Alyssa & Eddie Kerns
Alyssa and Eddie Kerns are the parents of Carter Lee Kerns. Carter was the victim of an accidental death just one day before his first birthday. Carter is no longer held in their loving arms, but that doesn't stop the love felt for him. Love was showered on their only son, and his passing leaves a loss impossible to replace... and that love for him will never end. Broken hearts were felt by all that knew Carter, Alyssa and Eddie. The loss of a child is every parent’s worst nightmare. Though it would have been easy to be bitter and upset, Eddie and Alyssa decided to carry around positivity and spread it to others. In return, the life they have built is nothing less than good.
Eddie is a life-long resident of Loogootee and decided to bring his wife here to begin their family as well. Eddie is a local insurance agent. Alyssa works with Eddie as an insurance agent and has bachelors and masters degrees in nursing as well as a Master of Business Administration degree. The two of them love spending time outdoors in their free time. Whether it be hiking, gardening, or boating, they are in for the next adventure. In addition to their busy lives, Alyssa has served as Treasurer of the Martin County Historical Society. It is apparent Eddie and Alyssa have already achieved such a great life, but something was still missing after Carter’s passing.
In 2016, the Kerns adopted three boys and their sister as well. They were able to adopt brothers and their sister, all of the same biological family! In the kids’ free time, they enjoy the outdoors, watching TV, and playing video games. The Kern’s are truly inspirational to many. Carter Kerns is an irreplaceable being, but the outpouring of love this family has for their adopted children is indescribable.
The Carter Lee Kerns Memorial Fund was established with the Martin County Community Foundation as a means to honor the memory of Carter. Its purpose is to enhance the lives of children and families in Martin County. The first “Carter’s Legacy 5K” run was held on May 16, 2015 to further honor Carter’s memory and build the endowment fund. The Kern’s have put together a 5K every year since to honor their sweet, little boy.
Because the Fund is permanently endowed, distributions to help the community will be made essentially forever. Anyone interested in honoring the memory of Carter by donating to this Fund can contact the Martin County Community Foundation. All gift amounts are confidential and tax-deductable to the fullest extent allowed by the IRS. The Kern’s desire to help children across our community is an absolute blessing.