It's been 25 years since Doug and Renee LaViolette lost their son Brian. He was just 15 years old when he passed away in a drowning accident in Door County.
"He was smart and he was funny and he was kind," said Doug, Brian's father.
But since he died in 1992, Doug and Renee have worked to keep Brian's memory alive by helping others through the Brian LaViolette Scholarship Foundation.
"As a parent, you get reassurance his life will carry on," said Doug.
The Brian LaViolette Scholarship Foundation has awarded 725 scholarships locally, nationally, and internationally.
"To see a little part of him go off the stage with each recipient is very meaningful," Doug explained.
This year, the 25th year of giving through the foundation, is a special one for the LaViolette's.
On Thursday, the Brian LaViolette Foundation and Bellin Health announced the "25 Years, 25 Stories" initiative, showing how one life like Brian's can change thousands of others. Throughout the year, they'll highlight 25 people who received scholarships through the LaViolette's foundation, and how they're now making a difference.
"Very impactful stories of individuals who have used the scholarship dollars and are now in very meaningful roles," said George Kerwin, President of Bellin Health.
They'll share the stories online and at a special event near Lambeau Field on August 8th, the 25th anniversary of Brian's passing.
"We could build on him and his life and his personality and his goodness," Doug explained.
Continuing to shine Brian's light so his memory lives on.
