Sloane Janelle Brehmer was barely a toddler when she unexpectedly passed away in September of 2007. The Sloane J. Brehmer Endowment Fund was established in 2010 by her grandparents, Tom and Jean Hebert, as a loving legacy of helping others that will live on in her sweet name.

The second child of Dan and Dana Brehmer, Sloane joined her two-year-old big sister, Genevieve, in May of 2006. Before she suffered complications from Meckel's Diverticulum-a rare congenital disease-she was on the grow. She was bright and joyful, and had a delightful, independent spirit for her age. Her parents recall her running to the door to greet her daddy when he returned home from work. And anytime someone knocked at the Brehmers' door, Sloane was the first to shout out, "C'mon in!"

Sloane's death after sudden onset of abdominal pain was a shock. It left all who loved her to wonder how she could have had a normal well-child visit on a Tuesday and be gone three days later at only 15 months of age. Studies show that Meckel's Diverticulum affects about two-percent of all infants, shows up most often in boys, and is frequently asymptomatic, making it a challenge to diagnose. The rarity of passing from the condition was heartbreaking.

"Even the doctors wanted to know how this could have happened," said Dan. "Her case was studied in several different medical systems."

According to Dan, Sloane may have been on earth for a short time, but she left an indelible mark on the Brehmers and their extended family, including the congregation at Landmark Christian Church.

"Our church family was integral to helping us get through this tragedy," said Dan. "We know Sloane is waiting for us and one day we will all be together again."

Grants from the Sloane J. Brehmer Endowment Fund are designated to make a difference in the lives of children in the community through the Family Support Center and Landmark Christian Church, both in Chippewa Falls.