The Latorre Family

This year’s honoree at the Handprints on the Heart Gala is the Latorre family — Savannah, Paul, and their son, Teddy.

Savannah and Paul met ten years ago in East Lansing, Michigan, and married in 2023. Throughout those years together, they often talked about the family they hoped to build — what would go in the nursery, the family name traditions they would honor, and even what “mom car” Savannah would eventually drive.

Teddy's Story

In the early spring of 2024, Paul and Savannah learned they were expecting their baby boy. It was nine beautiful months filled with perfect doctor’s visits, hearty breakfasts, quiet moments with a growing belly and Hugo the dog, and late-night guitar serenades from Paul.

After 30 hours of labor, doctors determined that an emergency C-section was necessary. Theodore Joseph Latorre was born and died on November 1, 2024, weighing 8 pounds, 4 ounces. He had a full head of thick dark hair like his mom and all of his dad’s facial features.

Shortly after he was born, Teddy’s heart stopped beating. Despite many tests, an autopsy, and countless long nights searching for answers, no explanation was ever found.

Savannah and Paul brought Teddy into the world with immense love, and they now carry the unimaginable grief of losing their son.

Today, Teddy’s life continues to live on through the people who love him. His presence is felt in everyday moments — in the nursery prepared for him, in the zinnia garden planted in his honor, in handwritten cards and special days of remembrance, and in the unwavering love his parents hold for their son.