In Sept. of 2020, at age sixteen, Abigail Smith was diagnosed with a rare brain tumor. She fought the tumor for two years following her diagnosis, and in Oct. of 2022, she passed away. After her passing, Smith’s family created Abbi’s Anchored in Hope Foundation to honor her desire to pay it forward.
“She loved people, loved to laugh, and loved being involved in her school community,” president of Abbi’s Anchored in Hope, LaVonne Smith said. “Her faith and hope were very real to those who knew her, and that spirit continues to guide the work of the foundation today.”
Smith was a part of the Cedar Rapids Community School District (CRCSD), graduating as a valedictorian from Thomas Jefferson High School, and was involved in show choir, swimming and soccer. The foundation supports families through scholarships and education, funding for show choir programs in the CRCSD and providing grief support for families who have lost loved ones.
“In 2025, we expanded our mission to include grief support for families who have experienced the loss of a child, because we know firsthand how important it is not to walk that journey alone,” Smith said. “Earlier this year, we began co-hosting a monthly grief support group called Children Remembered at Calvary Community Church, which meets on the third Tuesday of each month.”
For the past two years, the foundation has worked with Iowa BIG to host the Hope in Motion 5k. The event brings schools from the Cedar Rapids district together for a friendly competition to raise awareness and support the cause.
“We’re excited to have Kennedy High School involved this year as part of the Hope in Motion 5k Run/Walk School Rivalry Challenge,” Smith said. “The friendly rivalry between schools helps create energy and excitement while supporting a meaningful cause.”
This year, the event will take place on Sunday, Apr. 12, at 2:00 PM at Noledridge Park in Cedar Rapids. All ages are welcome, and participating students are encouraged to wear school attire to show their support. There will be raffle prizes, medals for the top three finishers and a traveling trophy for the most represented school.
“We would love for people to simply come out, be part of the day, and experience the spirit of the event,” Smith said. “It’s a chance for the community to come together, support local students, and continue paying hope forward.”