Rather than facing a pity party, the Olstads chose to embrace the occasion of what would have been his first birthday by celebrating his short but inspiring life and the life lessons they learned and wanted to pass on. They felt the community surround them in their darkest moments and encountered so much light and strength in sharing their grief and loss that they wanted to keep bringing the joy and love to others like it was so generously offered them.

With seven weeks to the day, they rallied their friends and family and organized and hosted their first official Love for Lewiston Foundation event on May 25, 2017. On that occasion over $42,000 was raised and to date over $1.5 million dollars has been raised to support SMA families, critical research and the Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation. Jessica now serves as the Executive Director for The Love for Lewiston Foundation.

Throughout each year we host 3 key events – Lewiston’s Bday, “Ride the Roof”, and our annual Golf Tournament – and we rely on small businesses who graciously host additional events and opportunities to raise funds.

The Love for Lewiston Foundation exists to create awareness, bring joyful experiences, spread love, direct money to local families, and ultimately raise funds focused on treatments and finding a cure for Spinal Muscular Atrophy through SMA Research and The Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation.