From God's Miracle to a Hero

              Mallory Lainhart was a beautiful, brave little baby girl who lost her fight to live at the tender age of nine months old. Although she lived for too short of a time, she touched the lives of so many people, and will continue to make a difference to others through a scholarship established in her memory.

              Mallory Sue Gennille Lainhart of Austin was born May 22, 2009 in Scottsburg, 33 seconds after her twin sister Madysen. As her sister was being delivered, Mallory reached her little hand up out of the womb, as if to grab her sister back. Ever since that day Mallory fought for every breath she took; every day she lived was a miracle. She was born with a fatal congenital heart defect, Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome, in which the left side of her heart was underdeveloped. Doctors said it was a miracle she was alive.

              During her short nine months, 27 days of life, she had to take daily medications, endure many hospital stays and a total of 19 procedures and surgeries on her tiny body. On March 21, 2010, she lost the fight to live, not because she gave up, but because her body was too weak to go on.

              “I have never known anyone so brave, anyone who fought so hard to live and who woke up each and every day with a sparkle in her eyes and a smile that would brighten anyone’s day,” said her great-aunt, Linda Dawson. “She touched the lives of so many people, and was loved by all whom she touched.”

              Since Mallory’s death, her loved ones have worked tirelessly to raise funds in her memory. Last summer, they hosted their first fundraiser, Mallory’s Mission. The day was filled with activities, including softball and cornhole tournaments, contests, a free concert and more. Their efforts resulted in raising $1,000, which was donated to Kosair Children’s Hospital in memory of Mallory. Twenty-one units of blood were also given to the American Red Cross at the bloodmobile that day.

              Their second major fundraiser, the inaugural Heart for Heart Sweetheart Dance, was held Feb. 11, 2011, at Lake Iola. All proceeds were given to the Scott County Community Foundation to award two scholarships for $250 each to graduating seniors from Austin, Scottsburg or a home school who plan to major in the medical field. The family hopes the recipients will one day save the life of a child, or perhaps even find a cure for heart defects.

              “For those whom did not know her,” said Linda, “I wish you could have met her. She would have changed your life as well, with a loving smile that reminded each of us that every day is a blessing and that when the spirit is strong and the body is weak, that is where a hero is born.”