In a heartfelt move to support grieving mothers, a remarkable initiative is enabling anonymous donors to send beautiful memorial lockets to moms who have lost children to cancer. This program, inspired by a courageous mother, provides a tangible symbol of love and remembrance during the most challenging times.
Every day, seven children in the U.S. lose their fight against cancer, leaving behind families grappling with profound sorrow. The PRET*TY Locket Program was founded in memory of a young boy named Alex Johnson, who passed away at just five years old. His mother, Linda Johnson, wears a locket containing his photo and a touching quote by E.E. Cummings: “I carry your heart, I carry it in my heart.” Driven by her desire to honor her son, Linda created the Alex Johnson Foundation, which not only raises funds for childhood cancer research but also supports the PRET*TY store. Here, 100% of proceeds go towards vital research while allowing donors to send similar lockets to other mourning mothers.
For each $40 contribution, a gold locket featuring a child’s photo is sent anonymously to a bereaved mother. Donors can choose to specify a particular mom, or the recipients can be selected through social media, word of mouth, or nominations via the store’s website. Interestingly, anyone can nominate a grieving mom, including the moms themselves, without needing to make a donation.
Contributors to the program receive a heartfelt keychain, a thank-you letter, and a snapshot of the recipient with her child. There are also empty lockets available for those who wish to personalize them or give them as gifts to friends who haven’t experienced a loss to cancer. Linda shares her hope that this gesture brings comfort to other mothers. “I believe this program will show these moms that their child is being honored by strangers around the country,” she explains. “These small acts of kindness help remind us that our children are gone but certainly not forgotten.”
As Mother’s Day approaches, the program has about 50 lockets ready for delivery, yet not all are fully funded. “We often have to cover costs after lockets have been dispatched,” Linda notes. “This program operates year-round, but we see a surge in requests during this time.”
Facing Mother’s Day after losing a child is undoubtedly heartbreaking, and it’s truly remarkable that grieving moms will receive these lovely tokens of remembrance this year. Each donation represents a small yet significant gesture of support, letting grieving parents know that their children are cherished and remembered. For those interested in purchasing a locket, visit the PRET*TY Store donation page. You can also explore helpful resources like this excellent guide on fertility and insurance for further insights into family planning.
In conclusion, this inspiring locket initiative not only honors the memory of lost children but also emphasizes the strength and solidarity within the community during difficult times.