In February 2020, the Reith family attended an Inheritance of Hope Legacy Retreat® in Orlando, FL–a memorable getaway where parents can build a lasting legacy with their kids and know they will be okay. One of Laura’s favorite memories from the retreat came on the Jurassic Park ride at Universal Studios. Sitting in the first few rows, Laura had secured her hat and wig to each other, thinking they would stay put. But as the ride quickly went down a large drop, both flew off–only to be caught by another guest in the back row. Her family still laughs about it today!
Priceless memories made for the Reith family at Inheritance of Hope’s Orlando Legacy Retreat® in February 2020
In addition to the sweet memories, the Reith family gained a community with others who “get it.” Laura was encouraged by the support of sharing journeys together, and for the tools her children were given for navigating her illness. The connections have continued for Laura as she keeps in touch with families from her retreat, and has been involved online through the MBC Hope@Home™ Group. She encourages families facing terminal illness to participate in Inheritance of Hope’s programs, as she’s found them to be beneficial at various points in her journey. “It’s a great opportunity to connect with others, share experiences, express feelings, and ask questions. This community has been very impactful,” she shares.
Sarah and her four children at the Orlando Legacy Retreat® in March 2022.
Wanting others to experience the same support her own family received, Laura has become a passionate advocate for Inheritance of Hope. Each year, she partners with the Kendra Scott Oakbrook store in Chicago for Holley Day—a giveback event at Kendra Scott stores nationwide honoring Kendra’s lifelong friend and Inheritance of Hope family member, Holley Rothell Kitchen. Laura’s tribe of friends, family, and community rallies around her efforts for this event, helping the Oakbrook store be the top-grossing location in Holley Day sales for several years in a row!
Livy Chang, Retail Store Manager at Kendra Scott Oakbrook, has a special bond with Laura. After volunteering with the Reith family at their Legacy Retreat® in 2020, Livy says, “I got to see firsthand Laura’s strength, resilience, and kindness. She has a huge tribe behind her for good reason–her smile and care for others are contagious. Over the years, Laura has worked tirelessly to make Holley Day even more successful, raising more funds so more families can attend a Legacy Retreat. She has gone from being a customer to being like family to us at Kendra Scott.”
Livy Chang, the Reith family, and volunteer Lauren Latimer during the Orlando Legacy Retreat®
This year, the Oakbrook store will host their Holley Day event on October 13 from 10am-8pm CT. Guests can enjoy sips, sweets, and amazing raffles while shopping to support Inheritance of Hope families. Laura has also selected a special signature piece of jewelry to mark the day–a sweet personal touch. If you are in the Chicago area, join Laura and her tribe for this special day! The Oakbrook store will also have pre-sales available from October 6-13 for those who can’t make it in-store. To support Laura’s efforts, please call the Oakbrook store at 630-686-9110.
Laura and her tribe on Holley Day over the years!
Laura continues to beat the odds as this past September marked eight years since her diagnosis. She has been able to experience countless milestones and memories with her husband and children, who are now thirteen and eight, and has impacted many families walking through similar journeys. We’re thankful for Laura’s legacy and the lasting impact she continues to make on Inheritance of Hope families!
Holley Day is October 13! 20% of all in-store and online sales at Kendra Scott will give back to the Kendra Scott Foundation, supporting two Inheritance of Hope Legacy Retreats® in 2026. Shop & share on October 13!
