To a crowd of hundreds at Scottsdale Stadium, long-time family friend Mike Kennedy led a celebration of life for Laura Grace Dozer. Her special life was remembered as Foundation for Blind Children CEO, Marc Ashton, spoke about Laura’s time at FBC and shared a story about being a parent of a special needs child, “Welcome to Holland”. Julie Vogel, of the Phoenix Children’s Hospital NICU Campaign Cabinet, talked about Laura’s strength as a premature infant during her time in the NICU and how she and the incredible Dozer family helped to raise millions of dollars for the NICU expansion. Mike Kennedy went on to introduce a close family friend, Joe Garagiola, Jr. He reminisced about the amazing impact Laura had on her family, friends, and the community in the nine years she lived among us. Karie Dozer approached the stage as the final speaker and tears rolled as Mike read the lyrics of “Because You Loved Me” to Karie from the point-of-view of Laura. Karie’s unwavering strength shined through as she spoke about Laura. She thanked Laura’s caregivers, teachers, therapists, friends, and relatives who all touched her life and made caring for her special needs much easier. She ended the celebration by reading a heart felt prayer by John Henry Cardinal Newman that has always been special to the Dozer family. Guests were invited to a reception following the celebration to mingle and share their connection to Laura Grace Dozer.

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Marc Ashton's speech from the Celebration Service
Welcome to Holland, by Emily Perl Kingsley