Bella Burkhart Memorial Fund

15/07/2025

Today is CASK Gene Awareness Day. 💜
This rare genetic disorder is part of our everyday life — both of my daughters were born with this condition. It’s what took our beautiful Bella from us just one year ago. We miss her every moment of every day, and we carry her memory forward in everything we do. She is forever in our hearts.

We also honor Anna today — our warrior girl who continues to defy the odds and break down barriers. We are so incredibly proud of how far she’s come. Her strength, resilience, and spirit inspire us more than words can express.

This journey has not been easy, but it has shown us the power of community, advocacy, and love. Please help us raise awareness for CASK by learning about this condition and wearing purple today in honor of Bella, in support of Anna, and for all the families walking this path.

09/06/2025

The Bella Burkhart Memorial Fund was honored to partner with the Baldwin-Whitehall School District’s Middle School Partners PE program to celebrate an incredible group of students. 💜

Throughout the year, these compassionate and dedicated young individuals have worked alongside Ms. Sgattoni, supporting her specialized education classroom and forming meaningful bonds with their peers. Their kindness, patience, and leadership are exactly the kind of qualities our sweet Bella embodied, and we are so proud to recognize their efforts.

To show our gratitude, we hosted a special luncheon in their honor — a small token to celebrate the big hearts making a difference every single day. Watching this next generation embrace inclusion and friendship reminds us that Bella’s light continues to shine through the actions of others.

Thank you to the students, staff, and everyone who makes this program possible. Your impact is lasting, and your love is felt. Ms. Sgattoni and Mr. Kealy…thank you for everything you do to make this program possible!

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for honoring Bella’s memory through your compassion and commitment. We believe that every act of kindness creates a ripple — and because of you, her legacy lives on.

💜

29/05/2025

We were truly honored to be part of the BWEF Senior Awards this year, representing the Bella Burkhart Memorial Fund. It was a deeply meaningful evening as we had the privilege of presenting a scholarship in memory of our sweet Bella.

This year’s recipient, Gavin, is an exceptional young man—intelligent, kind, and full of promise. He plans to pursue a degree in speech and communication therapy, a field that reflects the very heart of compassion and connection. Meeting Gavin and hearing his aspirations reminded us so much of the joy and light Bella brought to the world.

We are incredibly proud to support Gavin on his journey and just know that Bella would be too. What a beautiful way to honor her memory and continue her legacy of love, kindness, and making a difference.

Thank you to BWEF for the opportunity, and congratulations to all the amazing seniors!
Baldwin-Whitehall Educational Foundation

02/05/2025

Congratulations 🎊 to all of the recipients!

Please join us in congratulating our 2025 scholarship recipients! Thanks to the generosity of our community partners, BWEF was able to make $40,000 available for scholarship funding in the 2024-25 academic year. We look forward to celebrating these achievements at Baldwin High School Senior Recognition Night on May 28!

Special thanks to:
River Point Technology, Bella Burkhart Memorial Fund, Tayveon Kevin Smith, GBU Life, UPMC, Carrie On Communication, Whitehall Green Thumbers Garden Club, HHSDR Architects & Engineers, and the Brady, Forman, Huckle, Lepiane, Lewis, and Sluganski Families.

24/04/2025

We did it!!!!

People’s choice winners!!!! The Bella Burkhart Memorial Fund won people choice at the Pittsburgh Airport Area Chamber of Commerce Cheers for Charity event!!! It was emotional, heartfelt and inspiring to meet so many people interested in supporting all of the incredible participants! Thank you all for your support.

We are happy to announce that we are partnering with CASK Gene Foundation to provide a scholarship to a family in need of medical intervention or support.

What an incredible opportunity and privilege to honor our dearly missed Bella.

Thank you to Krystal Troutman for making beautiful shirts for the event! Please reach out to her for all your apparel needs! Thank you Carik Signs for providing the banners and barcodes for our events! They looked beautiful on our table. Kelly Witucki who is extremely pregnant yet spent her night bartending and mixing our drink to perfection. Nate Mal for making our slideshow that was the perfect touch! Danielle Kicielinski for putting her all into making this event possible and successful. Our friends and family who came all the way out to support us!

Finally, my sister and partner in all things Krista Lynn for believing in the mission of BBMF and honoring Bella every second she has. I love you!

18/04/2025

It’s almost here!!! Still time to register !!!

14/04/2025

Today we light a candle in memory of Bella Defino Gloria Burkhart.

Bella left a mark on this world that is unforgettable. Her infectious smile and contagious giggle would bright every room…she left an impact of love and courage and taught us to never take a moment for granted.

One year ago today at 2:59 pm, Bella was called home to heaven. It was a day we will never forget. Our heart are broken and may never be restored but we will continue to do the work to honor and remember the love she left behind.

In memory of Bella.
February 21, 2021-April 14, 2024
💜💜🦋🦋

11/04/2025

🌹 ATTENTION BBMF SUPPORTERS 🌹

Mark your calendars for a night full of fun, friendship, and giving back! Join us on April 23, 2025, from 5 PM to 8 PM at the Pittsburgh Airport Doubletree Hotel for the Pittsburgh Airport Area Chamber of Commerce Cheers for Charity event! 🎉

We’re so excited to share that the Bella Burkhart Memorial Fund is one of the amazing non-profits competing to win! Let’s rally together to support this fantastic cause and enjoy a delightful evening filled with laughter, great company, and inspiring stories!

🎟️ Tickets are just $35! To grab yours, reach out to Emily or Krista. We can’t wait to see you there!

And if you can’t make it, don’t worry! You can still make a difference by donating. Just scan the QR code in the photo below. Every little bit helps, and together, we can create a brighter tomorrow!

Let’s raise our glasses and cheer for charity! 🥳
Can’t wait to see you all there!

Can anyone guess what our theme is this year?!

10/04/2025

Many of you have asked “What did Bella pass from”.

It’s a loaded question…but if you haven’t yet followed CASK Gene Foundation Project CASK CASK Research then please do! These Foundations are full of resources, information and support for the CASK community. Bella passed from complications of CASK, and it’s very complex. Follow these organizations and help support bringing awareness and research across the world!!

28/03/2025

Happy 15th Birthday to Bella’s big sister, Anna!

Anna continues to be an inspiration to CASK families all around the world. We are so proud of her!! Anna and Bella had such a special connection! We love you Anna!

27/03/2025

🚨 LOOKING FOR OPINIONS 🚨

Since the Bella Burkhart Memorial Fund is in its beginning phases, we’d like to hear from you! What are some fun fundraising ideas to raise money for the fund? Extra points if you name it!!!

Some ideas already in the works include:

Wrestling Tournament
Car Cruise
Purse/Bingo bash

Team Bella wants your help!!! Let’s hear those ideas!!

03/03/2025

We are honored to work with Baldwin-Whitehall Educational Foundation to offer this award to a community member who will learn how to work with kids like Bella and their families!!