We are honored to share a heartfelt reflection from Carole Steadham, one of our dedicated monthly donors. Carole’s story highlights her meaningful friendship with Dr. John Richardson, co-founder of The WARM Place, and the lasting impact he had on her life. Through her words, we are reminded of the personal connections and compassion that continue to shape our mission of providing hope and healing to grieving children and families.
“My connection with Dr. John Richardson, co-founder of The WARM Place, began in 1966 when I thankfully chose Dr. Richardson as the pediatrician for our son, and later in 1970 for our daughter, continuing through 1988.
Fast forward to 2006, when we purchased our cabin in Red River, New Mexico, where I had spent my childhood vacations. One day, while hiking in the woods near our cabin, our daughter happened upon Dr. John—as we called him—and his lovely wife, Joan. From that moment on, the rest is history.
We quickly became close friends, sharing Red River stories, cooking together, and enjoying many dinner parties. Transitioning from a professional relationship to a true friendship became one of the highlights of my life. Despite all his accomplishments, Dr. John remained the kind of down-to-earth person everyone hopes to know. His wife Joan, the mother of his four children, also became my very best friend.
When Dr. John passed away in 2019, the loss of such a meaningful friendship—and of one of the most incredible men in my life—also became an opportunity to give back to his beloved Fort Worth community by contributing monthly to The WARM Place.
I have heard many testimonials about how The WARM Place, through its mission of providing grief support and serving as a sanctuary during times of loss, has changed lives. In Dr. John’s memory, supporting The WARM Place leaves a ‘warm place’ in my heart, knowing I am helping others navigate their grief.”
Carole’s story is a powerful reminder that a life well lived can continue to make an impact long after it ends. Through her monthly gifts in honor of Dr. John and Joan Richardson, she is creating a lasting legacy of compassion and care for grieving children and families. Many of our monthly donors choose to give in memory of someone special, transforming their love and loss into something deeply meaningful. We invite you to join them. By making a monthly gift in honor of someone you cherish, you can celebrate their life while ensuring The WARM Place remains a steady source of hope, healing, and support for families who need it most, today and in the future.
Like Carole, you can honor someone special through a monthly gift to The WARM Place. The Remember Me Giving Program allows you to turn love and remembrance into something lasting, providing grieving children and families with a safe place to heal, today and for years to come.
