The Robert Henderson Legacy Fund: Empowering Caregivers, Honoring Lives at Morgan’s

“I was empty. I had used every part of my being to try and create something beautiful out of Robert’s medical complexities. Nothing was joyous, and nothing seemed hopeful.”

I turned a corner last month; a sharp corner at the end of an imaginary hallway leading to possibilities and a very specific promise. This was a promise I made to myself that one day … one day … I would see my tears produce a beautiful, tangible harvest from the lifeless soil beneath my feet. I have held this dream in my heart for more than ten years.

The quote above is from one of the chapters in our forthcoming book. It captures me at my rockbottom. My feet were weary. My heart was no longer hopeful on Robert’s disability journey, and my caregiving journey was growing more difficult. Yet, I kept a very small piece of hope alive through those years, believing that Robert’s life could leave an impactful legacy.

Let me tell you honestly that dreaming is a very dangerous thing for me! I can come up with so many ideas in one day. (I know it can be overwhelming for those around me!) However, this particular dream stayed hidden deep in my soul, until now.

Last month, a dear friend called to say she wished to donate towards a fund in Robert’s name. Mind you, this is not the first time a close friend or community member has extended such a remarkable gift. Every donation made in Robert’s name carries with it a profound responsibility and weight that I do not want to mishandle. It is usually a surprise to me, and it is always extremely humbling. So, gathering my courage, I asked our friends at Morgan’s to partner with our family in a tangible way with the following narrative:

Robert Henderson, son of Juli and James “Chris” Henderson, faced a rare mitochondrial disease and CHD2 myoclonic encephalopathy with extraordinary courage during his eighteen years of life, enduring intractable seizures; progressive loss of motor function and comprehension; innumerable hospitalizations; and multiple operations. His journey was defined by love, laughter, and music, inspiring all who knew him.

To honor Robert and the caregivers who played a vital role in ensuring his life was filled with joy and meaningful experiences, the Henderson family established this fund. Its mission is to support programs and initiatives that empower caregivers and  celebrate individuals with disabilities, reflecting the inclusive vision of Morgan’s.

The Robert Henderson Legacy Fund: Empowering Caregivers, Honoring Lives

It is now a reality! We have received our first donations, and our hearts are full of gratitude and hope. Thank you to our friend and to Morgan’s for partnering with us to make a lasting community impact in Robert’s name. This fund will provide ongoing support for programs, services, or initiatives that empower caregivers and honor the lives of those with disabilities, aligning with the mission of Morgan’s.

Prayerfully, our family’s dream, our heart for caregivers and persons with disabilities, and Robert’s life will impact our community in tangible and observable ways for many years to come. If you would like to visit Morgan’s and donate toward our fund’s purpose now or in the future, please use the Morgan’s direct form link or QR code. You may also add "The Robert Henderson Legacy Fund" to your check when sending to the address below.

Thank you for considering this opportunity. We would be honored to steward your gift with integrity and care.

Mailing Address:

Morgan’s  

PO Box 34986

San Antonio, TX 78265

Morgan’s is a 501(C)(3) nonprofit oganization. Their stated mission is “to improve the quality of life for individuals of all ages and all abilities through initiatives that produce fully-inclusive, Ultra-Accessible™ experiences.” Morgan’s is a hub of inclusion and accessibility, promoting values that empower, include, educate, and innovate the world around us to bridge the gap between all abilities.

Listening Library: “See You Again” (Carrie Underwood)

https://youtu.be/vTnWFT3DvVA?si=zB89LCDJGX3clLXr

See You Again

Said goodbye, turned around

And you were gone, gone, gone

Faded into the setting sun

Slipped away

But I won't cry, 'cause I know I'll never be lonely

For you are the stars to me

You are the light I follow

I will see you again, oh

This is not where it ends

I will carry you with me, oh

'Til I see you again

I can hear those echoes in the wind at night

Calling me back in time

Back to you

In a place far away where the water meets the sky

The thought of it makes me smile

You are my tomorrow

I will see you again, oh

This is not where it ends

I will carry you with me, oh

'Til I see you again

Sometimes I feel my heart is breaking

But I stay strong and I hold on 'cause I know

I will see you again, oh

This is not where it ends

I will carry you with me, yeah, yeah

I will see you again, oh

This is not where it endsI will carry you with me, oh

'Til I see you again

'Til I see you again

'Til I see you again

Yeah, yeah, oh

Said goodbye, turned around

And you were gone, gone, gone

© EMI Publishing. All rights reserved.

Written by David Hodges, Hillary Lindsey, Carrie Underwood.