Official Launch of Heather Abbott Foundation is Sunday

The official launch party for the Heather Abbott Foundation is this Sunday at Towne Stove & Spirits in on Boylston St. in Boston — not far from the Boston Marathon finish line.

Two years in the making, the foundation is the result of Newport resident Heather Abbott’s remarkable journey from marathon bombing victim to philanthropist and inspirational advocate.

Abbott was severely injured as she stood near the finish line and the bombs exploded at 2013’s Boston Marathon. She was blessed to still be alive, but doctors had to amputate her left leg below the knee.

Her subsequent recovery and rehabilitation was buoyed by an outpouring of support from friends, family and the country as a whole — not to mention here in Newport, a close-knit city.

The support was emotional along with financial and it helped enable Abbott to get customized prostheses. It means she can stay active, run, swim, and even hit the town in her high heels.

The experience led Abbott to realize that there are countless others who are coming to terms with losing a limb but might not have the same support system that she has had during her journey. If only there were an organization to help them afford those expensive prostheses.

A seed was planted, the Heather Abbott Foundation grew out of the idea, and this Sunday, it all comes together with an official launch.

“Today, as president of The Heather Abbott Foundation, Heather is more determined than ever to turn what was meant for evil into something good. Heather believes all those who have lost one or more limbs as a result of traumatic injury can triumph over tragedy,” a Heather Abbott Foundation release stated. “She is proof you can Live. Your. Life. again!

Towne Stove & Spirits is at 900 Boylston St. in Boston. The event will be from 1 to 5 p.m.

The event is open to the public. Other marathon bombing survivors will be on hand but guests are asked to please not ask questions about the marathon bombing trial be asked. The event, much like Abbott, is about looking forward, something good.

For more information about Heather Abbott Foundation, to RSVP for the event, or to donate, visit www.heatherabbottfoundation.org.

Photo via Heather Abbott Foundation via Facebook