Volunteer Spotlight: Lyla Martin Takes Her Heart for Advocacy to the Miss Danville Stage!
At Kerrington’s Heart, we are constantly inspired by the incredible individuals who make up our community—especially those who have walked the CHD journey from the very beginning. Today, we are thrilled to put the spotlight on one Lyla Martin.
Lyla is taking her passion for Congenital Heart Defect (CHD) awareness to the stage as she competes in the upcoming Miss Danville Pageant on August 1st! Her chosen Community Service Initiative (CSI) centers entirely around raising awareness for CHD and supporting the mission of Kerrington’s Heart.
A Personal Story Rooted in Family
For Lyla, advocating for heart families isn't just a project—it's personal.
"This is not just something I support; it is a part of my family’s story. My younger brother, Rex, was born with a CHD in 2012, and Kerrington’s Heart showed up for us with support, encouragement, and community during one of the most challenging times in our lives."
That early connection sparked a spark in Lyla that has only grown stronger over the years.
A Decade of Action and Giving Back
Lyla didn't wait until she was older to make a difference. She started participating in our annual 5K walk/run back in 2013 as a child. As she grew into high school, her impact exploded:
During her junior and senior years, Lyla chose Kerrington’s Heart as the beneficiary for her school's Sadie Hawkins dance—raising over $8,000 through ticket sales and donations!
Today, she serves as a race volunteer and our Social Media Marketing Assistant, helping us share stories, promote events, and educate audiences far and wide.
"Kerrington’s Heart has shaped my life for more than a decade, transforming me from a child whose family receives support into a young woman ready to play a small part in the support of others."
Inspiring Hope for the Future
Lyla’s goal moving forward is to use creative marketing, storytelling, and community engagement to make sure no heart family ever feels alone.
"I believe that every conversation, shared story, and community event has the power to educate others about congenital heart disease while creating a community of hope for families walking a similar journey. My goal is to ensure that every family facing a congenital heart diagnosis knows they are never alone."
Come Out & Support Lyla on August 1st!
We couldn't be prouder to have Lyla representing the CHD community and Kerrington’s Heart.
Join us in cheering her on at the Miss Danville Pageant on August 1st! Let’s fill the audience with love and support for a young woman who has given so much of her heart to others.
Hearts in Business: How a Kentucky Small Business Gives Back to Kerrington’s Heart
For many small business owners, success isn't just about the bottom line—it’s about the impact you make in your local community. At Kerrington’s Heart, we are incredibly fortunate to partner with generous local entrepreneurs who use their platforms to bring support, hope, and healing to Kentucky kids and families affected by congenital heart disease (CHD).
In our new series, Hearts in Business, we sit down with local business leaders to showcase just how simple and impactful it can be to align your brand with a cause that matters.
Today, we are thrilled to feature Laura Jones, a dedicated CHD mom and the co-owner of Bluegrass REmarket. Joining her for this special interview is her biggest motivation: her son, Miles!
What’s your connection to CHD and Kerrington’s Heart?
Laura: My son Miles is my littlest, and we became a part of the Kerrington’s Heart community a couple of years ago when we found out he had a congenital heart defect. He was almost three and having some health problems when we discovered he had a large ASD (Atrial Septal Defect) in his heart, and the right side of his heart was already enlarged.
His surgeon recommended open-heart surgery, which took place in October of 2024. When all of that happened, we knew absolutely nothing about the CHD world. We didn’t even know anyone else whose child had undergone open-heart surgery. We felt a little bit lost.
Thankfully, a friend recommended Kerrington’s Heart to us as a resource and to help with any financial needs. Miles only had to stay in the hospital for four days, but Kerrington’s Heart helped us immensely with DoorDash gift cards and food. As parents in the hospital, you have to eat every meal out, so that was a huge relief for us. I know they help in so many more ways for families who have to stay in the hospital for much longer periods of time. That’s how we first got connected!
What is the Bluegrass REmarket?
Laura: Bluegrass REmarket is a pop-up consignment event here in town. My friend and I started it several years ago when Miles was just a baby. We had been participating in local kids' consignment sales for many years—since my oldest was little—and we always wished there was something similar available for adults!
Bluegrass REmarket is a simple way for local men and women to sell their gently used clothing, shoes, and home decor. Consignors enter their items online, drop them off to us, and we set up a beautiful storefront for a week to sell them. It’s an easy way for people to clear out their closets, make some money, and shop great styles all in one place.
What motivates you to keep supporting our community, and how does your business give back?
Laura: Because of what we went through with Miles, we wanted to find an easy way to give back to the organization that supported us.
At Bluegrass REmarket, we sell early shopping passes. If someone wants to shop the sale early, beat the crowds, and get first dibs on everything, they can purchase a low-priced ticket for themselves and a guest. For the past few sales, we have been able to donate 100% of those ticket sales directly to Kerrington’s Heart. It’s a seamless way for our business to support Kentucky families navigating medical trauma, and it allows our shoppers to be a part of the giving, too!
Want to Feature Your Business in "Hearts in Business"?
Giving back doesn't have to be complicated. Whether it's donating a percentage of sales, organizing a toy drive or donating proceeds from a specific item, your business can make a massive difference for local CHD families.
Contact us at info@kerringtonsheart.org for partner opportunities with Kerrington’s Heart.