Viewfinder: Angels of Life Fundraiser

The first Angels of Life Hair and Fashion Show was organized by on Canton Road in Northeast Cobb in celebration of its 37th anniversary and was inspired by Lester Crowell, the salon’s managing partner.

Crowell struggled with IHSS (idiopathic hypertrophic subaortic stenosis) since adolescence. Crowell was diagnosed with congestive heart failure at age 40. His name was added to the transplant list when he was 43.

He received a new heart in 2000, but the transplanted heart developed a common threat to all transplanted organs, chronic rejection. By 2009, doctors told Crowell that he was at high risk for a massive heart attack, and he was put back on the transplant list.

Crowell received a second heart transplant in 2010.

He founded Three-13 Hearts to help families deal with the expenses after organ transplants. The medications alone can cost $3,500 per month.

The Angels of Life event at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Center benefited the Georgia Transplant Foundation and Donate Life.

Guest speakers included:

• Pamela Locke, a kidney recipient, and her living donor, Laurie Collins.
• Amy Tippins of Rocks, Scars and Love, a liver recipient.
• Dr. Andrew Smith of Emory Healthcare, the president of the Georgia Transplant Foundation board of trustees.

The event raised $25,000 for the Georgia Transplant Foundation.

Models wore clothing provided by Livi Rae Lingerie, Pixie's Fashion Closet, and Blush.

If you missed the event, be sure to visit Three-13's Facebook page.