Board Member Bio – Gregg Smith
My name is Gregg Smith and I’m a Forrest Spence Fund Board Member. I’m married to Valerie Hyde Smith and we have two children–Witt, 6 and Emily, 5. I work in business development and strategic planning for Ritter Communications–an Arkansas-based broadband, cable and voice services provider to residences and businesses. I graduated from Ole Miss in 1990 with a degree in accounting. I help the Fund primarily with financial and administrative issues.
We are truly blessed by God that Witt and Emily are healthy. I’m fortunate to be able to witness Brittany and David’s desire and ability to support the needs of families with chronically ill children in our hospitals. The needs these parents have are unlike anything most of us with healthy children can imagine.
I’ve experienced this firsthand in 1996 when my first daughter was flown to Le Bonheur after suffering severe and ultimately fatal injuries after a drunk driver hit the car my first wife (who also died) was driving. We spent 36 hours in the PICU being supported by doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals in a way that is indescribable. The love they have for these children and their families honestly defies logic for me, but they need our support and help. David and Brittany recognized this during their stay with Forrest in 2007 and decided to do something about it. The Fund gives these professionals the ability to focus on the medical needs of the children by supporting the emotional and administrative needs the family might have. Long stays at Le Bonheur are difficult enough without having to consider the small issues like a blanket left at home all the way up to critical issues like nursing needs or counseling. The Fund works to meet those needs.
It’s a privilege to help Brittany, David and the rest of the board and supporters address the needs of the sick or injured children’s families. The support and services provided by the Fund allow both the families and healthcare professionals focus on one thing–loving and helping the kids. As someone who’s been there, your support is deeply appreciated.
How so very blessed we are by you, Gregg! Your deep faith and compassionate spirit strengthens and nourishes our faith each and every day. We are grateful for the multitude of blessings you share with us all and want you to know how proud we are by the way you honor your precious family.
Le Bonheur gave precious little 48 day old Mary Witten their all and blessed us in ways beyond words. From the Life Flight crew to the PICU, she received the best, most incredibly tender care possible.
Thank you, Forrest Spence Fund board members and volunteers, for serving children and their families with your loving support. You are all amazing and spread desperately needed blessings simply because you know.
God’s blessings to you all.