Logan James Herr was born on August 24, 1997 with cerebral palsy. Logan’s laughs and smiles were infectious. He was truly an exceptional child who captured the hearts of everyone who knew him. He had a g-tube, hearing aids, was non-verbal, and could not sit up on his own.
He loved watching teletubbies, the leaves shimmering in the breeze, and the sparkle of a lake when the sunlight hit it. He hated riding in the car but loved riding the lawn mower with his dad. After waiting over a year, Logan finally received his wheelchair when he was 3 years old. His dad built a simple ramp to get Logan and his wheelchair in and out of the house.
On February 22, 2002 at the age of 4 ½ Logan passed away from complications from pneumonia. He left behind special memories with everyone he touched during his short life. Logan’s dad, Joe, founded Logan’s Heart and Smiles to keep these memories alive and help other children, whom we call Logan’s Friends, with similar home modifications knowing that the simplest daily tasks that many of us take for granted can be overwhelming when a child has a disability.
In Joe’s words, “getting a child in and out of their home should not be a luxury.” That, in a nutshell, is what drives our organization.
Memories of Logan James Herr
Logan’s Aunt and Joe’s Sister, Katie
Logan was a beautiful, bright, smiley little boy. He was a fighter right from the beginning; he was hooked up to a lot of equipment and monitors. When he was able to come home, Logan was always a fighter and happy as could be. Even though Logan was non-verbal, he was an expert communicator in his own right. His expressive eyes and infectious smile were all he needed to convey his emotions and bring warmth to the hearts of everyone who crossed his path. Joe, my brother and Logan’s father, was Logan’s greatest champion. The bond they shared was unbreakable, a testament to the enduring love between a parent and child. Joe cherished every moment with Logan, embracing the challenges they faced together and celebrating the triumphs, no matter how small.
Joe’s relationship with Logan was a testament to unconditional love. Logan was loved by everyone who met him. His Grandma and Grandpa Herr were so proud and inspired by Logan. They lit up whenever they were with him. He was a wonderful blessing in all our lives. Logan’s memory will never fade, and his legacy will continue to bring joy and hope to countless families.
Logan’s Daycare Teachers, Kathy and Kelly
Logan joined our school as an infant as of October 1997. We had the pleasure of being his teachers for the next four years. Logan loved chasing his friends around the room, (either by wheelchair or by being held), as he knocked down and blew down the 3 little pigs houses. His big grin and silly laughter sparked outstanding performances by all and rave reviews from the parents.
Logan had the ability to bring people together. His friends would gravitate towards him. Many times we observed a classmate that was having a hard day walk over to Logan. Together, they would play with toys, puzzles or play dough. The mood would turn to a positive one and “Buddy Logan” again and again would brighten the day! Even though Logan experienced many physical challenges, he continued to embrace life with a positive attitude. He was a loving friend and student that will always hold a special place in our hearts. We appreciate all he taught us; positivity, kindness and eternal friendship.
Logan’s Godfather, Dan
For those of us who know Logan I think you have heard all the stories. He had a great smile and a caring heart. I remember the helpless feeling you would get when he would freeze up and stretch his back out. To me it seemed somewhere between a seizure and a cramp. His little body would freeze and so would my heart.
I remember right after Logan was born this really odd, confusing time. Joe and Stacy had come home from the hospital. Logan was still in the hospital and would be for several weeks. Their story from there was one of coping and hoping. Coping with the harsh realities of raising a child with the challenges Logan had and hoping every next treatment would gain him even a fraction of their original dreams for him. Horse back riding, oxygen treatments, medicines, and many more. To parents with no special needs children and none of the ensuing emotional or fiscal pressures that follow, we don’t know 1/100 of what they endure.