About Our Inspiration
Logan Brinson
If you were to meet Logan Brinson for the first time, a few things would immediately stand out: his energetic smile, his signature “Elvis” pompadour hairstyle and his dapper bowtie. Within minutes, you would find yourself immersed in his passion for America, the Presidents, gospel music and the King of Rock and Roll. You would take note of how completely comfortable he was with being different, with being himself. His confidence would draw you nearer, leading you to wonder how such a young man could carry the sophistication of such an old soul.
And you would, without a doubt, find it hard to believe that this joyous young man had undergone more than his fair share of challenges in life.
From day one, Logan lived with many medical complications due to an undiagnosed genetic condition. At one point, he was being treated by 17 different specialists. He battled a heart condition, an immune deficiency, Asperger’s, failure to thrive and lymphedema in his legs. Over the course of his life, he underwent more than 100 medical procedures at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center.
None of these challenges slowed him down. Logan’s favorite statement was, “You never know what might happen!” He lived every day expecting great things to happen, and perhaps that’s why great things continued to happen over the course of his life.
When Logan was five years old, he developed an obsession with all things America, especially American history and the U.S. Presidents. His dream was to visit the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C. At age eight, the Make-A-Wish Foundation granted his wish and changed his life forever. While in D.C., Logan visited The National Archives where he saw a picture of President Nixon meeting Elvis Presley and exclaimed, “Who is THAT MAN with Richard Milhous Nixon?” In that moment, a feverish admiration for Elvis was born.
Logan was always looking for ways to make a difference. Following his trip to D.C., he combined his newly found love for Elvis with his passion for giving back to others. Logan partnered with Mike Davis, a local Elvis tribute artist, to host concerts that raised thousands of dollars for Cincinnati Children’s Medical Center. He also spoke out on behalf of people with developmental disabilities at various events for the Hamilton County Developmental Disabilities Levy. He was even featured in TV commercials and billboards that increased awareness of the issue and eventually led to the record-breaking passing of the Levy. Grateful for his own Make-A-Wish experience, Logan participated in fundraising walks (riding in his wheelchair while his mother pushed) so that other children could have their wishes granted, too.
Logan had a unique way of connecting with others. He was pure and unfiltered in his love and zest for life. He had a way of sensing when someone needed a hug. Some people said that seeing Logan was like seeing a great light, a light that they could feel touch them deep inside when they shook his hand.
Logan lived an amazing life by living each day to the fullest. His journey of 19 years ended April 21, 2016 when he passed due to complications from pneumonia. Logan, with his offbeat sense of humor, always joked that he would die from pneumonia, just like the 9th President of the United States, William Henry Harrison, who developed pneumonia after giving the longest inauguration speech in history in the rain.
On a rainy Saturday morning, more than 1,000 people came to say goodbye to their charismatic friend who made everyone want to be a better person just by knowing him. The ceremony celebrating Logan’s life included: a Presidential-looking 1947 Cadillac hearse (complete with American flags flying on each side of the roof), an American flag flown over the U.S. Capitol in Logan’s honor (draped over his casket), Logan’s favorite songs (sung by Elvis tribute artists), a speech by the U.S. Army General who came from Georgia, a four-motorcycle police escort from the Cincinnati Police Department, honor guard conducted by the City of Ypsilanti Police Department, a ladder salute across the road from the Little Miami Fire and Rescue Department and an escort at the gravesite from the Greater Cincinnati Emerald Society Bagpipes and Drums.
The Lovis Foundation was founded in 2016 to continue Logan’s legacy by promoting charitable initiatives that celebrate individuality, inspire compassion and encourage others to shine.
Logan in the News
Hamilton County Commissioners Proclaim Logan Brinson Day
Portrait of a Soul provides Children’s Hospital patients with portrait
Teen who overcame countless hardships, battles for his life
Remembering Logan: Teen with special needs inspires community
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