On October 7, 1997 the Christopher S. Landre Memorial Foundation was approved as a 501(c)(3) public benefits, non-profit organization. Lance Landre, Christopher’s father, worked with various professionals and associates to create a master plan that would help families, develop public awareness and promote the needs to help at-risk youth. A working Board of Directors provided tremendous guidance and forward thinking that helped the foundation meet aggressive plans.

Fortunately, organizations representing various behavior modification and therapy programs acknowledged the need for the foundation and what it stands for. The long-term relationships helped the foundation create a footing in working with families and developing additional avenues of family support. The foundation developed merchandise products, promotional materials and grew in assisting families. Marcie Becker, the recipient of Christopher’s pancreas and one kidney, presented the foundation the Star of Life logo, which has developed into a tremendous identification mark. The Star of Life is virtually everywhere on T-shirts, jewelry, home products, etc.