Heroes of the Phoenix Rising: Lorna Levac's Journey of Resilience

“We were told the baby wasn’t going to make it. It was just a matter of time.”

These haunting words forever changed Lorna Levac’s life. What began as the joy of her first pregnancy quickly turned into heartbreak. But what followed was a powerful journey of resilience, love—and purpose.

A Shattered Dream

In 2010, Lorna and her husband John were thrilled to be expecting their first child. However, during her first trimester, complications arose. A benign but large fibroid on Lorna’s uterus caused kidney stones, hospitalisations, and unimaginable discomfort. They held onto hope—until it slipped away. A routine follow-up revealed devastating news: their baby’s heart had stopped.

A Life Nearly Lost

The complications took a toll on Lorna’s body. During the delivery of her stillborn child, she went into shock. Emergency care saved her life, but emotionally, she felt hollow. “There, on the birthing floor where mothers held their newborns, I held the child I lost,” she said. The hospital staff gently moved her to a private room, showing compassion she would never forget.

A Second Chance, A New Beginning

In 2012, after undergoing surgery to remove the fibroid, Lorna became pregnant again. Under the care of the same team at Mount Sinai Hospital, she delivered Benjamin—her miracle baby—on John’s birthday. He spent time in the NICU but soon joined his parents, bringing light back into their lives.

Turning Pain Into Purpose

That second chance ignited a deep desire in Lorna and John to give back. Together, they created an annual charity run to support Mount Sinai’s high-risk pregnancy program.

What began with a few dozen runners grew to over 100 participants and raised over $115,000 for life-saving neonatal equipment.

Their efforts helped purchase:

• 4 Joey Beds for NICU infants

• 3 Cribettes for transitioning babies

• 1 Wireless fetal monitor system

• Plus new mattresses for mothers' beds

  
  

A Legacy of Gratitude

“We can never forget what we went through, but we’ve found peace,” says Lorna. Her voice, full of conviction, has inspired many to join her cause. The marathon is more than a fundraiser—it’s a tribute to her first child and to the healthcare heroes who helped them heal. As Lorna puts it: “If it had all gone smoothly, we might never have realized how much that care truly meant.”

The Power of Community

In times of hardship, the strength of community shines brightest. Lorna's story is a testament to the bonds we forge with others. It reminds us that we are not alone in our struggles. When we share our stories, we create connections that can uplift and inspire.

Imagine a world where we all come together, sharing our experiences and supporting one another. Wouldn’t that be a beautiful place?

Finding Strength in Vulnerability

Lorna’s journey teaches us about the power of vulnerability. It’s okay to feel lost, to grieve, and to seek help. In sharing our pain, we often find healing. Lorna’s willingness to open up about her loss has not only helped her but has also touched the hearts of many.

Have you ever felt the weight of loss? It can be overwhelming. But through sharing our stories, we can lighten that burden. We can find solace in knowing that others have walked similar paths.

A Call to Action

Let Lorna’s story inspire you to take action. Whether it’s participating in a charity run, volunteering your time, or simply reaching out to someone in need, every effort counts. Together, we can make a difference.

Thank you, Lorna Levac, for running not just for yourself—but for all of us.

Let this story remind us: from the depths of loss can rise the most powerful acts of love. And in this journey of life, we are all heroes in our own right, rising from the ashes of our struggles.