The most unthinkable thing for a parent to go through is the loss of a child, especially to a senseless act of violence. On August 11, 2011, Celeste LaCour-Belyn unfortunately experienced this nightmare. Celeste’s daughter, Leigh, was killed by a violent, indelible act by an ex-boyfriend. Leigh was only 18 years old. “This is something that I never ever expected to happen to our family. I was naïve to the signs that were in my face, and I had no idea this was a possibility. Since that day, my purpose in life has changed.”
After Leigh’s death, Celeste founded Leigh’s Legacy in partnership with S.A.V.E (Strategies Against Violence Everywhere). Leigh’s Legacy addresses teen dating violence. “What happened to my daughter happened to me, my son and our wonderful extended family, but also our community. I want people to know that teen dating violence is out there and it can happen to others. I want mothers to talk to their sons and daughters about this. I want schools to point out the dangers to students, and I want coaches to discuss healthy dating relationships with their players. The work of this foundation is never far from my mind. It is my life, and I work daily to carry the message of stopping teen dating violence to students and mothers. It has become my purpose and life’s mission.”
Celeste has a very strong support system in a group of fantastic friends that have joined with her to become board members of Leigh’s Legacy Foundation. Celeste especially finds support in Les Wright, who founded S.A.V.E. “She understands the importance of this issue, and has been like an older sister. She and S.A.V.E have been a tremendous help in getting the foundation up and running.”
When Celeste is not spreading the word about Leigh’s Legacy, she is working fulltime as a Business Development Specialist for the City of Columbus, Department of Development. But, Celeste does put one thing first, being a mother. “My children are the best things that ever happened to me. They are the reason for everything I do. Both of my children have been a source of joy and inspiration.” Celeste’s son Louis, who is just 18 years old, has already formed a business called AV3 which designs clothing for young adults.
In continuing Leigh’s Legacy, Celeste plans to make presentations at more schools, to make sure teachers and counselors know more about the signs of teen dating violence, and to start workshop sessions called Mom to Mom where she makes moms aware of the dangers. “To prevent teen violence is my life goal. I would like to raise awareness for the tragedy of this issue and make it a national campaign, like Mothers Against Drunk Driving. We are starting in central Ohio but hope to take this message of safe, healthy dating relationships to teens and their families in Ohio and across the nation.” To find out how you can help, visit www.leighslegacy.org.