Christopher's StoryChristopher S. Landre was once a vibrant teenager, yet he chose a path paved with self-destructive choices that ended in his death on June 12, 1997. Due to Christopher's non-working behavior, his parents enrolled him in a residential treatment facility that provided behavior modification. He was just beginning to reflect positive changes when his parents had to pull him from the facility due to financial constraints.
Once home again, Christopher applied the new tools he had learned for six months and created positive results for himself. Unfortunately, he eventually succumbed to peer pressure to try a new kind of "high" referred to as huffing, and subsequently committed suicide. One factor stood out for the Landres at this time -- their son had not fully internalized the tools for change.
As a result of this event, Christopher's parents created a foundation. Clearly wanting to make a difference in their community and prevent this senseless tragedy from happening to other families, they created the C.S. Landre Foundation. Its purpose is to locate financial resources to help families of teenagers in crisis who, without this support, would otherwise be unable to receive the necessary help required for their sons and daughters. The Landres knew that the chain of events leading to Christopher's death reflect social problems that continue to threaten the lives of children everywhere.
Christopher's life continues to have a ripple effect. Two days after his death he gave the gift of life to five people who received his organs. Marcie Becker, an artist, received two of Christopher's organs.
As an expression of her gratitude, she created the Star of Life that is now our logo. The Star of Life includes five points representing the five lives that were saved by Christopher's gift, and a swirl at the center, signifying the unifying love that emanates outward throughout mankind when one is touched by a giving spirit. Christopher's life and death- and the lessons to be learned from them- have reached far and wide to those who have come to the foundation seeking help. It is our intention to continue to comfort and assist families in crisis to be whole and unified once more.