Do you remember Landen? For anyone who doesn't already know, Landen was the son of Luke and Amanda Johnson. Luke is the pastor of Highland Drive Free Will Baptist Church in Lincolnton.

Landen passed when he was only nine in September 2019, two years after a bone marrow transplant resulted in complications that eventually led to massive organ failure. Landen was born with DNA ligase IV deficiency, a disorder that kept him from growing and caused severe immune deficiency.

Luke says after Landen's death, he receive a letter from a woman in Fuquay-Varina (near Raleigh) who had followed Landen's story suggesting that the Johnsons create a foundation. In the summer of 2020, they did.

The foundation doesn't limit itself to children and families of children with the rare disorder that claimed Landen's life. The Landen’s Story Foundation will works with Levine Children's Hospital and others to be a blessing to families who have experienced the passing of a child or who have a child with a rare diagnosis to share faith and hope.

While they have been accepting donations for the last two years, the foundation will be holding its first fundraising event this Saturday (April 2nd) 10 AM - 2 PM at New Vision Ministries, 661 Clark Creek Road in Lincolnton.

The Landen’s Story Family Fun Fest will also include a blood drive and potential bone marrow donator registration. They'll be serving up BBQ chicken plates ($12 each) and there'll be bounce houses and face painting for the kids. You can pre-order your BBQ tickets by CLICKING HERE, then click the 'merchandise' drop down menu; or email info@landensstory.org. Food trucks including Frank's Southern Bites and Twisted Sugar will also be there.

The event will also include a craft fair. If you're a crafter, reserve a craft booth for $25 by contacting amandajohnson@landensstory.org.

For more information on the foundation visit landensstory.org