eloquently about their LDS journey through all mediums (check out Mo: A Loeys-Dietz syndrome memoir!), there is nothing the Jurgens family won’t do. We are honored and grateful for all the love and hugs that Kate and Mo (Maureen) hand out to our community to make sure everyone feels that LDS love!
2012
Jennie, Wesley and Caroline Bange
The Bange family decided to take a chance on the LDSF and created the first run/walk fundraising event for the Loeys-Dietz Syndrome Foundation. For many years they rallied their community in honor of Caroline to raise countless funds to support research, education and awareness for LDS. They shared Caroline’s story on the local news and have turned their corner of the world into a community passionate about helping Caroline and those like her that are impacted by LDS.
2011
Quentin Waid and family
The Quest for Quentin was a hodge-podge of events ranging from change collection to personal letter mailing to bowling events to honor the LDSF. This guy’s creative, compassionate and humorous heart shines through in every LDSF event he takes part in.
2010
Peyton Griffith and family
Pins for Peyton which evolved into Pins for Peyton and Gracie too! was our first bowling event that the Griffiths fearlessly piloted. The Griffith family and friends in Indiana showed dedication and community in raising funds to support LDSF 2010 conference.