Russ and Vicki were overjoyed to welcome the birth of their first child in 1994. Abby was born with an extremely rare heart disease, Heterotaxy, and complete heart blockage. Abby was also diagnosed with a lung disease, Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia. Abby endured 20 surgeries and procedures including having a pacemaker and a defibrillator implanted to help sustain her life. Doctors told Russ and Vicki that these disorders, in conjunction, occur in approximately 1 in 3.9 million births. They went on to say that most infants don’t survive and only 30% of children live past the age of four. Miraculously, Abby beat the odds. Her journey was challenging. Russ and Vicki sought out the best surgeons and cardiologist from Duke, The Cleveland Clinic, Miami Children’s Hospital, and Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston. Despite the challenges, Abby grew to become an amazing young lady and outstanding student. Blessed with the gifts of grace and empathy, Abby was always concerned about others. During her college years, she pursued a degree in Human Development and Family Studies. Her vision was to work with children. Abby passed away shortly before her college graduation on July 1, 2019.
Abby was a wonderful daughter and big sister to her younger brother and sister (Walker and Gracie). Abby’s family was determined to honor her memory and impact the lives of girls and young women, efforts that Abby had hoped would become her life’s work. Having always been community-minded, Abby’s family chose to partner with the Boys & Girls Club of the Piedmont to fund Abby Winthrop’s SMART Girls Program. The Winthrop’s vision is to help girls in our community, especially those who need help the most, to reach their full potential and become productive, caring, and responsible citizens.
The Abby Winthrop SMART Girls Program serves girls ages 8 to 17 throughout Iredell County. Participants are provided a safe place to learn and grow, develop wholesome peer relationships, and interact with adult professionals who serve as mentors. The Abby Winthrop SMART Girls Program has three priority outcomes for each girl: Academic Success, Healthy Lifestyle Choices, and Character/Leadership Development. Girls have access to daily tutoring programs, classes on health and lifestyle decisions, leadership, the visual and performing arts, as well as fitness and recreation. Participants are given opportunities to practice their newly acquired skills through a variety of community engagement events and community service projects. Scholarships are available to participants upon successful completion of high school.
If you have any questions about our SMART girls program, EMAIL abellamy@piedmontbgc.org
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