From Heartbreak to Hope, A Mother’s Mission to Give Back

“We were told the baby wasn’t going to make it. It was just a matter of time.”

These were the haunting words that forever changed Lorna Levac’s life. What began as the joy of her first pregnancy quickly turned into heartbreak. But what followed was a powerful journey of resilience, love—and purpose.

A Shattered Dream

In 2010, Lorna and her husband John were thrilled to be expecting their first child. But during her first trimester, complications arose. A benign but large fibroid on Lorna’s uterus caused kidney stones, hospitalisations, and unimaginable discomfort. Still, hope remained—until it didn’t.

A routine follow-up revealed the devastating news: their baby’s heart had stopped.

A Life Nearly Lost

Due to the complications, Lorna’s body went into shock during the delivery of her stillborn child. Emergency care saved her life. But emotionally, she felt hollow. “There, on the birthing floor where mothers held their newborns, I held the child I lost,” she said. The hospital staff gently moved her to a private room, showing compassion she would never forget.

A Second Chance, A New Beginning

In 2012, after undergoing surgery to remove the fibroid, Lorna became pregnant again. Under the care of the same team at Mount Sinai Hospital, she delivered Benjamin—her miracle baby—on John’s birthday. He spent time in the NICU but soon joined his parents, bringing light back into their lives.

Turning Pain Into Purpose

That second chance ignited a deep desire in Lorna and John to give back. Together, they created an annual charity run to support Mount Sinai’s high-risk pregnancy program.

What began with a few dozen runners grew to over 100 participants and raised over $115,000 for life-saving neonatal equipment.

Their efforts helped purchase:

• 4 Joey Beds for NICU infants

• 3 Cribettes for transitioning babies

• 1 Wireless fetal monitor system

• Plus new mattresses for mothers' beds

A Legacy of Gratitude

“We can never forget what we went through, but we’ve found peace,” says Lorna. Her voice, full of conviction, has inspired many to join her cause. The marathon is more than a fundraiser—it’s a tribute to her first child and to the healthcare heroes who helped them heal.

As Lorna puts it:“If it had all gone smoothly, we might never have realized how much that care truly meant.”

Let this story remind us: from the depths of loss can rise the most powerful acts of love.

Thank you, Lorna Levac, for running not just for yourself—but for all of us.

HPR HERO LORNA LEVAC