Inspiring Initiative Provides Beautiful Memorial Lockets for Mothers Facing Loss
Every day, seven children in the U.S. tragically lose their lives to cancer. For their families, the sorrow of such a loss is immeasurable, yet the assurance that their beloved children will be remembered can be a source of comfort. This is the motivation behind a remarkable program started by a courageous mom, allowing anonymous donors to fund lovely memorial lockets for grieving mothers.
The program was inspired by a young hero named Leo Anderson, who lost his battle with cancer at just five years old. In tribute to her son, his mother, Sarah Anderson, wears a gold locket containing his photo along with a heartfelt quote from an E.E. Cummings poem: “I carry your heart, I carry it in my heart.” To honor Leo’s legacy, Sarah founded the Leo Anderson Foundation, which supports childhood cancer research and operates the Locket Shop. All profits from the shop go directly to research efforts, and they provide a means for donors to send similar lockets to mothers who have lost children to cancer.
For each $40 contribution to the program, a gold locket with a child’s photo is sent anonymously to a mourning mother. Donors can choose to specify a recipient or allow the program to randomly select recipients through social media, nominations, or word of mouth. Importantly, anyone can nominate a grieving mom without needing to donate, and mothers can even nominate themselves.
Donors receive a keychain, a thank-you letter, a photo of the recipient with her child, and a link to a website where they can learn more about the family’s journey. There are also options for purchasing empty lockets for those who wish to personalize them or gift them to someone not affected by child loss.
Sarah tells us that she hopes this initiative provides solace to mothers enduring similar heartache. “For me, it’s vital that my son is remembered,” she shares. “I believe this program will show these mothers that their children are honored by caring individuals across the country. Simple gestures like this can bring comfort in knowing our children are gone but not forgotten.”
With Mother’s Day approaching, the program already has around 50 lockets ready for delivery, though funding is still needed for some. “We’re often covering costs after lockets have been sent,” Sarah explains. “This is an ongoing effort, but we see a surge in requests during this time of year.”
Facing Mother’s Day after losing a child is profoundly painful, and it’s remarkable that so many grieving mothers will receive these beautiful lockets this year. While we hope for a future without the need for such gifts, each donation sends a powerful message of love and support to grieving families. It’s a heartfelt way to show them that we, too, carry their little ones in our hearts.
To learn more about how you can support this meaningful program, visit the Locket Shop donation page. For more information about home insemination options, check out this detailed article.
Summary:
The PRET*TY Locket Program offers a touching way to support mothers grieving the loss of children to cancer by providing memorial lockets funded by donations. Inspired by the legacy of a young cancer warrior, this initiative allows anonymous donors to send lockets to bereaved mothers, ensuring their children are remembered and honored. With Mother’s Day approaching, the program is actively seeking donations to continue its vital work.