Smith Sisters Fund: The Smith Family Legacy

For someone who was never able to walk, Alice Smith left big footprints.

Particularly on the lives of her parents, Paul and Bunny Smith, and younger sister, Dr. Samantha Smith. Those footprints spread out in many directions.

Alice was born with mitochondrial disease, which kept her body from metabolizing protein at the cellular level and stunted her growth. She didn’t talk or walk, but she had lots of personality and made an impact that continues today. Though Alice passed away at the age of 28 in 2022, her legacy is helping children throughout the region.

“Alice had a mitochondrial defect that altered her development.  For those fond of biology, the mitochodrion is the powerhouse of the cell,“ said Samantha. “Alice was the powerhouse of our family.  A sister, daughter, best friend, and some even termed her an angel.“

A Pediatric Intensive Care room at Hoops Family Children’s Hospital, a part of Cabell Huntington Hospital and Marshall Health Network, is named in her honor and marked with a special purple butterfly. In addition, the Smiths have worked with the Marshall Health Network Foundation to set up the Smith Sisters Fund for Hoops Family Children’s Hospital. The special fund came from a desire to give back and from Samantha’s experiences during her pediatric residency.  Samantha is now pursuing a second residency in anesthesiology with a goal of becoming a pediatric anesthesiologist.

“Alice had such a vibrant personality,” said Bunny. “She didn’t walk or talk, but she could communicate in her own way. And oh, her giggle.”

The fund is managed by a small committee, including Samantha, and it exists to help purchase equipment that usually falls out of the overall budget because there isn’t enough funding – things like smaller, newer, or portable devices that are found at bigger facilities. In some cases, it may mean buying more of a certain piece of equipment.

“We are less excited about some big-name thing and more about making things happen,” said Paul. “We’re creating a committee of people to make decisions, so they can use the money for good. The fund is for equipment, special projects, and for them to have the ability to say, ‘we need this’ and be able to get it. It’s nice to pay it forward.”

“She made us stronger and better,” Bunny said. “She was a true blessing.”

Her legacy will bless others for years to come.